Casablanca – Morocco’s agricultural and agri-food relationship with Portugal is undergoing a notable phase of expansion and recalibration, marked by simultaneous cooperation in long-term agricultural development and rapid adjustments in livestock and poultry trade flows. Recent developments show a combination of strengthened institutional partnerships, the gradual normalization of sanitary trade restrictions, and a broader restructuring of Morocco’s livestock import strategy following climatic improvement at home.

At the institutional level, Rabat and Lisbon have recently reinforced their agricultural cooperation framework through a new memorandum of understanding signed on April 20 in Meknes during the International Agriculture Fair in Morocco 2026. The agreement aims to deepen collaboration in applied agricultural research, sustainable farming practices, irrigation optimization, and animal health management. It also involves partnerships with Portuguese research and technology institutions, including specialized agronomic and veterinary organizations, as well as private companies active in agricultural innovation.

This cooperation is designed to address structural challenges facing Morocco’s agricultural sector, particularly water scarcity and productivity constraints. After nearly seven years of recurring drought conditions, Morocco’s farming system has been under significant pressure, with declining water reserves affecting crop yields, pasture availability, and livestock productivity. The partnership with Portugal is therefore positioned as a strategic complement to domestic reform efforts, particularly in areas where Portugal has accumulated experience, such as water management technologies and climate-resilient agriculture.

Parallel to this long-term cooperation framework, trade in agricultural and animal products between the two countries has also been evolving rapidly, particularly in the poultry sector. Morocco’s National Office for Food Safety (ONSSA) has recently lifted restrictions on imports of poultry, poultry products, eggs, and animal feed from Portugal. The ban had been introduced in September 2025 following the detection of highly pathogenic avian influenza in a poultry farm near Lisbon.

The decision to resume imports reflects the conclusion of sanitary containment measures implemented by Portuguese veterinary authorities, which successfully eliminated reported outbreaks in accordance with international animal health standards. Moroccan authorities, relying on these assurances and updated epidemiological assessments, have restored import authorization while maintaining strict sanitary controls.

Under the revised framework, imports are now permitted only when accompanied by jointly approved veterinary health certificates issued by both Moroccan and Portuguese authorities. This requirement is intended to ensure traceability and compliance with biosafety standards, reducing the risk of disease reintroduction while allowing trade to resume.

The reopening of poultry imports highlights Morocco’s broader approach to balancing food security needs with sanitary risk management. Poultry products and eggs represent a key component of domestic consumption, and temporary import disruptions have historically been used as preventive measures during animal health crises. However, the swift lifting of restrictions also signals improved confidence in the control mechanisms of exporting countries and stronger coordination between veterinary authorities.

At the same time, Morocco’s livestock import strategy has undergone a significant reversal after a period of exceptionally high external dependence. In 2025, facing severe domestic herd depletion caused by prolonged drought, Morocco sharply increased imports of live cattle, becoming one of the largest global buyers from Brazil. Imports reached tens of thousands of head, reflecting urgent efforts to stabilize supply in the face of reduced domestic production capacity.

However, data from the beginning of 2026 indicates a strong contraction in this trend. Imports of live animals fell by more than 50% in both volume and value during the first quarter compared to the previous year. This decline reflects a combination of improving climatic conditions and the gradual recovery of domestic livestock resources.

Recent rainfall has played a central role in this shift. The regeneration of natural pastures has reduced reliance on imported feed and livestock, while lowering operational costs for farmers. At the same time, Morocco’s national herd has shown signs of recovery, supported by a temporary easing in consumption pressures and targeted government support programs aimed at rebuilding livestock numbers.

Official estimates suggest that the national herd has reached around 40 million head, marking a stabilization phase after years of contraction. This recovery has reduced immediate dependence on imported cattle, allowing authorities to scale back emergency procurement policies adopted during the peak of the drought crisis.

The contrast between declining livestock imports and renewed cooperation with Portugal illustrates a broader transformation in Morocco’s agricultural policy. On one hand, short-term adjustments in trade flows are being driven by improved domestic conditions and biosecurity considerations. On the other, long-term strategic cooperation is being strengthened to address structural vulnerabilities, particularly those linked to water scarcity and climate change.

Together, these developments suggest that Morocco is entering a more balanced phase in its agricultural and livestock management strategy. The country is simultaneously reducing emergency dependence on external markets, reinforcing domestic production capacity, and deepening international partnerships aimed at improving resilience and sustainability.

However, challenges remain significant. The agricultural sector continues to face exposure to climate variability, and maintaining herd recovery will depend on stable rainfall patterns and sustained investment in water infrastructure and feed systems. Similarly, the effectiveness of import normalization will rely on continued coordination between Moroccan and European veterinary authorities.

In this context, the evolving Morocco–Portugal agricultural relationship reflects both immediate adjustments and long-term strategic alignment, as both countries seek to strengthen food security, improve sustainability, and adapt to the growing pressures of climate change.