Morocco Turns to Brazil for Olive Oil Amidst Drought and Soaring Prices
Morocco, a nation known for its olive oil production, is facing an unprecedented shortage, forcing the government to take drastic measures. Amidst a severe drought that has crippled domestic olive harvests and sent prices skyrocketing, Morocco has approved the import of olive oil from Brazil. This unusual partnership highlights the severity of the situation and the government’s commitment to stabilizing the market.
The Brazilian government confirmed the agreement, emphasizing the growing agricultural trade relationship between the two countries. In 2023, Morocco became the third largest destination for Brazilian agricultural exports in Africa, with a trade volume reaching $1.23 billion. This figure is on track to be surpassed in 2024, with trade already exceeding $903 million between January and September. This burgeoning partnership extends beyond olive oil. In September 2024, Brazil secured authorization to export dried distillers grains (DDGs), a byproduct of ethanol production used as animal feed, further diversifying its exports to the Moroccan market. Brazil’s proactive approach to expanding its agricultural export markets has resulted in access to 193 new markets in 2024 alone, bringing the total to 271 new markets across 61 countries since the beginning of 2023. This demonstrates a clear strategy of diversification and market penetration.
The drought’s impact on Morocco’s olive oil production cannot be overstated. The country typically relies heavily on its domestic olive harvest, but the lack of rainfall has severely diminished yields. This scarcity has led to a dramatic price surge, making olive oil, a staple in Moroccan cuisine, increasingly unaffordable for many families. The International Olive Council (IOC) predicts a global olive oil production decrease of approximately 20% for the 2023/24 crop year, with Spain, another major producer, also experiencing significant declines due to drought. This global context further emphasizes the challenges faced by Morocco and the need for alternative sourcing.
To combat the rising prices and ensure access to this essential commodity, the Moroccan Minister of Agriculture, Maritime Fisheries, Rural Development, Water and Forests, Mohammed Sadiki (note: updated name as Ahmed El Bouari is no longer the minister), announced the suspension of import duties on virgin and extra virgin olive oil. This move aims to mitigate the impact of the drought on consumers and stabilize the domestic market. By removing import tariffs, the government hopes to make imported olive oil, like that from Brazil, more competitive and accessible to the Moroccan public.
This situation underscores the interconnectedness of global food systems and the vulnerability of agricultural production to climate change. As droughts become more frequent and intense, countries like Morocco may increasingly need to rely on international partnerships to secure essential food supplies. The agreement with Brazil offers a temporary solution, but the long-term challenge remains: how to adapt to a changing climate and ensure food security for future generations. Investing in drought-resistant crops, improving water management practices, and exploring alternative agricultural techniques will be crucial for Morocco to navigate these challenges and maintain its position as a key player in the olive oil market. Further research into the specific olive cultivars being imported from Brazil and their comparison to Moroccan varieties would provide valuable insight into the market shift and consumer acceptance.
