RABAT, June 17 – Morocco is moving to strengthen its food security strategy by building a larger reserve of soft wheat that could cover the country’s needs for up to six months.
Speaking before the House of Councillors on Tuesday, Agriculture Minister Ahmed El Bouari said the government plans to establish a strategic stockpile of 8 million quintals of locally produced soft wheat, doubling the country’s current coverage period from three months.
The initiative marks a shift from managing immediate supply pressures to building a longer-term buffer against global market shocks and unpredictable weather conditions.
To support the plan, the government will introduce a storage subsidy for the first time. Farmers and grain operators who store locally produced soft wheat will receive MAD 3 per quintal every two weeks. Authorities expect the incentive to encourage wider private sector participation in maintaining the reserve.
El Bouari also outlined measures aimed at supporting the marketing of this year’s domestic harvest. The reference purchase price for locally produced soft wheat that meets quality standards has been set at MAD 280 per quintal for industrial mills.
At the same time, customs duties on soft wheat imports have been suspended for June and July 2026 to help keep the market supplied and stable while local production continues.
In addition, the government and industry stakeholders have agreed to collect between 15 million and 20 million quintals of Morocco’s soft wheat harvest, ensuring a significant share of domestic production is channelled into local demand.
The measures come as Morocco anticipates one of its strongest harvests in recent years following improved rainfall after seven consecutive years of drought.
The country’s grain output is expected to reach nearly 90 million quintals this season, while stronger agricultural activity is projected to lift agricultural GDP by 15% in 2026.
