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Professional reports indicate that declining olive oil extraction yields have become a primary factor pressuring the commercial value of the olive crop during Morocco's current agricultural season. Data reveals a significant drop in oil recovery from certain local varieties, with yields sometimes failing to exceed 8 to 12 liters of oil per 100 kilograms of olives.
A professional source explained that the extraction rate is a critical variable in determining olive pricing, as the market value of the crop is inherently linked to the volume of oil it contains. The reduction in yield directly translates to diminished marketing returns, particularly as olive oil prices have also trended downward this season, placing a double burden on farmer profitability.
Regarding field transactions, the source noted that olive prices at mills currently fluctuate between 5 and 7.50 Moroccan Dirhams (MAD) per kilogram. This price range is dictated by fruit quality, oil content, and prevailing market demand. High extraction rates are essential for the entire value chain; they allow farmers to secure better prices, enable mills to achieve higher operational efficiency, and ensure high-quality products for consumers.
In his concluding remarks, the industry professional urged Moroccan farmers to focus on enhancing production practices to boost extraction efficiency and oil quality. He emphasized the necessity of managing production costs to safeguard the sustainability and profitability of agricultural activities, noting that quality and yield remain the decisive factors in optimizing returns for all stakeholders in the olive oil production chain.
Source: EcoPress