On April 9th, 2009, a ceremony was held at the headquarters of the MEF to mark the ratification of the Bulletin of Rules and Regulations governing the marketing of grains for the upcoming harvest season. Participants included members of the government Mr. Salahe Eddine Mezouar, minister of Economy and Finance, Mr. Aziz Akhannouch, minister of Agriculture and Sea Fishing, and Mr. Nizar Baraka, Minister of General and Economic Affairs. Presidents of federations and associations took part in this ceremony in their capacity as members the inter-corporate committee of grains and vegetables.
Participants in this ceremony emphasized the overriding social and economic importance of the grain sector. For their part, public authorities oversee various aspects of this sector from production to consumption.
In terms of regulations, trade transactions of grains are free. However, the government, being aware of the specific nature of wheat, has devised a special marketing policy and a support system that covers the entire process of this product, from production and storage to processing and consumption.
Two specific measures have been announced with regard to wheat production. The referential price has been set at 270 a quintal, thereby allowing farmers to draw profit from production for this year. This price is higher than the one collected by farmers from exporting countries.
Besides, grain traders and cooperatives will be entitled to a two-dirham storing bonus on every quintal stored for a fortnight.
Mr. Mezouar and Mr. Khannouch have jointly ratified a legal document with the following provisions:
- Granting subsidies towards the use of certified seeds. DH 150 a quintal for the use of hard wheat and 130 for the use of soft wheat and barley. Subsidies for the previous agricultural year (2008-9) were set at MD 130 a quintal.
- Maintaining the storage bonus at MD 5 a quintal stored for a month over a nine-month period. The security storage is capped at 220.000 quintals.
- Promoting grain seeds through a 15% bonus on the basis of price of grains destined for consumption- Selling selected grain seeds at a price not 30% higher than the price of regular grains.
These measures are meant to- supply the domestic market with selected grain seeds and encourage farmers to use this product with the aim of reaching 1.200.000 quintals,- increase productivity of the grain sector,- Integrate the use of seeds in the production of grains and promote transparency for all players in this sector.
The above measures would involve a budget earmarked at around of MD 185 millions.
Representatives from the grain sector are pleased with the paramount importance the government of his majesty gives to this sector as one of the pillars of Moroccan agriculture and basic foodstuffs. They fully subscribe to the proposed plan and endeavor to make it a success. They will ensure that farmers benefit from referential prices in the production process and that they comply with rules and regulations governing prices of soft wheat at various stages from production to processing and consumption, namely prices of flour and bread.