Morocco Seeks to Boost Australian Livestock Imports

Evaluate the facilities and prepare for the import of sheep, cattle and goats as soon as possible. This is the overall objective of the official visit of this Moroccan delegation led by Tawfik Elachchabi, an official at the Moroccan Ministry of Agriculture. The Moroccan delegation is expected to hold meetings with the relevant Australian parties to discuss logistical and sanitary arrangements. It should also visit several farms and export infrastructure, including a fattening farm, a cattle farm and a sheep farm. A tour on board a ship specialized in livestock export is also planned. The Moroccan delegation will also receive detailed information on the strict animal welfare standards applied in Australia, as well as its commitment to quality at all stages of the supply chain.

After Spain, Brazil and Romania, it is now Australia’s turn to help Morocco rebuild its local herd, which has been severely impacted by the drought. This is confirmed by Tawfik Elachchabi. According to him, Morocco is facing a severe shortage of livestock due to the drought and the limitation of supplies on nearby markets. The kingdom "could import up to 100,000 sheep per year, with the possibility of increasing this number in the future," the Sheep Central platform believes, noting that the health protocol signed with the Australian Livestock Exporters Council (ALEC), which mainly covers sheep, also allows the import of cattle and goats.

"The Australian market offers considerable advantages in terms of livestock quality, health conditions and animal welfare, as well as large-scale supply capabilities, making it an ideal choice to strengthen the national red meat stock," explained Tawfik Elachchabi. According to Mark Harvey-Sutton, CEO of the Australian Livestock Exporters Council, Morocco’s interest in Australian livestock reflects the continued demand for Australian livestock, despite the restrictions imposed by the Albanese government on the export of live sheep. "This is an important opportunity for Australian breeders, which shows that thriving markets always need our livestock. Morocco needs to rebuild its herd after the drought, and Australia, with its high quality, is able to provide the necessary support," he added.