Moroccan Parliament Grills New Agriculture Minister Over Food Security Concerns
Morocco’s New Agriculture Minister Grilled on Food Sovereignty
In his first parliamentary appearance, Morocco’s new Minister of Agriculture, Maritime Fisheries, Rural Development, Water and Forests, Ahmed El Bouari, found himself facing tough questions about the nation’s food security. Members of parliament, both from the majority and the opposition, used the public question session to press the minister on his plans to strengthen Morocco’s ability to feed itself.
A key concern raised by the parliamentarians was the issue of food sovereignty – the ability of a nation to control its own food system, from production to consumption. Many expressed dissatisfaction with the previous administration’s approach, arguing that it relied too heavily on imports, particularly for red meat. This dependence on foreign markets, they argued, leaves Morocco vulnerable to price fluctuations and supply chain disruptions.
Hanan Atrikin, a parliamentarian from the Authenticity and Modernity Party, highlighted the disconnect between Morocco’s agricultural potential and the reality faced by its citizens. ”The Moroccan citizen does not understand how the prices of most agricultural products are high, while our country is known to be an agricultural country,” she stated.
Atrikin further criticized the reliance on imports, arguing that it places a significant financial burden on the state and undermines Morocco’s quest for food sovereignty. She warned that the situation could worsen without effective public policies that move beyond simple subsidies and tariff adjustments.
In his first address to parliament, Minister El Bouari expressed his gratitude for the trust placed in him and pledged to work collaboratively with all members, regardless of their political affiliation. He assured the parliament that the doors of the Ministry of Agriculture would remain open to all.
Responding to the concerns raised, Minister El Bouari emphasized that Morocco has made significant strides in establishing food security through various agricultural plans, particularly the “Green Morocco Plan.” He pointed out that despite the severe droughts experienced in recent years, Moroccan markets have not suffered major disruptions in supply or availability of food products.
Looking ahead, Minister El Bouari affirmed that his ministry will continue to prioritize the strengthening of food security through the “Green Generation Strategy.” This strategy, launched in 2020, aims to modernize Moroccan agriculture, improve its competitiveness, and promote sustainable development in rural areas.
The debate surrounding food sovereignty in Morocco reflects a broader global conversation about the resilience of food systems in the face of climate change, geopolitical instability, and economic pressures. As nations around the world grapple with these challenges, the focus on strengthening domestic food production and reducing reliance on imports is likely to intensify.
