Following the disruptions caused by the coronavirus pandemic in agricultural production in Spain, Italy and Portugal, European shoppers are rushing to buy Moroccan fruits and vegetables, which have become hot commodities. Spanish agricultural sector is currently operating at 10 pc of its capacity, while Italy and Portugal are almost at a standstill. This explains the high demand for Moroccan agricultural produce, especially oranges and mandarins. Morocco’s agricultural sector contributes 19 pc to the national GDP and employs over 4 million people including about 100,000 in agro-industry. It supports the income of 80 pc of the 14 million rural people who work in the agricultural sector, which has suffered from low investment and low productivity.

Source: The North Africa Journal March 24, 2020 12:45 UTC