Morocco’s Dairy Farmers Face Higher Costs for Imported Cattle

Moroccan milk producers and agricultural cooperatives have received increasing requests from farmers seeking cattle to replace existing animals or enlarge their herds. The supply of imported dairy cattle has remained limited as international prices have risen and imports from some European countries have been suspended because of infectious animal diseases.

Several cooperatives specialising in milk production have accumulated farmer requests for new animals. Purchase prices, transport, shipping, veterinary requirements and other import-related expenses have increased the cost of bringing cattle into Morocco. Farmers must also weigh the need to replace older or less productive animals against the higher capital required for purchases.

A large Moroccan dairy cooperative reportedly approached suppliers in Portugal but put the purchase on hold after receiving higher-than-expected quotations. Portuguese suppliers were asking about €5,000 per cow, excluding transportation and shipping. The cooperative’s head said those costs would raise the final amount paid by Moroccan farmers.

Moroccan cooperatives have also examined supplies from the United States, where dairy cattle are more widely available. American producers were reportedly quoting approximately $6,000 per animal, also before transportation and shipping costs. Strong demand for milk-producing breeds and limited availability have accompanied the higher quotations in both markets.

According to a source familiar with the situation, Moroccan authorities are expected to relax import procedures for cattle from certain European countries starting in October. Imports from those countries had been halted after infectious diseases were identified. Their resumption has been linked to official declarations that the diseases had been eradicated and that the affected countries had recovered.

For Moroccan farmers, maintaining herd numbers is important for sustaining milk production, while cooperatives may need additional animals to meet market demand. Delaying purchases could affect herd productivity, but buying cattle at current international prices would raise operating and investment costs. Cooperatives are continuing to assess sourcing options in Europe and the United States as they monitor Morocco’s import policy and cattle prices.