Rachid Benali, President of the Moroccan Confederation of Agriculture and Rural Development “Comader”, refuted what he described as “inaccurate claims” circulated by some political parties regarding the supposed benefit of only two farmers from public support directed towards tomato cultivation. He confirmed that the number of beneficiaries reached 3,849 farmers in 2023, according to official data.
In a similar tone, Benali expressed his rejection of what he considered political exploitation of agricultural issues, warning of the impact this trend has on the sector’s stability and the confidence of stakeholders. This statement was made during a press conference held by Comader this Thursday morning in Salé, aimed at discussing the challenges and stakes facing Moroccan agriculture amid ongoing drought and rapid economic changes.
Benali noted that farmers, especially small and medium-sized ones, are currently bearing the burden of a complex crisis marked by low rainfall, rising raw material prices, and financing issues. He added that blaming them for rising prices or market problems is largely unjust and ignores reality.
He pointed out that while public support is important, it only represents a limited percentage of the overall costs borne by farmers. He clarified that these subsidies are subject to strict criteria and institutional oversight, and their distribution is based on the type of activity and the level of investment without discrimination.
The Comader president also emphasized the need to stop “demonizing farmers,” asserting that political rhetoric directed against the sector sows doubt among producers and threatens the balances related to food security. He added that what is needed today is a collective mobilization to find practical solutions to crises instead of seeking a scapegoat in the simple farmer.
Benali called for a rational discussion surrounding agricultural policies, based on reliable numbers and data, arguing that the promotion of false information confuses public understanding and hinders efforts to advance the sector, which remains a cornerstone of the national economy and social balance in rural areas.
