Morocco has earmarked 11 billion dirhams ($ 1.22 billion) to support small farmers in a bid to rebuild the country’s livestock herd through 2026, agriculture minister Ahmed El Bouari said.
Speaking at a joint press conference with the government spokesperson, El Bouari explained that under the program financial aid will be provided for the purchase of animal feed and the preservation of breeding females.
The support will be distributed equitably, with individual allocations calculated based on the number of livestock registered and tagged per beneficiary.
The plan also includes measures to reduce farmers’ debt burdens, conduct nationwide vaccination campaigns, and provide ongoing technical support, he said.
“90% of sheep and goat farmers own fewer than 50 animals, and 74% have herds of fewer than 20,” he said, underscoring the program’s focus on vulnerable producers.
In addition to direct aid, the government has introduced fiscal adjustments to stabilize the market.
These measures include the suspension of customs duties and VAT on the import of sheep, goats, and powdered milk, while exemptions for cattle imports remain in place to support the gradual recovery of this strategic herd.
To further bolster supply, the government adopted a decree raising the import quota for cattle intended for slaughter to 300,000 head by the end of the year. This measure is designed to ensure market availability and protect consumer purchasing power.
The announcement follows the latest national livestock census, conducted between June 26 and August 11, which recorded 32.8 million animals. However, the survey revealed a concerning 30% decline in the number of cattle and camels.
