Morocco's tomato production could decrease by 20% to 30%

Morocco's tomato production could decrease this season by between 20% and 30%, depending on the varieties; The most pronounced decline is estimated in the round tomato, according to the forecasts of the Moroccan Interprofessional Federation of Fruits and Vegetables (FIFEL). This organization has specified that "since the 2023/24 campaign began, round tomato plantations have suffered serious incidents", such as high summer temperatures (record levels above 50ºC were reached), the impact of the rugosa virus of the tomato (present in Morocco since autumn 2021) and the early arrival of the cold, which makes the ripening of the fruit difficult. «This situation – he adds – has been aggravated by the delay in planting due to uncertainty among producers and the lack of visibility, which explains the current low production levels compared to previous years. A safeguarding committee ...