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Revamping the Marketing System: A Cornerstone for Stabilizing Agricultural Prices
The government asserts that reforming the marketing system is a central entry point for stabilizing agricultural prices, alongside accelerating the organization and modernization of wholesale markets while reducing intermediate links. This effort is parallel to measures aimed at supporting feed and regulating production costs.
During a question-and-answer session in the House of Representatives, Ahmed Bouari, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Rural Development, and Water and Forests, emphasized that reforming the marketing system is a fundamental pillar for ensuring price stability and fairness for both farmers and consumers. He revealed that there is collaborative work involving the Ministries of Interior, Agriculture, Industry, and Trade to modernize wholesale markets in Morocco.
In response to a query about rising meat and vegetable prices, the minister explained that a joint government committee, comprising members from the Interior, Agriculture, Rural Development, Industry, and Trade ministries, is working on drafting a new law to modernize wholesale markets.
Bouari attributed the recent spike in certain vegetable prices to temporary factors, primarily challenges in harvesting and accessing fields due to recent rainfall, which has temporarily affected transportation and market supply.
He also announced the launch of a comprehensive reform vision aimed at modernizing wholesale markets, slaughterhouses, and marketing structures through partnerships with relevant sectors, local authorities, and the private sector. This will focus on transparency and reducing intermediaries by improving management practices and implementing a more transparent system for market access, allowing farmers to sell directly and limiting price hikes.
Regarding feed, the minister noted that its costs account for about 70% of the production costs for red meat and milk, with a significant stabilization in feed prices observed in 2025 compared to 2024, except for hay, which saw a 12% increase due to consecutive years of drought and decreased domestic production. He pointed to a decrease in imported feed prices, such as soy and corn, ranging from 14% to 27%.
He recalled the direct support measures aimed at facilitating farmers’ access to feed through exceptional programs to counter the impacts of drought and rising global prices, alongside launching a program to reshape livestock herds and support feed purchases while preserving female sheep and goats intended for breeding, ensuring the sustainability of the national herd. A decline in feed prices is anticipated in the upcoming period due to improved pastures and reduced demand.
Concerning fertilizers, the minister confirmed that they benefit from exemptions from customs duties and value-added tax, while noting pressures related to fluctuations in international markets and the costs of components, particularly fully imported nitrogen fertilizers. In contrast, he indicated that the national market has been supplied with approximately 650,000 tons of phosphatic fertilizers this season, covering national needs while maintaining the same price levels compared to the previous season, with regular monitoring of supply, rational usage, and improving distribution services, highlighting a decrease in international prices compared to the peaks of 2022-2023.
