On May 10, 2024, the Moroccan market opened for U.S. seed potatoes, creating new export opportunities for American growers[1][2]. Morocco relies on imports of seed potatoes to support its well-organized potato production structure, with imports reaching a five-year high of 60,000 tonnes in the 2022/23 season[3].
The U.S. is expected to begin exporting seed potato varieties suitable for Morocco's warm climate and resistant to common potato diseases[4]. This development comes as Morocco's ware potato exports have declined in recent years, reaching a five-year low in 2022/23 due to drought and other factors[5].
Citations:
[1] https://apps.fas.usda.gov/newgainapi/api/Report/DownloadReportByFileName?fileName=New+Export+Opportunities+for+US+Seed+Potatoes_Rabat_Morocco_MO2024-0007.pdf
[2] https://www.publicnow.com/view/91D5A43D79C3A0A89E48AA476D3D8186446765E7
[3] https://east-fruit.com/en/trending/seed-potato-imports-reach-at-least-five-year-high-in-morocco/
[4] https://www.potatobusiness.com/storage/potatoes-usa-to-export-seeds-in-warm-climates/
[5] https://east-fruit.com/en/trending/moroccan-exports-of-ware-potatoes-reach-5-year-low/