After seven years of drought, abundant rainfall is driving a strong recovery in Morocco's aromatic and medicinal plant sector, particularly for wild varieties. Growers are now expressing strong expectations for the season, following two difficult years marked by shortages, high prices, and declining quality. DR ‹ › After seven years of drought and recent shortages, this year's abundant rainfall is driving a strong recovery in aromatic and medicinal plant sector. Growers and exporters are gearing up for a positive season, reporting a marked improvement, particularly for wild varieties. «For wild aromatic plants, this season has been exceptional, thanks to the abundant rainfall recorded this winter after seven years of drought», said Karim Belkheir Goutr, CEO of 4 Seasons Mediterranean Aromas. He explains that the sector is divided between cultivated plants and spontaneous, or wild, varieties. While cultivated crops have been affected in some regions by excess rainfall, wild plants have largely benefited from the improved conditions. «In the Gharb, for example, floods and excess water have negatively affected farms», he noted. By contrast, wild aromatic plants have made a strong comeback, particularly in «mountainous areas such as the Atlas and the Rif, as well as in the plains». Among the main species are rosemary, thyme, pennyroyal mint, and oakmoss. «Morocco is the world's leading producer of wild rosemary, with around one million hectares, making it also a major exporter», he added. Rosemary is mainly found in the Oriental plains, including Talsint and Guercif, as well as in the Taza region and Midelt. This recovery is echoed by Mehdi Benchekroun, who runs a 10-hectare farm where he cultivates rosemary and sources from cooperatives that harvest wild aromatic plants. «This year has been exceptional in terms of rainfall and snowfall, especially in the mountainous regions of the country, where most of these wild plants grow», he said, adding that «we expect a good season». Shortages, High Prices, and Declining Quality These expectations come after two particularly difficult seasons, marked by lower supply, reduced quality, and high prices. «Over the past two years, the sector has suffered from severe drought, which led to shortages of aromatic plants», he explained. Prices also surged, particularly for «raw materials such as rosemary and thyme», making Moroccan products less competitive on international markets. To protect these resources, the number of cooperatives authorized to harvest wild plants on state-managed lands was limited, in a bid to safeguard this national heritage, Benchekroun noted. Access to these resources is granted through auctions organized by the National Water and Forestry Agency. The impact was also felt on export markets, where Morocco holds a strong position. «Last year, many foreign clients, including Chinese buyers, came to Morocco to source these plants», Benchekroun said. However, shortages were compounded by quality issues: «Not only was supply limited, especially from cooperatives, but quality was also not always up to standard». This situation pushed prices higher, though they are now beginning to ease with the improved season. «Thyme, which had reached exceptionally high prices, is now more available, as is wormwood», he added. «This is shaping up to be a good season». If current conditions hold, the sector could return to normal supply levels as early as June, with the next harvest cycle expected in May. Beyond the seasonal rebound, aromatic and medicinal plants remain a strategic sector for Morocco, supplying key industries such as pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and food processing. With improved availability and easing prices, the current recovery could help restore the Kingdom's competitiveness on international markets in the months ahead.
