Agriculture and Food

Agriculture in Morocco's Economy

Agriculture remains a cornerstone of Morocco's economy, employing approximately 30-40% of the workforce and contributing 12-15% of GDP. The sector produces a diverse range of crops including cereals (wheat, barley), citrus fruits (oranges, clementines, lemons), olives and olive oil, vegetables (tomatoes, peppers, zucchini), fruits (berries, avocados, melons), and industrial crops (sugar beets, sunflowers). Morocco has become a major agricultural exporter to the European Union and global markets, earning over $5 billion annually from agricultural and agri-food exports. However, the sector faces significant challenges from climate variability, water scarcity, and the need to balance export growth with domestic food security.

Green Morocco Plan - Achievements & Impact

The Green Morocco Plan (Plan Maroc Vert, PMV), launched in 2008 and implemented through 2020, profoundly transformed Moroccan agriculture. The plan's achievements include increasing farmers' incomes by 47%, multiplying agricultural export value by 2.7 times, achieving high self-sufficiency levels for strategic products, contributing water savings of nearly 2 billion cubic meters through improved irrigation, and expanding modern drip irrigation systems from 128,000 hectares in 2008 to 542,000 hectares.

The plan focused on two complementary pillars: Pillar I supported large-scale, market-oriented agriculture through investments in high-value export crops, modern irrigation infrastructure, and agribusiness development. Pillar II targeted smallholder farmers with projects improving productivity, income diversification, and market access for approximately 855,000 families. The PMV mobilized investments exceeding $15 billion from public and private sources, transforming Morocco into a competitive agricultural exporter.

Water Management & Irrigation

Water is Morocco's most critical agricultural constraint. The Green Morocco Plan prioritized irrigation modernization and water efficiency. Drip irrigation expansion to 542,000 hectares saved significant water compared to traditional flood irrigation while improving yields. The government continues investing in dams and reservoirs (currently over 140 dams nationwide), groundwater management and aquifer recharge programs, treated wastewater reuse for agricultural irrigation, desalination facilities for coastal agricultural zones, and smart irrigation technologies (sensors, weather forecasting, precision agriculture).

However, water challenges persist. Prolonged droughts in recent years depleted reservoirs and groundwater. The shift toward water-intensive export crops like citrus and avocados increased pressure on water resources, particularly in regions like Souss-Massa where aquifer depletion accelerated. Balancing export agriculture with sustainable water use remains an ongoing challenge requiring policy adjustments, enforcement of water regulations, and continued investment in water-saving technologies.

2024-2025 Agricultural Season

Morocco entered the 2024-2025 agricultural season with cautious optimism after several drought years. Recent rainfall helped replenish groundwater supplies and raised water levels in dams, offering hope for recovery. Agricultural GDP grew 4.6% in early 2025, boosting economic recovery after previous year declines. The Ministry of Agriculture rolled out comprehensive support measures including distributing certified seeds at reduced prices, providing subsidies for fertilizers, implementing an ambitious irrigation program covering 700,000 hectares, and offering technical assistance to farmers.

Grain production showed promising signs with a projected 41% harvest surge compared to drought-affected previous years, though still below peak production levels. The season's success depends on continued rainfall, effective water management, pest and disease control, and market conditions for key crops.

Agricultural Exports & Markets

Morocco has become a major agricultural exporter, particularly to the European Union. The country is the world's fourth-largest exporter of tomatoes (after Mexico, Netherlands, Spain), earning over $1 billion annually from tomato exports. Morocco will likely be the top non-EU supplier of fresh fruits and vegetables to Europe in 2024-2025. Exports from the agriculture and agri-food sector increased 22% in late 2024, demonstrating strong international demand.

Key export products include fresh tomatoes, peppers, zucchini, beans (primarily to European markets in winter), citrus fruits (oranges, clementines, mandarins to EU, Russia, Canada), berries (blueberries, strawberries, raspberries - rapidly growing sector), avocados (expanding production for European and Middle Eastern markets), olive oil (premium quality for gourmet markets), canned and processed vegetables, and preserved fruits. Export earnings support rural incomes, generate foreign exchange, and drive agricultural modernization.

However, export focus has raised concerns about water sustainability, impact on domestic food prices and availability, environmental effects of intensive cultivation, and social equity for smallholder farmers versus large agribusinesses. Policymakers are seeking to balance export growth with food security, sustainability, and inclusive development.

Livestock & Animal Products

Livestock sector includes cattle, sheep, goats, poultry, and dairy production. Morocco produces meat, milk, eggs, and wool for domestic consumption with limited exports. The government supports livestock development through genetic improvement programs, veterinary services and disease control, feed production and subsidies, and modernization of slaughterhouses and processing facilities. Challenges include drought impacts on pastures and feed costs, competition from imported dairy products, and need for productivity improvements.

Challenges & Vulnerabilities

Moroccan agriculture faces several significant challenges: Climate variability and drought - recurring droughts severely impact rainfed agriculture and strain irrigation water supplies. Climate change projections suggest increasing temperatures and decreasing rainfall. Water scarcity - overexploitation of groundwater, aquifer depletion in key agricultural regions, competition for water between agriculture, urban areas, and industry. Fragmentation - small average farm sizes (many holdings under 5 hectares) limit mechanization, economies of scale, and investment capacity. Market access - smallholder farmers face challenges accessing markets, negotiating prices, and meeting quality standards without cooperatives or support. Technology adoption - limited use of precision agriculture, mechanization, and modern practices among traditional farmers. Climate adaptation - need for drought-resistant crop varieties, water-efficient techniques, and climate-smart agriculture practices.

Government Support & Programs

Following the Green Morocco Plan, the government launched the Green Generation 2020-2030 strategy with objectives including boosting agricultural GDP to 200 billion dirhams by 2030, creating 350,000 jobs, increasing agricultural exports to 80 billion dirhams, and promoting sustainable, inclusive agricultural development. Support programs include subsidies for seeds, fertilizers, equipment, extension services and technical assistance, crop insurance against climate risks, agricultural credit and financing schemes, market infrastructure (wholesale markets, storage facilities), and research and innovation in agriculture.

Organic & Sustainable Agriculture

Morocco is developing organic agriculture targeting premium export markets. Organic certified area exceeds 10,000 hectares covering fruits, vegetables, argan oil, herbs, and spices. Certifications (EU Organic, USDA Organic) enable access to European and North American markets at premium prices. Sustainable practices include integrated pest management, soil conservation, biodiversity protection, and reduced chemical inputs. Agro-ecology and organic farming support environmental sustainability and rural livelihoods.

Future Directions

Morocco's agricultural future depends on sustainable water management and climate adaptation, technology adoption (precision agriculture, IoT, data analytics), value chain development (processing, packaging, branding, marketing), smallholder inclusion and cooperative development, diversification into high-value crops and products, research and innovation addressing local challenges, and balancing export growth with domestic food security. With proper policies, investments, and farmer support, Morocco can build a resilient, productive, and sustainable agricultural sector serving both domestic and international markets.