HIBAPRESS – Yassine Ben Rmadan
With the olive harvesting and marketing season of 2026 approaching in the Jerada province, over 140 olive trade merchants and professionals in Jerada have submitted a petition to the province's governor, appealing for his intervention to allow them to continue operating their shops during the season until the new market designated for this activity is prepared and equipped.
The petitioners clarified that they do not object to the organization of the olive trade or the establishment of a dedicated and equipped market for this activity. However, they consider that the proposed market, in its current state, does not possess the necessary conditions to accommodate the commercial activity that the sector experiences during the season.
The merchants indicated that the market is located far from their usual place of activity, and it is uncovered with a dirt floor, which could expose the product to sunlight and dust. Furthermore, it presents difficulties for trucks to access and for loading and unloading operations, especially during periods of rainfall.
The signatories also highlighted the absence of several facilities and amenities that they deem essential, including lighting, water, sanitary facilities, and suitable spaces for loading and unloading, in addition to appropriate places for overnight stays and accommodation for merchants and professionals who are forced to remain on site during the season.
The merchants warned that moving their activity to an unprepared space during the peak period could result in financial losses that are difficult to recover, given the significant investments associated with the olive trade and the nature of this seasonal activity.
The petitioners requested permission to operate their shops during the 2026 season, pending the completion of the preparation of the new market and the provision of the necessary conditions to make it a suitable space for receiving merchants, farmers, and professionals.
They also called for a field inspection of the market to assess its current condition and its suitability for accommodating the commercial activity related to the olive season, emphasizing their readiness to move to it once it is fully equipped.
On the other hand, the signatories affirmed their commitment to respecting future regulations that will be adopted, stressing that their request is limited to not implementing the ban decision during the 2026 season until the alternative is ready, which would ensure the continuity of the activity and at the same time preserve the organization of the sector.
The head of the communal council of Huwara Oulad Rahou had issued a decision prohibiting the exploitation of shops belonging to the commune and designated for the olive trade, including buying, selling, storage, loading, and unloading activities. This decision comes within the framework of organizing the commercial activity related to the season, while the professionals are demanding its postponement until a suitable alternative market is provided that meets, according to them, the necessary requirements.
