Reform to modernize wholesale markets
The marketing of agricultural products is a crucial link in the chain. Any dysfunction at this level has an impact on the gap between the producer price and the market price.
Morocco has 38 wholesale fruit and vegetable markets, through which approximately 3.5 million tons pass annually, representing 30% of national production
It is in this context that a reformist vision has been launched to modernize wholesale markets, slaughterhouses, and other marketing infrastructure. With this in mind, a joint commission bringing together the Ministries of the Interior, Agriculture, and Industry has been set up. Its goal is to work on drafting a new bill aimed at reorganizing wholesale markets. According to the Minister of Agriculture, the marketing channels for domestic agricultural products are based on wholesale markets, weekly souks, and local markets. Morocco has 38 wholesale fruit and vegetable markets, through which approximately 3.5 million tons pass each year, equivalent to 30% of national production, the minister told parliamentarians.
The modernization of this infrastructure will necessarily involve partnerships with the sectors concerned, local authorities, and the private sector. This is particularly important given that future specifications will emphasize improving management methods and adopting a more transparent system for market access, enabling farmers to sell their products directly, which will reduce the number of intermediaries, Ahmed El Bouari pointed out. The same applies to improving the marketing of products for export, through the consolidation of traditional markets and the opening of new ones. Added to this is the creation of solidarity markets and cooperative kiosks for the marketing of local products. The Minister of Agriculture took the opportunity to point out that the recent rise in prices of certain agricultural products is mainly due to seasonal factors. These include difficulties in harvesting and accessing fields due to recent rainfall. This has temporarily affected transport and market supply.
However, these channels are experiencing several problems, which has made it necessary to develop a master plan for reform aimed at developing markets and improving sales channels with adequate capacity, effective management, and improved food safety for agricultural products.
Mohamed CHAOUI
