Shortage of tomatoes results from unusual climatic conditions in Morocco.

Concerned by the media development of the shortage of tomatoes on the British market, APEFEL and AMCOM, associations representing Moroccan producers and exporters, published a press release which specifies that the main reason is the fluctuation of unusual temperatures.

 

Since the beginning of the tomato growing season, Morocco has experienced very unusual climatic conditions: abnormally high temperatures (30°C instead of 22-25°C), over several periods between September and December, which have exhausted the plants then from January a cold spell which reduced the yield and greatly slowed down the ripening of the tomatoes. This has caused a drop in daily harvests and a drop in the activity of packing stations, affecting the supply of the Moroccan national market as well as foreign markets.

 

This situation is temporary and cyclical, say APEFEL and AMCOM, who stress that Moroccan professionals are closely monitoring the situation and will manage the balance between national needs and the commitments of producers abroad. APEFEL and AMCOM remain optimistic for the coming weeks, milder temperatures and increased production will allow a return to a normal situation.