EDITIONS AGRICOLES Sarl de presse Au capital de 100 000,00 dhs R.C.: 127029 I.F.: 01006251 Patente N° : 35870166 Autorisation : SP04
22 bis, rue des Asphodèles Résidence Zakia - Beauséjour Hay Hassani - 20380 Casablanca Tél. : 212 (0) 522 23 62 12 212 (0) 522 23 82 33 Fax : 212 (0) 522 25 20 94 agriculturemaghreb@gmail.com www.agriculturedumaghreb.com
Directeur de publication
Abdelhakim MOJTAHID
Rédacteur en Chef Ingénieur Agronome Abdelhakim MOJTAHID
Journalistes Ingénieurs Agronomes
Abdelmoumen Guennouni Hind ELOUAFI
Facturation - Abonnements Khadija EL ADLI
Conception Graphique Yassine NASSIF
Imprimerie PIPO
Régie publictaire France
Idyl SAS. 1154 Chemin du Barret 13839 ChâteauRenard Tél. 04 90 24 20 00 Contact : Mme. Brigitte SENECHAL bsenechal@idyl.fr
Editorial Fruit Logistica The place to be Taking place on 4-6 February, Fruit Logistica will offer its usual blend of industry-leading exhibitors, networking opportunities, innovative products and services and topical conference sessions. Those involved in fresh produce industry from right across the entire supply chain will once again have the opportunity to meet suppliers from all over the world and to order the products best suited to their customers. Every year, more than 60,000 trade visitors attend FRUIT LOGISTICA. Moroccan exhibitors see it as the ideal place to establish and build the personal trust which is so essential for dealing successfully in perishable products such as fresh fruit and vegetables. Hence, Moroccan exporters exhibit for the fifteenth time their fresh produce over a large surface area expanded every year (100 sqm in 2000, 1030 sqm in 2015). Fruits and vegetables from Morocco are highly appreciated by distribution networks all over the world and needless to say by their clients. This is rather evident if we consider the quality of the production thanks to a rigorous management of crops and packing units and a total respect of all international standards. As usual, the magazine Agriculture du Maghreb will accompany Moroccan exporters exhibiting in Fruit Logistica 2015 with this special issue for strengthening communications between Moroccan exporters and operators in Europe.
We extend our sincere wishes for great success of Morocco’s participation at “Fruit Logisitca 2015”.
Tous droits de reproduction autorisés avec mention impérative et complète du journal.
Morocco at Fruit Logistica
Moroccan agriculture
A Green Plan to stimulate growth In Morocco, 45% of the population is rural and more than 30% of the active population lives directly or indirectly from agriculture. The agricultural sector contributes 19% to the national GDP, divided between agriculture (15%) and Agro-industry (4%). This sector employs over 4 million people including about 100,000 in agro-industry.
A
part from the southern desert hills, agriculture is found everywhere in the country and has always been a pillar of the economic develop-
Agriculture du Magherb / Fruit Logistica 2015 P. 4
ment (that started with the building of big dams in the sixties). The US$ 103 € billion GDP of Morocco in 2013 is a combination of revenues from agriculture, Phosphates mining and processing, new in-
dustries (cars, etc..) and tourism of course. Cereals have always been the backbone of Moroccan agriculture. Almost all farms are cropping some cereals. Among other broad acre crops, sugar beet remains of importance with record yields. Olives represent almost a million hectares, nearly double from ten years ago after a national plan was implemented. Other tree crops (almonds in particular) are also on the increase. Apples and peaches are becoming more High Tech, as well as a number of veg etables (e.g. string beans, strawberries, tomatoes) that feature an upgrading of cropping techniques. Grapes (currently 45,000 ha of which almost 40,000 ha of table grapes) also benefit from productivity gains. Altogether the trend in Morocco has been similar to that of many countries in the Mediterranean basin: an increasing importance of cash crops, in particular those crops that can be exported and earn hard currency (early season vegetables in particular but also citrus). Within this trend, protected cropping has again gained momentum. Protected cropping was introduced in Morocco about 40 years ago. In the early nineties the acreage covered was already close to 5,000 ha. Historically, vegetable crops were the first crops grown under greenhouses in the country.
The Moroccan Association of Producers and Producers/Exporters of Fruits and Vegetables Av. Mly Ismaïl, Dar Illigh – Imm.A5- Bur 209 - Cité Nahda – Agadir- Maroc
AFFILIATED EXPORTERS GROUPS Agafonte
Tél : +212.5.28.24.62.04 – Fax : +212.5.28.24.62.09 E-mail : info@agafonte.com
Agri-souss
Tél : +212.5.28.22.67.60 – Fax : +212.5.28.22.32.42 E-mail : agrisouss@menara.ma
Agrupa-Marca
Tél : +212.5.28.81.82.91 – Fax : +212.5.28.81.93.34 E-mail : agrupamarca@hotmail.com
Maraissa
The Apefel regroups 550 producers / exporters and 80% of moroccan fruits and vegetables export.
Tél : +212.5.22.97.23.12 – Fax : +212.5.22.97.22.79 Email : secretariat@azura-maroc.com
Delassus
Tél : +212.5.22.35.39.06 – Fax : +212.5.22.35.33.98 E-mail : kbs@delassus.com
Our contraints, our ideas and our solutions !
Fresh Express
Adresse: zone industrielle, lot. B 628. 80000 AIT MELLOUL Tél : +212 5 28 24 59 45 Fax : +212 5 28 24 59 44 E-mail : renecoste07@gmail.com
GPA
An adequate formation and information.
Tél : +212.5.28.84.59.06 – Fax : +212.5.28.84.59.05 E-mail : contact@gpa-export.com
Groupe SAOAS
Zone Industrielle III, Agadir Tél : +212 5 28 33 10 10 - Fax : +212 5 28 33 35 82 E-mail : saoas@menara.ma
A respected traceability.
Soprofel
Tél : +212.5.28.82.19.25 – Fax : +212.5.28.84.32.14 b.saloua@groupesoprofel.com
Les Domaines
Tél : +212.5.22.39.85.00 – Fax : +212.5.22.93.33.00 E-mail : dcgeda@casanet.ma
Water is scarce, we learnt to optimise it.
Matysha
Tél : +212.6.61.69.16.99 – Fax : +212.5.28.81.02.40 E-mail : station.matysha@matysha.com
Qualiprim
Adresse siège: Douar Touzaikou, Khmiss Ait Amira, Chtouka Ait Baha. Adresse courrier : BP 1362 Z.I Ait Melloul Tél : 0528 81 22 24/25-- Fax : 0528 812 234 E-mail : secretariat@freshprim.ma
Prim Atlas
Tél : +212.5.28.82.67.90 – Fax : +212.5.28.82.67.88 E-mail : primatlas@menara.ma
Suncrops
Tél : +212.5.28.82.85.36/37 – Fax : +212.5.28.82.85.38 E-mail : sucropsexport@menara.ma
We respect the international standards.
Promoting the Moroccan product.
Morocco at Fruit Logistica
A major step occurred in the early eighties when greenhouse banana was introduced. New protected crops have been introduced (pineapple and table grapes in particular) but the acreage has remained anecdotal. The bulk of the acreage is early season vegetables and tomato is by far the number one crop, covering more than 5,000 ha. Most of the greenhouse area is spread along the Atlantic Coast, with a high concentration in the Souss-Massa valley. This region alone produces about 60% of the national output for vegeta足bles and bananas. Less than 15% of the water produced by dams is used as drinking water, while agri足culture absorbs a staggering 80%. The irrigated acreage contributes about 50% of the agricultural earnings. The importance of irrigation is of course not the same from one crop to the other: whereas only 7% of cereals are under irrigation, all citrus and most of sugar beet are irrigated as well as an increas足ing acreage of the olive trees. Of course all greenhouse crops are irrigated. Morocco has to face the challenges of scarcity of water resources (WR), and it is now imperative for the country to manage the increasingly scare WR as efficiently Agriculture du Magherb / Fruit Logistica 2015 P. 6
and economically as possible. Such management necessarily involves more pro-active and sustainable utilization of irrigation water. To that end, the Government of Morocco has developed a National Irrigation Water Saving Programme (PNEEI) aimed at making the best economical and positive use of irrigation water. This priority was confirmed by the New National Water Strategy finalized in 2009 by the Water and Environment Secretariat (SEEE). The said strategy, which should mobilize additional investment consists in the implementation of six actions plans, one of which especially devoted to efficient management of water demand. The plan of action comprises: (a) efficient irrigation actions (conversion to localized irrigation accompanied by an extension programme); (b) water development actions. The expected impacts of this strategy include more sustainable use of water resources (WR) through a change in consumer habits and improvement in irrigation techniques, as well as development of high-value added cultivation methods. This strategy is being implemented within a contractual and consultation framework,
which outlines the responsibilities of stakeholders. In this connection, agreements have been signed between the SEEE and the 16 regions of the country. Most of the improvements in irrigation systems to-date have come from the private sector. Microirrigation, which had a bad start, now covers close to 320.000 ha (compared to less than 50.000 ha 10 years ago). As one may expect, irrigated crops are the main consumers of plant nutrients (60% of total) while the only represent less than 20% of the land actually cropped. As the trend towards cropping more irrigated cash crops is increasing, it is more than likely that the consumption of commodity fertilizer in broad acre crops may not increase, to the possible exception of some nitrogenous fertilizers. The situation is different in the specialties with an increase of about 25% over the past 10 years. One other market of growing importance in Morocco is that of micronutrients. The combined development of protected cropping, High Tech olive (and other fruit) tree growing and fertigation should insure that the growth of the speciality plant nutrition and crop stimulation markets is still
Morocco at Fruit Logistica
there in the future. As part of efforts to upgrade Moroccan agricultural INRA, OCP Group and the Ministry of Agriculture agreed to collaborate to develop a program which includes: Soil fertility maps at the national level, Soil Fertility evaluation and the establishment of interpretation norm for different crops. The results of this program will constitute an important tool for the national use of fertilizers.
The Morocco Green Plan
Newaginternational
to boost modern agriculture
Given the prominent place Morocco’s agricultural sector occupies in the country’s economy; boosting production has been a focus for the government. However, the limited amount of arable land, which comprises only 13,5% of Moroccan territory, combined with unstable climate conditions, constrains the sector’s performance and has led to significant swings in output in past years. The small size of most plots, which average 5 ha or less, and the lack of irrigation also conspire to drag down performance. As a result, the country has sought to dramatically revitalize the sector with a comprehensive overhaul,
Agriculture du Magherb / Fruit Logistica 2015 P. 8
spearheaded by the Ministry of Agriculture’s Green Morocco Plan (Plan Maroc Vert, PMV). Launched in 2008, the plan is targeting a significant increase in production volumes as well as an improvement in the sector’s socioeconomic returns, particularly in terms of poverty reduction, employment and GDP contribution. The programme consists of two phases and should create 1.5m jobs by the time it is completed. Green Morocco Plan focuses on two pillars. First, the accelerated development of a modern and competitive agriculture, vital for the national economy, through the realization of a thousand new projects with high added value in both productions and agro-food. Second, the plan provides support to smallholder agriculture through the implementation or professionalization of projects of small farms in difficult rural areas, thereby promoting greater productivity, greater recovery of production and sustainability of farm income. This second pillar also seeks the conversion of cereal crops with higher value added (or less sensitive to precipitation) and processing of local products. To strengthen the projects of these two pillars, PMV is based on proj-
ects consisting of the so-called cross-sector framework redesign and improvement of water policies and land tenure. Furthermore, the regional declination of the Green Morocco Plan in farms aims to build a regional vision and a regionalized agricultural production, eco-balance between two pillars and to mobilize regional and national funds, credit agencies, and investor as well as other donors wishing to support Morocco in the implementation of this Plan. Hence the creation of 6 agropoli (Meknes, Berkane, Souss, Gharb, Tadla and Haouz). A specifically created Agency for Agricultural Development (ADA), oversees the implementation of Green Morocco Plan.
Moroccan Citriculture
Premium quality
Citriculture represents an important branch of the Moroccan economy. Citrus orchards cover approximately 120 000 ha and produced 2.2 million tons in the previous crop year (2013/2014). It is mostly consumed fresh in either the domestic or the export markets. With citrus industry representing 35% of its total food exports, Morocco is respectively the 4th and 8th largest exporter of clementines and of oranges in the world. The main destination markets are: Russia, the European Union and Canada. This industry employs thousands of workers at various levels in the farms and postharvest (production, transport, packing, etc.).
Climate, Production tonnage and areas
Citrus fruits are grown in several areas of Morocco under various conditions of soil type, climate and water availability. Main areas are: - the Souss Valley: located in South Morocco and characterised by low rainfall (< 200 mm/year), mild winters and hot summers. Air relative humidity is low and sunshine plentiful. It is well suited for most varieties, and Clementine does particularly well. The Souss Valley Agriculture du Magherb / Fruit Logistica 2015 P. 10
is by far the most important citrus production area of the country as it has the largest share in both total acreage and recently planted trees. It, alone, accounts for 80% of clementine export. - the Gharb plain: it is located to the north of the capital Rabat. This area is not suitable for cultivars that mature in autumn as it is a period of heavy rains in this part of the country making it very difficult to access the fields for harvest. Gharb is thus best suited for production of oranges and blood or-
anges of excellent quality. Actually, it was the first region where citrus was grown intensively in Morocco by the French colonists since early 1900â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s when Morocco was under the French Protectorate. - the Oriental: also named Moulouya, this region is located in the North-East part of the country bordered by the Mediterranean coast and Algeria; - the Tadla: in the inner land between the Middle Atlas Mountains and the phosphate plateaus, where a continental climate pre-
Morocco at Fruit Logistica
vails with very hot summers bringing frequent thunderstorms, and cold winters with risks of frost. This region also produces high quality oranges. - the Haouz: located inland, it is the plain dominated by Toubkal, the highest mountain of Morocco (4165m), with Marrakesh as main city. Climate is dry with very hot summers and cold winters. - the Loukkos: in the North Western part of the country limited in the south by the Gharb plain. Its cool winters and warm summers are the result of highly humid oceanic influence.
Production
Morocco’s citriculture production, whether organic or conventional, is mostly destined to fresh consumption. The range of citrus fruits comprises oranges, small fruits such as clementines and mandarines, lemons and grapefruits. Some of the most renowned varieties are: Nour, Nadorcott, Ortanique, Salustiana and Maroc late. Very little amount of the production goes to juicing. One of the main reasons is that the production cost cannot be offset by the prices offered by juice proAgriculture du Magherb / Fruit Logistica 2015 P. 12
cessing. Modern techniques and technologies for citrus production and handling have been implemented in the above mentioned main regions of citriculture. Efforts are being made by the Ministry of Agriculture to promote good agricultural practices especially in order to optimize usage of production factors such as water, fertilizers and pesticides. In addition, environmentally friendly techniques of pest and disease control such as use of insect predators and specific pesticides are being implemented by many growers. With the aim to sustainably develop agriculture and improve production quantitatively as well as qualitatively, several national strategies have been instituted through which financial aids are granted. Financial support is mainly dedicated to investments including: • all drip irrigation equipment and infrastructure to promote water-saving technologies; • agricultural equipment (tractors…) to improve mechanization rate for higher efficiency;
• construction of cold storage units; • construction of packinghouses; But it also consists of subsidies to some other costs such as: • air freight, to a certain level according to destination, in order to encourage diversification of markets; • certified citrus trees, aiming to promote use of selected and virus-free plant material. Citrus Nurseries in Morocco are bound to follow a Certification Scheme, developed by the relevant institutions, to see their produced trees certified. • costs of soil, leaf and water analyses to ensure high production quality and respect of environment. Special attention was given to large scale packing infrastructures that have adopted the quality management systems required by importers and supermarket chains. Certification of packinghouses, as well as that of orchards, contribute to sustainability of the production system, to its social and economic development and enhance com-
Morocco at Fruit Logistica
petitiveness of Moroccan citrus in the market place.
Markets
Morocco’s citrus production is oriented to export and is therefore required to meet quality standards. Exportations may vary from one year to another and represent 40 to 50 % of total production. Des-
Agriculture du Magherb / Fruit Logistica 2015 P. 14
tination markets have changed over the years. In the 1980’s, Western Europe used to be the main client and the EEC was absorbing more than 70% of total export. In the year 2002-2003, the EU market share had regressed to 55% of total. Nowadays, main export markets for Moroccan citrus are Russia (58%) and the European Union
(28%), followed by Canada (9%) the US market (3%) as well as the Gulf region (1%). This is in part a result of the special government’s incentive schemes to promote development of exportations to nonEU markets.
Quality standards
Half the production is exported
to distant markets with specific requirements in relation to fruit, intrinsic as well as extrinsic, quality parameters. Quality criteria include integrity, taste, colour, appearance and shape of the fruits. Moroccan citrus producers and exporters spare no effort to meet international quality standards. Moreover, each country of destination may have specific additional standards that the exporting entity must comply with such as accepted fruit size and maximum pesticide residue limits. Maturity indices adopted by the exporters and their collaborating analysis laboratories are mainly fruit juice content per fruits weight unit, its acidity and sugar content, as well as fruit size and colour. Other criteria may include fruit shape, firmness and seed content. For an average consumer, a good citrus fruit should be juicy and tasty (adequate sugar/acid ratio) and have the right coloration specific to the variety, with adequate size but seedless. Almost all European supermarket buyers demand fresh fruits and vegetables delivered to be pro-
duced in accordance with GlobalGAP standards. Currently, most citrus farms in Morocco have implemented GlobalGAP practices into their production and quality management systems. Besides, most packinghouses have ISO, HACCP and BRC standards implemented while several are even â&#x20AC;&#x153;Natureâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Choiceâ&#x20AC;? certified, indicating respect of food safety standards and environment regulations. Moreover, to reduce risks related to pesticides use such as pesticide resistance, pollution, toxicity on pollinators and level of residues in fruits, several growers use safer pest control techniques such as release of auxiliary insects (predators or parasites) into their orchards, use of mineral oils or may convert to organic farming.
Research
Research undertaken in institutions and private or public laboratories is geared towards lifting constraints and improving sustainability and efficiency of citrus fruits production. Current research proj-
ects particularly address aspects related to water economy since water resources are limited and climate changes resulted in structural drought. But researchers are also interested in variety and rootstock improvement, production and productivity, pest management, postharvest handling and storage for optimum quality, etc. Apart from current research efforts in the various fields related to plant material, plant health, fruit preservation etc., use of good agricultural practices is a prerequisite for success of any production regardless of its origin or its final destination.
AGRI-SOU
In southern Moroc 160 producers AGRI-SOUSS Immeuble Najah Cité Najah B.P.798 - 80 000 Agadir - Maroc
E-mail: agrisouss@menara.ma - Tél: +212 (0) 5 28 22 67 60 Fax: +212 (0) 5 28 22 32 42 / 22 63 80 - Site Web: www.agrisouss.ma Cooperative M’BROUKA
Z.I. Tassila, route de Marrakech, BP. 278, Agadir. Tel. +212 5 28 83 32 11 Fax. +212 5 28 83 46 16 E-mail : mbrouka@menara.ma
Cooperative SOFIA-SUD
Km. 42 Route de Taroudant, Ouled Teïma, Taroudant. Tel. +212 5 28 52 68 97 Fax. +212 5 28 52 61 94 E-mail : sofiasud@menara.ma
Sté PRIMA-SOUSS
Z.I. Km.1, route de Biougra, Aït Melloul, Agadir. Tel. +212 5 28 24 13 91 Fax. +212 5 28 24 16 56 E-mail : primasouss@menara.ma
Cooperative COMAPRIM Tin Mansour, C.R Inchaden, Agadir. Tel. +212 5 28 30 31 01 Fax. +212 5 28 30 31 00 E-mail : comaprim@menara.ma
Cooperative ADRAR C.R Temsia, Aït Melloul. Tel. +212 5 28 31 92 15 Fax. +212 5 28 31 95 21 E-mail adrar@copadrar.ma
SS GROUP
co on the sea-side at your service Cooperative ATLAS
Z.I, Lot 626 B, route de Biougra, Aït Melloul, Agadir. Tel. +212 5 28 24 83 99 Fax. +212 5 28 24 72 56 E-mail : catlas@menara.ma
Sté SOFPRIM
Z.I, Lot 604 B, BP. 546 Admine, Aït Melloul, Agadir Tel. +212 5 28 24 15 93 Fax. +212 5 28 24 15 95 E-mail : sofprim@iam.net.ma
Cooperative TOUBKAL Z.I, Aït Melloul, Agadir. Tel. +212 5 28 24 15 38 Fax. +212 5 28 24 33 87 E-mail : amcas@menara.ma
Sté DARDOUR-PRIMEUR
Aït Melloul. Tel. +212 5 28 30 88 17 Fax. +212 5 28 24 39 89 E-mail : dardourprimeurs@menara.ma
Coopérative COFIMA Douar Ben Cheikh, Temsia Tél.: +212 5 28 31 90 09 Fax : +212 5 28 31 90 19 Email : cofima2007@yahoo.fr
Morocco at Fruit Logistica
Delassus
Our focus: being the best
Delassus Group, which celebrates its 65 years in the area of exportations, is one of the Moroccan main suppliers of citrus fruits, cherry tomatoes, grapes and flowers. The company owns more than 3000 ha of orchards and protected crops in different regions of the country. It manages five packing units and some juice factories, employs 4500 people and nearly exports 50000 tons of products every year mainly citrus fruits, cherry tomatoes and juice.
R
ecently, 75% of Delassus cherry tomatoes are exported to the European Union (UE), mainly to the United Kingdom and 60% of clementine to Russia. Delassus Group benefits from many assets mainly: 1. Excellent quality of fresh fruits and vegetables. 2. A personalized customer service. 3. Competitive prices. 4. Delivery Just-In-Time. 5. Respect of ethics in the commercial practices.
Irreproachable quality.
“As a multinational firm, Delassus has decided to conform to the strictest standards in terms of good manufacturing practices and products safety. Our farms are GlobalGAP certified and our packing units are BRC certified - standards of food safety for the management of farms and packing units- and which are required by customers”, explaines Mrs Fatiha Charrat, sales and marketing di-
rector of Delassus. GlobalGAP serves as an international reference system to frame the standards in the production of fresh fruits and vegetables in order to guarantee the good agricultural practices. It allows responding to the concern of the consumers in food security, the protection of the environment and the workers well-being. The BRC Standards, the first references in the world recognized by the GFSI (the international initiative of food security), are one of the key choices of retailers all over the world who look for trust vis-à-vis the suppliers of food products.
Permanent improvement.
According to the point of view of its customers themselves, what distinguishes Delassus more is the exceptional services and seriousness. In fact, the customer service is a priority for Delassus as well as flexibility and innovation. The group strives to constantly redefine its offer of service and
to improve the management of supply chains of added value through the permanent improvement of the activities and the reliability of its approach in the selling of products to customers (quality management system, complaint management system, internal information system,…). So as to achieve its goals, Delassus, is engaged in continuing exchanges of views with its customers and its employees to refine its procedures each day. Therefore, Delassus may rely on its young, proactive, positive, trained and well informed teams that offer an excellent service to the customers all over the world. “Our approach of innovation is guided by our passion of taste and quality. We are engaged to develop concepts and solutions which combine good taste and good quality based on our expertise in cultural practices, management of packing units, etc. This objective makes of us a very good partner of the innovation in fruits and vegetables industry” added Mrs Charrat.
Future projects.
Mrs Charat also sees the future with serenity: “Our ambition for the future is to be distinctive, to be recognized for having the best brand; being the best Moroccan producer and exporter of cherry tomatoes and citrus fruits and to be the leader in the Moroccan market”. And so as to reach this aim, Delassus Group considers projects in relation with all its areas of activity. Thus, the firm plans to make more plantations of tomatoes to satisfy the Russian market (50 ha are currently going on) and new orange orchards are also in the pipeline. Regarding the social aspects, Delassus Group will also continue investing in its important program of tutoring for its employees’ kids. It must be mentioned that Delassus has launched the Sanady foundation in 2006, a nonprofit organism that focuses the improvement of education of the workers’ community.
Morocco Fruits and vegetables
Berries
Steady progress Last year, over 3,000 hectares have been allocated for strawberry farming in Morocco, mostly in the in the fertile regions of Loukkos and Gharb. During 2013-2014 crop year, the kingdom exported approximately 74,000 tons, representing 7% of the international market: 55,000 tons of frozen strawberries, representing 72% of the total exports, and 19,000 tons for the fresh category with 28%.
T
he sector of red berries in Morocco, especially strawberries, has experienced a sharp rise during the last two decades, mainly in Loukkos and Gharb areas. Strawberries cur-
value added fruit species and high demand in European and American markets in the form of berries. This group includes a diverse range of fruit shrub species mainly grown in cool temperate zones: raspberries, blackcurrants, gooseberries, blueberries and blackberries. These species have grown in importance over the last 10 years because of the possibility of extending their crops in areas in climate enjoying mild winters, such as Mediterranean countries. Among these, two are particularly appreciated by Moroccan exporters as the result of rently occupy a surface area of rising global demand: namely about 3 000 ha with a production raspberries and blueberries that of some130,000 tons, most of adapt so flawlessly to Moroccan which is produced in Loukkos. For agro-climatic conditions. Recent a long time production remained trends in EU, US and many Asian dominated by the Camarosa va- markets show that demand for riety, but professionals have felt these types of berries is on inthe need to diversify the range of red berries for export. With this in mind, producers launched a diversification program for the introduction of new strawberry varieties featuring superior performance, particularly in terms of earliness, organoleptic quality and conservation. Other producers have explored different ways to diversify through the introduction of new Agriculture du Magherb / Fruit Logistica 2015 P. 20
crease particularly on off-season – winter and early spring – fruits. This makes market prices for fresh berries very attractive for exporters. To be noted is that Moroccan exports increased during the last seasons, first to meet European demand and also due to the installation in Morocco of large European firms investing in packing and freezing units, and building of structures integrating producer groups affiliated thereto.
Morocco Fruits and vegetables
With 99.95% of the tonnage, the European Union is Moroccoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s major client. France occupies the leading position, followed by Germany, England and Spain. The remaining is divided among the other European countries and the Gulf countries.
Steady evolution Strawberry production and processing employs a large number of people who are involved in production, marketing and processing activities. Over the past decade, strawberry acreage in Morocco continued to increase,
Agriculture du Magherb / Fruit Logistica 2015 P. 22
thanks to extensive investment and technological improvements. In recent years, the area dedicated to strawberry has stabilized at around 3,000 ha, out of which 81% in the region of Loukkos and 19 % in region of Gharb. Production is divided between exports of fresh produce from October through April, frozen produce and the local market with its increasing demand (fresh fruits, jam,...). The varieties available to producers are becoming increasingly diversified with early and late va-
rieties extending the cycle, and other more tasty varieties or varieties generating fewer gaps, etc. To be noted is that, like for raspberries, better performing and protected varieties are provided to Moroccan farmers by the major European groups operating under contract. Currently, production accounts for 60% under small tunnels and 40% under high tunnels. High tunnels are becoming increasingly attractive because of the benefits they provide; some large producers doing 70% of their
business in this form. According to professionals, if profitability of the crop so allows, in few years High tunnels will dominate the landscape.
lowed progressively higher level of control over the process (production, crop protection ...) and technical expertise of producers many of whom are agronomists.
Strawberry production is favored mainly by good weather, good management and control of irrigation and mineral nutrition. On the other hand, excessive rainfall and high temperatures are the major limiting factors, as well as steadily increasing production costs.
It is worth mentioning that almost all agricultural exports are GLOBALGAP certified, and that the majority of packing stations and freezing units are HACCP and BRC certified, in order to meet the requirement of clients and the standards of the European and American markets.
Controls are carried out by packing units, providing mentoring by engineers in charge of crop management, good fertilization, choice of pesticides, cost rationalization, soil and foliar analysis, etc. This collaboration, coupled with the standards required for export, among others, have al-
The expected development will happen thanks to a collaboration between associations (AMCEF & AMPFRs) and national and international organizations likely to boost the sector by investing in advanced technologies (research, nurseries, etc.) and a guarantee of regular outlets.
Agriculture du Magherb / Fruit Logistica 2015 P. 23
Morocco at Fruit Logistica
Greenhouse production in Morocco
Latest trends and developments Morocco has invested in building a reputation in many countries as a reliable supplier of high quality fruits and vegetables, especially during the winter season when production in these countries is low. Moroccan exporters are able to meet the European consumersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; demand in terms of quality, safety and fair prices.
H
uge efforts have been made in Moroccan agriculture since independence especially in greenhouse cultivations. Anyone visiting crops in Souss Massa Region (Agadir) will be surprised by the sophistication present at all levels: production, quality management, packaging, packing units, logistics â&#x20AC;Ś Moroccan professionals continuously adapt their production to the requirements of the markets with regards to international health and environmental, protection standards, rules of certification and traceability, continuous diversifica-
Agriculture du Magherb / Fruit Logistica 2015 P. 24
tion in supply. Moroccan growers hire engineers and technicians to manage their farms, whose experience remains a key factor in success. Innovations in the techniques have always been a key solution to important problems faced by the growers. . All these assets enable Moroccan produce to be at the top position on the shelves in order to meet the consumerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s demand.
Protected cultivation crops and geographical distribution
In Morocco, the total surface area of protected cultivation is estimat-
ed at 19000 ha. The area dedicated to vegetable crops is dominated by tomato crops: 5000 ha; strawberry: 3000 ha and melon: 1800 ha. Green beans, pepper, cucumber and water melon cover the remaining acreage. Banana production under plastic greenhouses reaches acreage of 8000 ha. Most of the protected cultivation is concentrated along a narrow, relatively frostfree area of the Atlantic coast between Larache and Agadir and Dakhla, which receives abundant light during the period October - March (from 1150 to 1400 hrs). 60% of the greenhouse crop is located in the south of Moroc-
co (Souss-Massa valley). Loukkos region comes in second, followed by the Gharb region. In fact Loukk o s and Gharb grow mainly strawberry, raspberry and blueberry crops, while the Haouz is specialized in the melon production. The main area of production of banana is the Souss-Massa valley near Agadir but also the northern coastal cities of Kenitra and Moulay Bouselham.
High degree of technical skills
Crop management practices used by all producers with the most recent technologies best suited to Moroccan conditions, provide diversified fruits and vegetables, with high level of tonnage and quality. Many technical improvements have contributed to improve the quality of the crops, among them:
Greenhouses Un-
heated plastic greenhouses are of great importance in the Moroccan agriculture. They were introduced in Morocco in the early seventies and were increasingly used
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as restrictions were imposed on Moroccan production by the European market. This expansion was followed by a reduction in the open field production and moving of the greenhouse industry from the northern part of Morocco to the south (Souss-Massa valley) in order to meet the time schedule imposed by the EEC. After the period of production under tunnels (Delta, Socodam, etc), producers have switched to Canarias greenhouses based on a wooden structure. This kind of greenhouse enables a better use of the land. Similarly, as the volume of the Canary shelter is larger, thermal variations are more limited so night temperatures are more conducive. However, this type of shelter still presents a number of weaknesses. To overcome these drawbacks, ensure better ventilation and improved tightness, many producers have resorted to more sophisticated greenhouses (6 m in height) requiring substantial investment.
The genetic potential of varieties
Given the limited export season, soil fatigue and high temperatures in summer, Moroccan farmers can only grow one crop per year. This does not allow them to reimburse high investment required for protected cultivation. Moreover, high competitiveness within the Mediterranean basin has encouraged Moroccan farmers to choose the
most productive varieties of the highest quality on the market. All vegetable varieties used under greenhouse are hybrids that are more productive making it possible to procure very high yields, greater uniformity, while ensuring high resistance to pests and diseases. All producers use the services of professional nurseries specializing in grafted plants because the rootstock provides higher resistance to nematodes and wilt, which permits to reduce the use of soil disinfection. Grafting can also make possible production over a long cycle from October to late June and to withstand the winter.
Drip irrigation
Given that the water resources available in the area where early vegetables are grown are lower than the potential requirement, it is necessary to economize water use. Thus, all Moroccan farms use localized irrigation. The irrigation water used comes either from wells or from dams and its quality varies from region to region. It is worth mentioning that the use of storage basins with geomembranes and booster pumps provide the producer with a greater autonomy in carrying out this delicate operation. Along with micro-irrigation, fertigation is being widely used in order to rationalize the use of fertilizers and improve the yield and quality. Good fertilization man-
Morocco at Fruit Logistica agement is essential for obtaining high yields and good fruit quality (size, firmness, color ...) throughout the crop cycle. This management requires a rational nutrition plan based on analysis of soils, water and leaves during crop cycle. Several farms are currently equipped with automatic system to irrigate and fertilize their crops.
Soilless culture
One of the main reasons for the development of soilless crops is pathological. Indeed, intensive cropping under plastic greenhouses is responsible for soil fatigue leading to a decrease in productivity. In Morocco, this system is being developed gradually on many kinds of imported substrates or just on local substrates like sand and gravel, mainly in the regions of Agadir and Dakhla.
Integrated pest management (IPM) and
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supervision
European laws and standards of residues are becoming increasingly rigorous. Moroccan farmers are aware of the dangers of misuse or overuse of pesticides, if they are to compete in the European market. They are also aware that the two keys to the future of protected crops consist of integrated pest management and assistance to farmers for better control of the process. Many providers have field teams consisting of technicians and sales engineers in constant contact with producers in order to help them set their IPM plan.
The necessary diversification
Moroccan production has adapted itself to the requirement of its targeted market. Whereas, a few years back vegetable producers had a little diversified offer, now they propose a very broad range. This diversity allows the Moroccan
origin to strengthen its position on segmented markets. In coming years we can expect an even larger scope in multiple diversification in order to satisfy consumer demand regarding gustative aspects. For Moroccan exporters it is imperative to continue along the way of diversification through the development of products other than those limited by quotas. The potential is high for some products that can be exported 12 months a year (green beans, flat beans, radishes, asparagus, sweet corn, etc.). In addition, several kinds are available for the same product each corresponding to a kind of market (cluster tomato, cherry tomato, prune tomato, bullâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s heart...), Diversification inside a specific segment makes it possible to meet the demands of highly targeted markets. Similarly, to extend the timetable for the Moroccan offerings, there is now migration to the south of the country, where the beneficial climate makes possible production
almost all year long. In Dakhla region, about 800 ha are cultivated with high value added products such as cocktail tomato and green Charentais melon.
Marketing
Many exporter groups have already established hubs in major European markets (Rungis or St. Charles) to better control the trade, knowing that the most modern system is through direct contact with retailers. In terms of logistics which has seen a marked improvement (trucks and containers) one is called upon to reflect on future development so as to deal with the new environmental constraints such as carbon footprint declarations. To be noted is that today full rotation is provided from Agadir (maritime highways).
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