Rabat – Morocco’s aromatic and medicinal plants industry is entering a period of recovery after suffering through seven consecutive years of drought, which had severely impacted production and supply.
While recent rainfall has helped restore many plant species, the sector continues to face challenges linked to extreme weather conditions, Fresh Plaza reported.
The prolonged drought caused sharp increases in prices in 2025 and led to shortages of several key plants. Some species nearly disappeared from the market at the peak of the crisis, disrupting supply chains for international markets as well as pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and food industries.
Prices at production level rose significantly, with mint increasing by 200%, verbena by 150%, and rose by 40 to 50%. Other plants, such as oak moss and common ivy, temporarily vanished from circulation.
According to Karim Belkheir Goutr, CEO of 4 Seasons Mediterranean Aromas, the situation has recently improved thanks to strong rainfall and snowfall during the latest winter season.
“Most wild plants have regenerated and will now be available in large quantities,” he told Fresh Plaza. This includes species such as royal mint, Ammi visnaga, wild thyme, oak moss, and wild rosemary. While wild plants have responded quickly to improved conditions, cultivated crops may take longer to fully recover.
Morocco’s recent winter saw much-needed precipitation after years of water scarcity. Heavy rains and snowfall, particularly in mountainous regions, helped replenish water reserves, improve soil moisture, and support natural vegetation growth.
Read also: Minister: Morocco’s Recent Rain Ends Seven Years of Drought
This has been a positive development for both aromatic plants and also for the broader agricultural sector, which has been under pressure due to declining rainfall and rising temperatures in recent years.
However, the return of rain has not been without consequences. In some regions, especially Ksar El Kebir, flooding caused damage to crops and agricultural infrastructure. This area, known for its mint production, experienced significant losses, as did coriander farms in the Gharb region.
Flooded fields and damaged greenhouses disrupted both production and export operations, with adverse weather conditions also affecting port activities.
Despite these setbacks, industry professionals are optimistic. Goutr said that the effects of flooding are less severe in the long term compared to drought. “After floods, we remain confident,” he explained, noting that recovery is usually faster once conditions stabilize.
The upcoming greenhouse production campaign, which began in March, is expected to bring higher yields and signal a strong recovery for the sector. Naturally regenerated plants are likely to play a key role in this rebound. For example, rosemary alone covers an estimated one million hectares, and its harvesting and sale, managed through auctions by the National Agency for Water and Forests, are expected to resume in May.
