Agriculture

Unfavourable weather conditions characterised by cold temperatures and drought took their toll on a number of key crops in 2012. However, better weather conditions and abundant rainfall in 2013 allowed for higher domestic production, particularly in the cereals segment, which produced 9.7m tonnes, up 89% compared to 2012. Morocco’s primary sector still plays a significant role in terms of job creation, trade, rural development and overall headline GDP. At present, agriculture contributes around 15% of GDP. In 2013 the sector accounted for 39.4% of total jobs and 72.7% of rural jobs. Agricultural goods represent about 12% of the overall value of exports and constitute a key source of foreign exchange earnings. The value of imported agricultural goods ranges between 14% and 24% of total imports, and key imported products include wheat, sugar and powdered milk. As the country pursues its plans to modernise agriculture and increase support to producers and small-scale farmers, production should continue to expand. Nevertheless, output, notably in cereals and fruits and vegetables, remains vulnerable to changing weather conditions, and efforts to mitigate risks will be a determining factor in securing revenues for both farmers and agribusinesses. This chapter contains interviews with Aziz Akhannouch, Minister of Agriculture, and Ali Berbich, Chairman of the Management Board, Zalagh Holding