Morocco to import sheep from Australia

Morocco is planning to meet its needs of red meat by importing sheep from Australia, spokesman for the Moroccan government Mustapha Baitas said.

Baitas confirmed the news according to which Morocco could import up to 100,000 sheep, ahead of the Eid Al Adha.

A Moroccan agriculture and food safety delegation has been to Australia to sign the deal which comes at a context where Morocco’s sheep herd has decreased due to consecutive droughts.

Morocco’s cattle and sheep herd dropped by 38% compared to 2016, due to lack of pasture amid a lack of rainfall.

Two days ago, Australian Livestock Exporters’ Council chief executive officer Mark Harvey-Sutton said he expected the first shipment within months.

“I think we would be hoping that a shipment can occur as soon as possible,” he told specialized website, Sheepcentral.com .