Market Trends of Morocco Seed Industry
Increased Production of Grains and Cereal Seeds
Grains and cereals seeds dominated Morocco's seed market in 2023, accounting for the largest share of the overall seed market, according to FAO Statistics. This dominance is linked to the country's agricultural priorities, climatic conditions, food security, and self-sufficiency efforts, particularly in wheat production. Wheat is a staple in the Moroccan diet, with per capita consumption reaching 210 kg in 2023, one of the highest rates globally.
Morocco's agricultural landscape and climate further reinforce the dominance of grain and cereal seeds. Large areas of arable land in Morocco are suitable for rainfed cereal cultivation, particularly in the central and northern regions. In 2023, cereals were cultivated on approximately 3.7 million hectares, representing the majority of the country's total cultivated area, according to FAO Statistics.
The annual national certified seed production averages 98,000 metric tons, with cereals (wheat and barley) representing 97% of this quantity. For other species, Morocco imports certified seeds from Europe, USA, and Australia. The government's seed subsidy program, which covered up to 60% of certified seed costs for small and medium-scale farmers, has supported this cereal dominance.
Barley, another significant cereal crop, increased its seed market share in 2023 due to its importance in livestock feed and its adaptability to Morocco's semi-arid conditions, according to USDA. The International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas introduced three new barley varieties in 2023, featuring improved drought tolerance and higher yield potential. These new varieties contributed to a significant increase in barley seed sales compared to the previous year.
Rising Demand for Quality Seeds
In 2023, Morocco's seed market grew significantly due to increased demand for certified and high-quality seeds. This growth reflects farmers' growing awareness of improved varieties' benefits and aligns with the government's agricultural modernization efforts. The National Office for Sanitary Safety of Food Products (ONSSA) reported a substantial increase in certified seed use for wheat. The Moroccan "Boudour" project, part of the Green Morocco Plan, supported this increase, aiming to achieve 60% certified seed sales for common wheat. The project invested USD 45 million annually to produce 200 thousand metric tons of R1 and R2 seeds, sufficient for planting 37% of the total area under all cereals each year.
The vegetable seed sector has shifted significantly towards certified and high-quality seeds, with tomato, pepper, and melon seeds showing strong growth. As a result, vegetable production increased by 6.9% between 2021 and 2023. This trend has been driven by the expanding export-oriented greenhouse industry, which requires high-quality seeds to meet international market standards.
Climate change has also been a significant factor in the demand for certified seeds. As Morocco experiences more frequent droughts and erratic rainfall patterns, farmers are increasingly adopting drought-tolerant and climate-resilient varieties. The Morocco Integrated Agricultural Research for Development project reported a significant increase in the adoption of drought-tolerant barley varieties. These varieties, developed through collaborative research between INRA and international partners, have demonstrated yield stability under water-stressed conditions, providing farmers with an important adaptation strategy. As a result, the adoption of certified and improved varieties is driving market growth.
