Morocco Strengthens Grain Supply with New Russia Agreement Amid Drought Challenges

Monday 02 December 2024 - 11:46

By: Dakir Madiha

Morocco Strengthens Grain Supply with New Russia Agreement Amid Drought Challenges

Morocco has entered a strategic partnership with Russia to diversify its grain imports and address growing domestic wheat demand, exacerbated by severe drought conditions. The agreement, signed on Friday, marks a significant step for the North African nation in securing more stable grain supplies, particularly soft wheat.

The memorandum of understanding was signed by Omar Yacoubi, president of the National Federation of Grain and Legume Traders, and Eduard Zernin, president of the Russian Union of Grain Exporters and Producers. The union represents 37 Russian grain producers and exporters. This agreement aims to strengthen Morocco's grain imports, especially as the country faces a substantial gap in domestic wheat production due to ongoing drought and extreme temperatures.

The pact, which came into effect immediately, has an initial term of one year and includes regular meetings between both parties to monitor progress and plan future initiatives. Importantly, the agreement stipulates that neither party may disclose commercial details without prior consent. Either side can terminate the agreement with a 90-day notice, though an extension can be agreed upon if both parties are satisfied.

Morocco's push to diversify its grain supply sources is driven by the impact of climate change, particularly the ongoing drought that has affected local agriculture for the past six years. Rainfall shortages, compounded by intense heat, have severely hampered wheat production, with the national harvest projected to fall by 40% compared to last year. This has pushed Morocco to become one of the world's top six wheat importers, with imports expected to rise by 19% this year to reach 7.5 million tons.

The country's reliance on external wheat sources has grown significantly, with imports from Russia seeing a marked increase. In November, Morocco imported 222,000 tons of wheat from Russia, nearly double the 119,000 tons imported during the same period last year. This growing partnership with Russia highlights Morocco's strategic efforts to secure a reliable external supply of wheat as part of its broader agricultural security strategy.

This agreement reflects Morocco's commitment to overcoming the challenges posed by climate change, ensuring food security, and maintaining stability in its grain supply chain amid ongoing environmental pressures.