With the constant exclusion of active ingredients in crop protection products authorized in key markets, such as the European Union, growers around the world are forced to change their approach to farming operations. Ilyas Boutamart, commercial manager at Calimaroc, shares how the transition is happening in Morocco.
Boutamart states, "Many crops have been adversely impacted by recent restrictions on specific chemical control agents. Vegetables, such as tomatoes, peppers, and zucchinis, are particularly impacted due to their vulnerability to pests and diseases. The ban on several essential molecules has further compounded their challenges. The citrus sector also faces problems in managing insects like mealybugs, which are becoming more difficult to control. The impact is also being felt in non fresh products, such as cereals."
© Ilyas Boutamart, Calimaroc
According to a recent study by CropLife Morocco, this situation would result in "yield losses of 5 to 70%, quality losses, an increase in costs of 5 to 30%, and a drop in the profitability of agricultural production." Boutamart comments, "We are already seeing an increase in production costs of 15-30% in some sectors, due to the switch to alternative products that are often more expensive and require more farming operations."
These recent restrictions are encouraging the transition to biocontrol solutions, which were already an attractive alternative for growers, but whose adoption is fraught with obstacles. Boutamart explains: "Morocco is shifting towards sustainable agriculture as part of the government's Green Generation 2030 strategy. An increasing number of growers are opting for biological control solutions, driven by consumer demand, climate change, and recent regulations regarding authorized products. However, the transition is not without challenges, including increased costs, lower productivity, and a lack of training. However, growers recognize the necessity of transitioning to a hybrid model that integrates biological and chemical control methods, placing greater emphasis on the former.
According to Boutamart, some of the biological solutions that have so far proven popular with growers include: "In underground crops, there is a demand for useful macro-organisms such as Phytoseiulus persimilis to combat red spider mites. The utilization of biopesticides, such as those derived from Bacillus thuringiensis or fungi like Beauveria bassiana, has witnessed an increase in applications against a diverse number of pests. Plant Defense Stimulators (PDS), which are plant extracts or microorganisms, are also in use by Moroccan growers to help plants boost their natural immunity."
© Ilyas Boutamart, Calimaroc
According to Boutamart, "Biocontrol solutions are showing positive outcomes in Morocco, However, their effectiveness is conditional on a preventive approach and changes in agricultural practices."
In terms of commodity chains, three crops stand out for their advanced and successful transition to biological control alternatives, according to Mr. Boutamart. "These are soft fruits (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries), whose dependence on the European market, where chemical residues are tightly controlled, is an incentive for the adoption of natural predators and biopesticides; greenhouse crops (tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers), which have successfully integrated auxiliary insects to control pests; and citrus, where biocontrol against mealybugs and whiteflies has been developed.
"Morocco is well-positioned to emerge as a regional leader in sustainable agriculture. However, there is still progress to be made in terms of new regulations, research and development that considers local conditions and support to growers in the form of subsidies and training. The main challenge is reaching the appropriate balance between competitive production and environmentally friendly agricultural practices," Boutamart concludes.
For more information:
Ilyas Boutamart
Calimaroc
Email: i.boutamart@edu.umi.ac.ma
www.calimaroc.com
www.linkedin.com/in/ilyas-boutamart-6a252a223