Urgent Call from Spanish Farmers for Cattle Export Resumption to Morocco
The Union of Small Farmers and Livestock Breeders in Spain (UPA) has made a compelling appeal to the Ministry of Agriculture, urging immediate diplomatic initiatives to restore the export of live cattle to Morocco. This vital trade has been suspended for over ten months due to health restrictions imposed by Moroccan authorities following an outbreak of contagious nodular dermatitis in northeastern Spain at the end of 2025. The UPA's request highlights the necessity for a revival of this crucial market, which has a significant impact on both Spanish cattle farmers and Moroccan consumers.
In a recent meeting with the Ministry, representatives of the UPA stressed the importance of inviting Morocco to resume imports from regions free of the disease. They pointed out that the outbreak, which poses no risk to humans, has been primarily contained to specific areas in Catalonia and Aragon. Furthermore, a meeting between Spanish and Moroccan counterparts is scheduled for late November to discuss the way forward and hopefully ease the restrictions.
Historically, Morocco has been the largest market for Spanish live cattle, with imports reaching 61,715 heads in 2024, accounting for 52% of total exports, and 51,986 heads in 2025, representing 64%. However, this vital trade came to a complete halt in 2026, significantly impacting the Spanish livestock sector.
As reported by yabiladi.com.
