CountriesAfrica & MEMorocco
Country dossier · #30 world producer
Morocco
Output up 22% in 2024 to its highest since 2010 in FAOSTAT; seed is imported
- 2.19 MtProduction · FAOSTAT 2024
- #30World rank · FAOSTAT 2024
- 2.19 MtPeak 2018–24 · 2024
- +17.4%Change since 2018 · FAOSTAT
Production, 2018–2024
Million tonnes · FAOSTAT QCLSource: FAOSTAT QCL, item 116 (potatoes). World rank computed from the same 2024 series.
Morocco Potato Industry: A Record 2.19 Million Tonnes, on Imported Seed
Morocco's potato output rose 22 percent in 2024 to 2.19 million tonnes, the highest in the 2010 to 2024 series, on 17 percent more area. It buys more than $42 million of seed a year and is opening to US varieties.
- Production (FAOSTAT 2024): 2.19 million tonnes
- Area harvested (2024): 66,932 ha
- Yield (2024): 32.8 t/ha
- Change vs 2023: +21.8%
- Food supply (FAOSTAT 2023): 41 kg per person
- Seed imports (2023): More than $42M
Morocco produced 2.19 million tonnes of potatoes in 2024 (FAOSTAT), ranking 30th in the world, from 66,932 hectares at 32.8 tonnes per hectare. Output is up 37 percent on 2010 and 22 percent on 2023. Seed is imported, mainly from the Netherlands, Denmark, France and the UK, to a value above $42 million in 2023.
In this article (5 sections)▾
How much does Morocco produce?
FAOSTAT's 2024 figure is 2.19 million tonnes from 66,932 hectares at 32.8 t/ha.
- Production 2010: 1.60 Mt
- Production 2019: 1.96 Mt
- Production 2023: 1.80 Mt
- Production 2024: 2.19 Mt
| Year | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mt | 1.87 | 1.96 | 1.71 | 1.64 | 1.77 | 1.80 | 2.19 |
| YoY | — | +4.7% | -12.8% | -3.8% | +7.7% | +1.9% | +21.8% |
Production grew by 37 percent between 2010 and 2024, and the 2024 jump came from area (57,096 to 66,932 hectares, up 17 percent) more than yield (31.6 to 32.8 t/ha). Yield was about 10 t/ha in 1961 and above 26 t/ha by 2006 (CIP and FAO). Potato was Morocco's third biggest crop by weight after sugar beet and wheat in the mid-2000s, and second only to tomatoes among exported vegetables. CIP places production along the Atlantic coast near Casablanca; a full regional breakdown was not found in the sources reviewed.
Source: FAOSTAT (QCL production series, trade matrix, food balance sheets). Historical: CIP and FAO, Potato World (2008).
What does Morocco eat, import and export?
Food supply was 41 kg per person in 2023. In 2023 and 2024 fresh imports exceeded exports.
Exports swing sharply: 89,600 tonnes in 2019, 1,400 in 2023 and 24,900 in 2024. Over 40,000 tonnes were shipped to Europe in 2005 (CIP). Food supply per person was 42 kg in 2007 and 41 kg in 2023, so consumption has been steady.
| FAOSTAT measure | 2019 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fresh exports (tonnes) | 89,600 | 1,400 | 24,900 |
| Export value | $24.2M | $0.7M | $8.6M |
| Fresh imports (tonnes) | 37,900 | 60,800 | 63,800 |
| Import value | $25.4M | $45.2M | $65.2M |
Source: FAOSTAT (QCL production series, trade matrix, food balance sheets).
How does Morocco's seed system work?
Morocco imported more than $42 million of seed potatoes in 2023.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Main seed suppliers | Netherlands, Denmark, France, UK |
| US market | Opened May 2024; five US varieties registered: Atlantic, Chieftain, Cal White, Ranger Russet, Clearwater Russet |
| Regulator | ONSSA (national food safety authority); regional DCQ issues conformity certificates |
| Technical rule | Order 622-11 of 2011 on production, control, packaging and certification of potato plants |
Source: USDA FAS GAIN, New Export Opportunities for US Seed Potatoes (Rabat, MO2024-0007); ONSSA.
What about processing and varieties?
The food-processing industry wants chip and fry varieties that the US registrations now allow.
USDA FAS reports that processors are seeking the registered US varieties for chip and fries production. Spunta, a Dutch early variety, is described as significant in North African countries that trade with Spain (MAPA; FAOSTAT). A published list of Morocco's main commercial varieties and processing volumes was not found in the sources reviewed, so none is given.
Source: USDA FAS Morocco, Opportunities for US Agricultural Products.
What challenges does Morocco face?
Three show up in the data: seed import dependence, volatile exports and irrigation.
Seed is bought abroad each year, and registrations of new varieties go through ONSSA. Exports fell from 89,600 tonnes in 2019 to 1,400 in 2023. Production relies on irrigation: across Africa irrigation is limited except in Egypt, Morocco and South Africa (Potatopedia Africa summary, CIP and FAO sources).
Source: FAOSTAT (QCL production series, trade matrix, food balance sheets).
Frequently Asked Questions
How much potato does Morocco produce?+
Morocco produced 2.19 million tonnes in 2024 from 66,932 hectares, a yield of 32.8 tonnes per hectare (FAOSTAT), up 22 percent on 2023.
Does Morocco import seed potatoes?+
Yes. Morocco imported more than $42 million of seed potatoes in 2023, mainly from the Netherlands, Denmark, France and the UK (USDA FAS).
Can US seed potatoes be exported to Morocco?+
The market opened in May 2024, with five US varieties registered for import: Atlantic, Chieftain, Cal White, Ranger Russet and Clearwater Russet (USDA FAS).
How much potato do Moroccans eat?+
About 41 kg per person in 2023 (FAOSTAT food balance sheets).
Regional context
Continue Reading
Further reading
Deeper Potatopedia references on seed systems, processing, varieties, and global potato production.