By Ismail Bellaouali:Soaring inflation in Morocco is driving up living costs and stirring public anger, and as food prices increase the country’s export-led agricultural model is coming under fire. The agriculture ministry also notes the rising prices of imported raw materials such as seeds and fertilisers, which have jumped “from 30 to 70 percent”. – ‘Food sovereignty’ –In 2020, Morocco’s agricultural plan was rebaptised “Generation Green” for the 10-year period to 2030, and made exporting fresh fruit and vegetables a priority. But this focus on exports is considered to have contributed to rising prices, and now an increasing number of voices are calling for change. Handouf says that “ensuring food sovereignty starts with the seed industry, where Morocco is lagging far behind”.

Source: The North Africa Journal April 18, 2023 15:15 UTC