Rabat – The Al Moutmir program presented the results of its olive demonstration platforms for the 2024-2025 agricultural campaign during an online conference held today.
The event brought together researchers, agricultural experts, and farmers to review field results and discuss approaches that support more sustainable olive cultivation in Morocco.
The virtual conference examined scientific findings, research initiatives, and practical experiences from the latest olive campaign.
Participants discussed ways to strengthen the link between research and field practices, with a focus on improving productivity while preserving soil and natural resources.
Launched in September 2018, Al Moutmir is a multi-service initiative led by Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P), OCP Foundation, in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture.
The program aims to support farmers, particularly smallholders, by providing innovative and tailored solutions to improve productivity and sustainability.
Al Moutmir promotes best agricultural practices, governance techniques, and especially rational fertilization as a key lever to preserve natural resources while boosting yields.
Its offerings include field demonstration platforms, soil analyses, training sessions, technological tools, and capacity-building programs targeting farmers, rural women, cooperatives, and young leaders.
Sidi Ahmed El Moutaki, Lead Agronomist Developer for Al Moutmir, opened the conference by thanking all participants on behalf of the initiative’s team.
“I want to thank everyone for joining us today. This yearly meeting allows us to share the results of our olive platforms with partners and farmers,” he said.
“I would also like to express my gratitude to the agricultural workers. Without their dedication, these demonstration platforms would not have achieved their goals.”
Maalem Ayoub, regional coordinator, emphasized the importance of knowledge sharing: “We are grateful to all participants, especially the farmers. This conference is an opportunity to discuss the season’s challenges and achievements, and to explore ways to improve practices for future campaigns.”
Season overview and weather conditions
Belkacem Boulouha of UM6P presented the specifics of the 2024-2025 agricultural season and its impact on olive production. “The 2025 season closely resembled the previous two years,” he said.
“We began with favorable rainfall during the flowering stage, and temperatures were generally moderate, which supported healthy growth. However, dry conditions during the fruit development period affected yields in several regions. Fortunately, late November rains helped prevent significant losses.”
Boulouha pointed to the role of chill hours, a critical factor in olive flowering. “In 2021, we recorded 558 hours of cold temperature, which contributed to strong production. In 2024, this figure dropped to 452 hours, partly explaining the lower yields in some regions,” he said.
He also noted that production varied even between neighboring farms, demonstrating that other factors, such as soil, microclimate, and cultivation techniques, play a crucial role.
He shared practical advice for farmers: “By monitoring temperatures, rainfall, and pruning schedules, and by applying proper irrigation techniques, farmers can reduce the risk of yield loss and maintain olive quality.”
The total production for the 2024-2025 season reached approximately 2,000 tons.
Research, quality, and market considerations
Abderaouf El Antari from the National Institute for Agricultural Research (INRA) discussed ongoing research and development in Moroccan olive cultivation.
“Globally, the olive and olive oil sectors continue to grow, encouraging both production and export,” he said.
“Locally, more producers are focusing on high-quality oils, which meet market demands and provide health benefits.”
El Antari emphasized that achieving high-quality production requires attention to multiple factors: soil quality, climate, olive varieties, and farming practices.
“Producers need to align cultivation techniques with market expectations. Only then can Moroccan olive oil remain competitive and meet both local and international standards,” he said.
He also mentioned safety and quality control: “Every stage of production, from planting to extraction, must be carefully managed. Selecting suitable production regions and monitoring environmental conditions are essential to ensure premium quality oil.”
Fertilization and sustainable practices
Sustainable fertilization emerged as a key topic during the conference. Hakim Boulal, Senior Scientist and Regional Coordinator for North Africa at APNI, presented the 4R approach, which encourages applying the right nutrient source, at the right rate, at the right time, and in the right place.
“This method allows farmers to improve productivity while preserving natural resources,” he explained.
Al Moutmir also offers user-friendly technological tools and capacity-building programs for rural women, cooperatives, and young leaders.
Its approach ensures that scientific research translates into practical, accessible, and adaptive solutions across Morocco’s olive-growing regions.
Through applied research, demonstration platforms, and training programs, Al Moutmir initiative continues to support sustainable olive cultivation, helping Morocco’s farmers meet both environmental and market challenges.
