Pepper production in Morocco is slowed by various factors

The Souss Massa region, one of the main pepper production areas, is currently experiencing a significant drop in volumes due to colder temperatures and increased pressure from the Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus (TSW) and Pepper Mild Mottle Virus (PMMV). According to Obeida Mansour, a pepper producer based in Agadir, this has led to a 30-40% reduction in production on his farms. Nights in the region have seen temperatures drop to 8-9°C, with days peaking at 20-21°C. These climatic conditions have affected greenhouse crops, especially those that do not benefit from suitable protection. “Producers who opted for virus-sensitive varieties have suffered significant losses. At Universal Peppers, we have adopted resistant varieties on 60% of our hectares this season, which has allowed us to limit the damage.” But the virus pressure persists on the rest of our crops,” Mansour explained. This drop in production comes at a time when European demand is traditionally reduced at the end of the year, ...