Access to US berry varieties expand Morocco’s production and export potential

	Access to US berry varieties expand Morocco’s production and export potential

In an attempt to diversify Moroccan products in international markets and to help farmers take advantage of berries’ very high export prices, USAID has introduced new and well-adapted berry varieties imported from the U.S. After successful trials growing these new varieties, Morocco has proven its ability to support diversified berry production. As a result, Moroccan farmers will benefit directly from increased domestic and international investment, an alternative to the competitive strawberry market, higher returns on crops, and increased jobs, particularly for women. 

Although strawberry cultivation in Morocco has expanded rapidly in the last decade, from 10 tons in 1997 to 110,000 tons in 2006, Moroccan producers have faced growing international competition in the strawberry market, mainly for frozen strawberries. Without access to alternative berry varieties well-suited to Morocco’s climate, strawberry producers have been unable to diversify their berry production in response to strawberries’ growing competitiveness.

Addressing this dilemma, USAID imported 8,000 new heat-resistant berry plants from the U.S. and conducted field trials of 3 blueberry, 3 raspberry, and 2 blackberry varieties. With the success of these trials, USAID and local farmers have proven to domestic and international investors that Morocco has outstanding market opportunities in berry production, beyond that of strawberries. In fact, Moroccan berry producers have since independently ordered 24,000 additional berry plants to expand their new crops. Additionally, USAID has helped berry producers take advantage of these new varieties by providing technical assistance, training on best production practices, professional organization, and economic analyses of international market opportunities.