Moroccan Fruits and vegetables producers blame high prices on production costs

The association of Moroccan fruits and vegetables producers (APEFEL) said the high prices in the Moroccan market were due to higher production costs notably those of fertilizers and pesticides.

Speaking to MPs, APEFEL representatives said ammonia and phosphates-based fertilizers saw prices rise 466% and 61% respectively, which was in turn repercussed on consumer prices.

This trend has not spared plastic (+30%), tomato plants (+5%), adhesives (+5%) and black strings (+60%). In addition to agricultural inputs, rising transport and energy costs have also had a significant impact on production costs, according to famers.

Concerning tomatoes whose production was hit by a cold snap leading to higher prices, production cost rose from up to 623 dirhams per hectare to 778 dirhams per hectares, they said.

With a pessimistic tone, the association expects the production cost of tomatoes to further expand to 934 dirhams per hectare.

Morocco had restricted the export of tomatoes in particular to ensure the regular supply of the local market at lower prices.