The government supports the export of Moroccan citrus fruits with a subsidy of 1,000 dirhams per ton until 2028.
A joint decision was published in the latest issue of the official gazette by the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Rural Development, Water and Forests, and the Minister of Finance responsible for the budget, outlining the mechanisms and amount of financial support the state will provide to boost and develop the export of fresh Moroccan citrus.
According to this decision, Moroccan exporters of fresh citrus fruits will receive a financial subsidy of 1,000 dirhams per ton exported to European Union countries, the United Kingdom, Iceland, Norway, and Switzerland. This support excludes the “Nadorcott mandarin” variety.
The aim of this measure is to enhance the competitiveness of Moroccan products in these strategically important markets. The decision sets a total financial framework for export support over five consecutive export seasons, extending from 2024 to 2028.
The maximum eligible subsidy is set at 65 million dirhams for the 2024 season, 90 million dirhams for the 2025 season, and 120 million dirhams for both the 2026 and 2027 seasons, reaching 125 million dirhams for the 2028 season. The decision also states that these amounts are subject to review depending on the volume of exports achieved in each season.
The ministerial decision clarified the calculation mechanism for the subsidy for each exporting packing unit. If the total declared cost is less than or equal to the maximum eligible cost, the subsidy will equal the total quantity exported by the unit multiplied by the specified support amount (1,000 dirhams per ton).
If the declared cost exceeds the maximum eligible cost, each packing unit’s share of the maximum cost will be calculated based on its export percentage of the total exports.
To benefit from the support, approved packing units must submit applications to the relevant departments of the Ministry of Agriculture (regional directorates or regional offices for agricultural investment), accompanied by a dated and signed receipt and a specified model.
The application file includes a set of identification and commercial documents, such as copies of national identification cards or their equivalents, the company articles of association, assembly meeting minutes, documents for the legal representative, export certificates certified by the independent institution for export control and coordination, invoices for exported quantities, export control accreditation, and a bank identification number.
The decision sets a deadline of six months from the end of the export season to submit subsidy applications, with the possibility of extending this period for an additional three months in exceptional cases. It also established clear mechanisms for processing applications and appeals in the event of rejection, requiring relevant departments to notify applicants of any comments or justified rejections.
