Considering their increasingly important role in society, the development of a local oilseed sector to reduce Morocco’s dependence on imports and cope with the vagaries of global markets has never been more topical in the current context of sustainable agriculture and food sovereignty.
What oilseeds are grown in Morocco?
Several annual oilseed species have been grown in Morocco: sunflower, rapeseed, groundnut, soybean, sesame and safflower. Their cultivation area has continued to decline since the 1990s following several factors, in particular the abolition of guaranteed minimum price and liberalization of the sector.
How does the oil market affect Morocco?
Morocco is directly impacted by these fluctuations given that the country imports almost its total needs in vegetable oils, oilseeds and meals. The high dependence on imported vegetable oils and oilseed products has a detrimental effect on the economy of Morocco and weighs heavily on the country’s trade balance.
How many vegetable oil refining plants are there in Morocco?
There are 2crushing units and 5vegetable oil refining plants in Morocco. These plants accounts for crushing capacity of 620,000tons/year and a refining capacity of 770,000tons/year.
Who invented linseed oil extraction machines?
Alfred W. French Sr. founded French in 1900 to produce state-of-the-art equipment for the extraction of linseed oil from flax. Mr. French soon adapted his equipment to other oilseeds as well. Today, French stands as a leading supplier and innovator of oil extraction machines and mechanical oilseed screw presses.
What crops are grown in Morocco?
The main oilseed crop grown in Morocco are sunflower, rapeseed, and groundnut intended more for direct consumption than for the production of oil. Their cultivation area represents currently less than 1% of the country’s total useful agricultural surface and their production covers less than 2% of the country’s vegetable oil needs.