To ensure a stable supply of red meat, the government has suspended import duties and VAT on fresh and chilled meats.

The red meat market in Morocco is facing serious challenges due to the decline in national livestock, caused by consecutive years of drought and rising feed prices, Minister of Agriculture Ahmed El Bouari said on Tuesday at the Chamber of Councillors.

To address the crisis, El Bouari outlined a two-pronged approach: ensuring a steady market supply and restructuring the national herd. 

The government has implemented measures, including suspending import duties and VAT on cattle and sheep and banning the slaughter of breeding female cattle to protect livestock numbers. 

These actions, along with the import of over 120,000 cattle and 800,000 sheep, have helped alleviate pressure on local herds. 

The restructuring efforts also include continued support for affordable feed, such as barley and compound feeds, to reduce production costs.

El Bouari also noted the ongoing vaccination and health campaigns targeting livestock diseases, with more than 19 million sheep and goats, as well as 1.4 million cattle, vaccinated in 2024. 

To ensure a stable supply of red meat, the government has suspended import duties and VAT on fresh and chilled meats. 

He explained that imported meats are processed in certified slaughterhouses under strict veterinary inspections, with the National Office for Food Safety (ONSSA) enforcing high standards. 

To ensure the safety and quality of imported meat, ONSSA has set strict requirements, including the provision of health and halal slaughter certificates from authorized authorities in the countries of origin. Importers must also use ONSSA-approved storage facilities to maintain the integrity of the products.

Additionally, the ministry is working to enhance local breeds such as Sardi, Beni Guil, D’man, and Timahdite, aiming to improve both meat and milk production and support the long-term sustainability of the sector.

In November, the Government Council, led by Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch, met to discuss key legislative and economic issues, including measures to stabilize Morocco’s red meat market. 

The council approved draft decree No. 2.24.1050, which revises previous decrees No. 2.24.064 (ratified January 25, 2024) and No. 2.24.962 (ratified October 18, 2024). This revision includes an expansion of import quotas and extension of the suspension of import duties on domestic cattle and sheep. 

The initiative, presented by El Bouari on behalf of Minister Delegate for the Budget Fouzi Lekjaa, builds on earlier efforts to exempt these livestock imports from customs duties and value-added tax.

Source - https://www.moroccoworldnews.com