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Agriculture

US Agricultural Leaders Forge Lasting Bonds on Groundbreaking Morocco Trade Mission

Friday 12 January 2024 - 07:35

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A delegation of prominent figures from the American agricultural sector has embarked on a historic trade mission to Morocco, spearheaded by Ted McKinney, CEO of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA). Their objective is to lay the groundwork for a potentially fruitful farming partnership between the United States and Morocco.

Recently, the group, comprised of influential representatives from various US states, including Ashley E. Randle, Commissioner of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Mike Beam, Secretary of Agriculture for the state of Kansas, and Jerry Costello, Director of the Illinois Department of Agriculture, convened for a networking luncheon in the vibrant city of Casablanca. This gathering represents a pivotal moment in an ongoing trade mission orchestrated under the Emerging Markets Program, with the overarching aim of boosting US agricultural exports to countries with thriving market economies such as Morocco.

"We're here all week, engaging with farm consortiums, commodity assemblies, and everyone involved in either producing or processing food," McKinney shared. "It's truly a two-way street."

The delegation emphasized that their involvement extends beyond mere dialogue, adopting a multifaceted approach to comprehend, collaborate, and foster mutually beneficial relationships.

McKinney further elaborated, stating, "We've immersed ourselves in Morocco's agricultural landscape, meeting with departments of agriculture, colleges, and key stakeholders shaping the nation's farming future."

He emphasized, "We've asked them all, how can we help? Where can we collaborate?"

Ashley E. Randle, Commissioner of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, underscored the broader objectives. "We've come to strengthen our ties with our Moroccan counterparts, gain insights into the business environment, and forge cooperative, mutually advantageous bonds. This is just the beginning."

The delegation made it clear that they envision a sustained exchange, extending beyond the current visit, to foster trade opportunities and facilitate knowledge transfer.

Gaining insights into Morocco's agricultural needs has been crucial for the delegation. Hugh Weathers from South Carolina highlighted the importance of certifying the competitiveness and quality of US grain yields.

"Morocco imports 90% of their cattle feed, so we must ensure US grain products are competitively priced, top-notch, and that we understand the significance of building connections," Weathers emphasized.

The outcomes of this endeavor have the potential to reshape the trajectory of US-Morocco agricultural relations, moving beyond routine trade metrics.