Morocco to Build 8-Million-Quintal Wheat Reserve to Secure Food Supply
Morocco plans to build a strategic reserve of 8 million quintals of locally produced soft wheat, doubling coverage from three to six months. The government will offer storage subsidies, support domestic wheat purchases, suspend import duties temporarily and strengthen food security amid improving harvests after years of drought.
Rabat – Morocco is taking new steps to strengthen its food security by building a larger strategic reserve of soft wheat, Agriculture Minister Ahmed El Bouari announced on Tuesday before the House of Councillors.
The new approach aims to move beyond short-term supply management and establish a sustainable reserve capable of protecting the country from international market disruptions and unpredictable weather conditions.
Under the plan, Morocco will encourage the creation of a strategic stockpile of 8 million quintals of locally produced soft wheat. This reserve would allow the country to cover national needs for up to six months, compared to the current three-month coverage period.
For the first time, the government will introduce a storage subsidy for local wheat. Farmers and operators who keep domestically produced soft wheat in storage will receive MAD 3 per quintal every two weeks. Authorities hope this incentive will encourage the private sector to participate in building the strategic reserve.
Speaking during the weekly oral question session, El Bouari described the initiative as an important step toward strengthening Morocco’s food sovereignty. He said the policy reflects a shift from managing immediate supply needs to adopting a long-term strategy based on strategic reserves.
The minister also outlined measures to support the marketing of the national wheat harvest. The reference purchase price for locally produced soft wheat meeting quality standards has been set at MAD 280 per quintal for industrial mills.
In addition, the government has suspended customs duties on soft wheat imports during June and July 2026. The measure is intended to maintain market stability and ensure sufficient supplies while continuing to support local production.
To further facilitate the marketing of domestic wheat, the government and industry professionals have signed an agreement requiring the collection of between 15 million and 20 million quintals of national soft wheat production. The move is expected to help absorb a significant share of the harvest and direct it toward meeting domestic demand.
The measures come as Morocco expects one of its strongest agricultural seasons in years following improved rainfall conditions. The country’s total grain harvest is projected to reach nearly 90 million quintals this year, El Bouari revealed in April.
The minister added that the strong harvest, along with improved performance in other agricultural activities, is expected to boost agricultural GDP by 15% in 2026.
After seven consecutive years of drought, Morocco witnessed unusually intense rainfall this winter season, which helped raise dam levels across the country.
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Source : Morocco World News
