The weather, marked by intense rainfall and strong winds, has become one of the main challenges facing blueberry growers in Morocco.

This was stated to Blueberries News by Nabil Belmkaddem, General Manager of BestBerry Cooperative, an organization that currently manages more than 200 hectares of strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries.

“Unfortunately, the current season has been unusual in terms of weather conditions. We have experienced two months of rain and wind in northern Morocco, which has caused significant damage to some farming operations. Once the wind tears off the plastic covering, the crops are left unprotected, and some farms have lost up to 80% of their production,” he explains.

Overall, the impact is already evident in production volumes. “Regarding berry production, the current season is well below a normal campaign. So far, we estimate a 30% drop in output,” he adds.

Productive Strategy and Season Outlook

BestBerry cultiva distintos tipos de berries y, en las últimas tres temporadas, ha invertido en el desarrollo de la variedad Sekoya Pop ® ‘FCM14-052’. Las plantas se obtienen a través de la cooperativa estadounidense North Bay, y también trabajan con variedades del programa Collection® de Fall Creek®.

Según Belmkaddem, la producción se realiza tanto en macetas de 30 litros como en suelo, dependiendo de los requerimientos específicos de cada zona. Operan en el norte de Marruecos —en las provincias de Kenitra y Larache— y en la zona de Agadir. Además, mantienen conversaciones con agricultores de la región del Atlas para avanzar en la producción de variedades de alto requerimiento de frío.

La proyección para la temporada 2025-2026 es de 1.500 toneladas de arándanos, con un periodo de cosecha que se extiende entre enero y mayo. La producción es convencional y se desarrolla tanto en túneles como en invernaderos.

New Weather Alert: Snow, Storms, and Strong Winds

The General Directorate of Meteorology issued a weather alert this week warning of adverse conditions that will affect several regions of the country from Monday through Thursday. Snowfall, storms with possible hail, heavy rainfall, strong winds, and a significant drop in temperatures are forecast.

The agency expects snowfall starting at 1,400 meters above sea level. The provinces of Taroudant, Al Haouz, Azilal, and Ouarzazate could see snow accumulations of between 25 and 35 cm, while Midelt, Beni Mellal, Ifrane, Khénifra, Boulemane, Chichaoua, and Tinghir could receive between 15 and 25 cm, from midnight Tuesday until 6:00 a.m. on Thursday.

Thunderstorms accompanied by hail are also forecast, with rainfall between 30 and 40 mm in provinces such as Al Hoceima, Sefrou, Fez, Moulay Yacoub, Taounate, Meknes, El Hajeb, Ifrane, Sidi Kacem, Sidi Slimane, Khémisset, and Khénifra.

In other areas, including Essaouira, Safi, Tiznit, Taroudant, Inezgane Ait Melloul, Chtouka Ait Baha, Agadir, Ida Ou Tanane, and Sidi Ifni, rainfall between 25 and 35 mm is expected. In M’diq-Fnideq, Tetouan, Chefchaouen, Fahs-Anjra, and Tangier-Asilah, precipitation could reach between 40 and 60 mm.

The Directorate also warns of winds ranging from 75 to 85 km/h, accompanied by dust, affecting provinces such as Tiznit, Ouarzazate, Zagora, Errachidia, Midelt, Boulemane, Figuig, and Jerada.

Finally, freezing conditions are expected on Wednesday, with temperatures ranging between -3°C and -9°C in provinces including Beni Mellal, Azilal, Al Haouz, Tinghir, Midelt, and Ouarzazate.

Preventive Management in the Face of Greater Climate Variability

In light of this scenario, Consultora Agrícola y Comercial Santa María (CASM Blueberries) recommends that growers continuously monitor weather conditions and work closely with their technical advisors.

Specialists emphasize that proactive management—based on up-to-date climate information and timely agronomic decisions—is key to:

  • Protect fruit quality.
  • Safeguard the productive potential of the orchards.
  • Minimize potential economic losses.