Morocco is moving to expand its strategic wheat reserves as part of efforts to strengthen food security and reduce vulnerability to global market disruptions and climate-related shocks.
Agriculture Minister Ahmed El Bouari announced the plan before the country’s House of Councillors, saying the government intends to create a reserve of 8 million quintals of locally produced soft wheat.
The planned stockpile would allow Morocco to cover national wheat needs for up to six months, doubling the current reserve capacity of about three months.
The initiative marks a shift from short-term supply management toward a longer-term food security strategy built around maintaining strategic reserves.
Morocco relies heavily on wheat imports to meet domestic demand and has faced pressure from international price fluctuations, supply chain disruptions and years of drought that affected agricultural production.
To encourage participation from farmers and private storage operators, the government will introduce a new subsidy programme for locally produced wheat stored as part of the national reserve.
Under the scheme, farmers and storage operators keeping domestic soft wheat in approved facilities will receive 3 Moroccan dirhams per quintal every two weeks.
Authorities hope the incentive will encourage private sector involvement in building and maintaining the strategic stockpile.
Speaking during a parliamentary session, El Bouari described the initiative as a major step toward strengthening Morocco’s food sovereignty.
He said the policy reflects a move away from responding only to immediate supply challenges and toward a more sustainable approach focused on resilience and preparedness.
The minister also announced measures to support the marketing of the country’s wheat harvest.
The reference purchase price for locally produced soft wheat that meets quality standards has been set at 280 dirhams per quintal for industrial mills.
At the same time, Morocco has suspended customs duties on soft wheat imports during June and July 2026 in an effort to maintain market stability and ensure adequate supplies while continuing to support domestic farmers.
The government has also reached an agreement with industry stakeholders requiring the collection of between 15 million and 20 million quintals of locally produced soft wheat.
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The measure is expected to help absorb a significant portion of the national harvest and direct supplies toward domestic consumption needs.
The announcement comes as Morocco anticipates one of its strongest agricultural seasons in years following improved rainfall.
The country’s total grain production is projected to reach nearly 90 million quintals this year, according to figures previously provided by the agriculture ministry.
El Bouari said the stronger harvest, combined with improved performance in other agricultural sectors, could contribute to a 15 percent increase in agricultural GDP in 2026.
The improved outlook follows several difficult years for Morocco’s farming sector.
The country experienced seven consecutive years of drought, which placed pressure on water resources, reduced crop yields and increased dependence on imports.
However, unusually heavy rainfall during the latest winter season helped improve soil conditions and raise dam water levels across the country.
Moroccan authorities say the combination of stronger domestic production, strategic reserves and improved storage capacity will help protect consumers from future external shocks.
The wheat reserve programme forms part of broader government efforts to improve agricultural resilience, support farmers and strengthen national control over essential food supplies.
