Morocco Expects Record Date Production for 2026-2027 Season

Morocco expects to produce a record 177,000 tons of dates during the 2026-2027 agricultural season, marking an 11% increase from the previous year. This projection was announced at the opening of the 15th International Date Palm Conference in Arfoud, Morocco, on Wednesday.

The anticipated production is the highest ever recorded in the country, driven by improved climatic conditions and the entry of newly planted areas into the production phase. The Drâa-Tafilalet region leads national date production, contributing 83% of the total output, followed by Souss-Massa and Oriental regions, each contributing 7.5%.

The Drâa-Tafilalet region's date palm plantations cover approximately 56,000 hectares, with over 6.49 million date palms and more than 225 varieties. The region exported 1,510 tons of dates in 2026. The conference, held under the theme 'Date Palm and Innovation: Opportunities for Integrated Development,' was inaugurated by King Mohammed VI and attended by government officials, elected representatives, and industry stakeholders.

The event, organized by the International Date Palm Conference Association with support from the National Agency for the Development of Oasis and Argan Tree Regions, spans 40,000 square meters and features over 230 exhibitors from Morocco and abroad. More than 100,000 visitors are expected to attend. The conference includes eight thematic areas covering producing regions, institutions, international participation, agricultural inputs, machinery, hospitality, local products, and livestock.

The conference focuses on innovation and modernization of the date palm sector, improving agricultural practices, sustainable resource management, and enhancing the value of dates. The date palm sector contributes over 3 billion dirhams in added value, provides more than 3.4 million workdays annually, and accounts for 60% of the income of oasis families. It also supports the fight against rural migration, desertification, and the preservation of oasis heritage, aligning with Morocco's Green Generation 2020-2030 strategy.

During the conference, Khalid Hatimi, Minister of Agriculture, Maritime Fisheries, and Food Sovereignty, visited the Rissani region.