Morocco Responds to Declining Livestock Numbers by Suspending Import Duties and VAT on Red Meat
Morocco is facing a significant decrease in its livestock numbers due to ongoing drought and high feed prices, prompting the government to take decisive actions to ensure there's enough red meat for its people.
Morocco is facing a significant decrease in its livestock numbers due to ongoing drought and high feed prices, prompting the government to take decisive actions to ensure there's enough red meat for its people.
Immediate Solutions to Meat Shortage
To help with the meat shortage, the Moroccan government has removed import taxes and VAT on fresh and chilled meats. This step makes it cheaper to bring meat from other countries and helps keep meat affordable for Moroccan consumers.
Protecting the Livestock
The government has also put a stop to the slaughtering of breeding female cattle to help preserve the existing livestock. Additionally, Morocco is bringing in a large number of cattle and sheep from other countries—120,000 cattle and 800,000 sheep—to help rebuild the national herd.
Reducing Costs and Preventing Disease
Morocco is helping farmers by making animal feed like barley more affordable. They are also running large-scale vaccination drives, vaccinating over 19 million sheep and goats, and 1.4 million cattle in 2024 to prevent livestock diseases that could further reduce their numbers.
Ensuring Meat Quality and Safety
The government is strict about the quality and safety of both imported and local meat. Meat has to be processed in approved slaughterhouses under close watch, meeting high standards for health and proper handling as set by the National Office for Food Safety (ONSSA).
Improving Local Livestock
Apart from these immediate actions, the Ministry of Agriculture is also working on improving local breeds of livestock like Sardi and Beni Guil, aiming to increase meat and milk production and ensure the long-term success of the farming sector.
Supporting Policies
The government's actions are supported by new policies that include adjustments to previous laws to help manage the import and care of livestock better. These policies are part of broader efforts to provide stability and support to Morocco's agricultural sector.
Conclusion
Through these measures, Morocco is tackling the immediate challenges of meat shortages while also planning for a more stable and productive agricultural future. This approach shows a balanced effort to manage both today's needs and tomorrow's growth.