Morocco's Aquaculture Sector Faces Challenges Due to Feed Costs
The World Bank Group (WBG) has highlighted significant challenges in Morocco's aquaculture sector, particularly concerning feed costs, which are estimated to be 15% to 20% higher than those in competing Mediterranean countries. This discrepancy is largely attributed to the country's restrictions on the use of rendered animal proteins (RAPs) in feed formulations. In its recent report titled "Morocco: Country Private Sector Diagnostic," the WBG strongly recommends that Moroccan authorities implement regulations to authorize the controlled use of RAPs in aquaculture feeds, emphasizing that this reform is crucial for enhancing the competitiveness, sustainability, and resilience of the country's burgeoning marine aquaculture industry.
The Benefits of Rendered Animal Proteins
According to the WBG, feed costs constitute a staggering 50% to 75% of operating expenses in marine aquaculture. The current restrictions on RAPs not only limit the flexibility of feed formulations but also heighten reliance on fishmeal and imported soybean meal, exposing local producers to the volatility of international prices. The report indicates that allowing the use of RAPs could significantly reduce feed costs and mitigate the risks associated with fluctuating fishmeal prices. Furthermore, it highlights that properly formulated RAPs can replace 30% to 50% of fishmeal in diets for seabass and seabream, all while maintaining growth performance and product quality.
The WBG's recommendations include issuing a ministerial order to implement Decree No. 2-23-557 of 2024, which would enable the controlled use of approved RAPs in aquafeeds under stringent sanitary and quality oversight from Morocco's National Office for Food Safety (ONSSA). This regulatory framework not only supports the sustainable use of agricultural byproducts but also opens avenues for private investment in domestic feed production. As articulated by Kent Swisher, President and CEO of the North American Renderers Association (NARA), this endorsement from the WBG underscores the critical role that rendered animal proteins can play in fostering sustainable aquaculture and bolstering global food security.
In conclusion, the World Bank Group's findings advocate for a transformative shift in Morocco's regulatory landscape, potentially paving the way for enhanced trade opportunities involving U.S.-origin rendered animal proteins. By implementing these recommendations, Morocco could attract approximately $1.96 billion in private investment and generate around 75,000 direct and indirect jobs in the medium term, provided key reforms such as simplified permitting and improved coordination of aquaculture infrastructure are enacted.
As reported by feedstrategy.com.
