Olive growers across the north are preparing for what could be their strongest harvest in years, with early estimates pointing to a 40% to 80% jump in production after successive seasons battered by drought.
Around Ouezzane, Ksar El Kebir and Chefchaouen, trees are already carrying a heavy crop ahead of harvesting from the second half of October.
The turnaround follows improved rainfall over the winter and into early spring, giving both rainfed and irrigated groves a boost after years of declining output.
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Farmers expect production to comfortably exceed recent seasons, particularly around Ouezzane and Ksar El Kebir.
A strong crop could also bring much-needed relief at the olive oil counter.
Sources expect prices to remain below MAD 35 a liter this season, less than half the more than MAD 70 reached last year. The larger crop is also expected to support the quality of locally produced oil, particularly in Ouezzane.
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New groves start bearing fruit
A new generation of olive trees planted across Ouezzane and Chefchaouen has started bearing fruit, adding to output from older groves.
The newer plantations account for around 75% of land allocated to olive cultivation in the two areas and are producing more abundantly than expected this season.
In Ain Beida, between Ouezzane and Chefchaouen, preparations are already under way for harvesting, which is expected to begin after mid-October.
Harvesting is expected to gather pace from late October and early November and continue through mid-December, bringing large volumes of olives to presses across the region.
