Morocco signs agreement to import live sheep from Australia
MOROCCO – Morocco has signed a memorandum of understanding to begin importing live sheep from Australia, according to a statement released on January 15 by the Australian Livestock Exporters Council (ALEC).
The decision comes as Morocco works to address a significant decline in its livestock population caused by prolonged drought conditions over the past six years.
This initiative aims to rebuild the nation’s herd and support the local meat sector, which has struggled under the adverse climatic conditions.
Mark Harvey-Sutton, CEO of ALEC, emphasized the importance of the agreement, noting that Morocco’s Minister of Agriculture described the trade as essential for ensuring food security.
The impact of the ongoing drought has extended beyond sheep farming to cattle and goats, further straining Morocco’s agricultural sector.
In response, the country has increasingly relied on importing live animals.
Data from the Moroccan Foreign Exchange Office’s November 2024 trade report revealed that the total cost of live livestock imports surged by 83.1% during the first 11 months of 2024, reaching approximately US$477.7 million.
The agreement marks the first time Morocco has sourced sheep from Australia, a shift from its previous reliance on European suppliers, including Spain, Portugal, and Romania.
For Australian exporters, this development represents a new revenue stream in the livestock export market.
As of 2021, Morocco’s sheep population stood at around 22 million.
Sheep farming is primarily concentrated in regions such as the Atlas Mountains, eastern hills, and western hills.
The country is home to various breeds, including Timahdite, Sardi, and D’man, raised through three main systems: agro-silvo-pastoral, pastoral, and oasis-based production.
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