Moroccan trade officials descend on WA to explore live sheep, cattle and goat export opportunities

A delegation of Moroccan officials and importers have descended on WA to explore buying sheep, goats and cattle, just weeks after the signing of new protocols intended to grow the live export trade.

The long-awaited agreement was announced in January after nearly two years in the making, as the North African nation desperately tries to rebuild its breeding flock after seven years of severe drought.

The delegation has been meeting WA exporters and producers and the Federal Department of Agriculture to pave the way for the first shipment of sheep, according to Australian Livestock Exporters’ Council chief executive Mark Harvey-Sutton.

Among the group are representatives from the Moroccan department of agriculture, as well as importers and vets.

“It’s all been agreed — the regulator has done what it needs to do in terms of allowing shipments to take place, so it’s ready to rock ‘n’ roll,” Mr Harvey-Sutton said.

“There is significant interest from importers in Morocco and there are a number of exporters interested in pursuing it as well.”

Mr Harvey-Sutton and ALEC chair David Galvin travelled to Morocco, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Jordan and Saudi Arabia last November in a bid to keep industry relationships in the region strong.

O’Connor MP Rick Wilson was among those who welcomed the delegation to WA at a special function at Crown Perth, saying they showed a “keen interest” in live sheep exports and increasing their cattle breeding herd.

“It was a privilege to welcome representatives from Morocco this week as they explore importing livestock from WA,” Mr Wilson said.

“It again highlights that there is considerable global demand for our product.

“It is important that we continue to look for opportunities to grow this vital industry to countries who demand quality products from our farmers.”

Morocco, which has a population of nearly 38 million, wrote to the Australian Government in February 2023 to initiate negotiations to open the trade.

Mr Wilson travelled to Morocco that year and met Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch and the country’s Agriculture Minister at the time, Professor Mohammed Sadiki.

“The Kingdom of Morocco has serious interest in Australia’s livestock and for good reason. We produce some of the best product and the world knows it,” Mr Wilson said.

“The Moroccan Government are willing trading partners with Australia and are very focused on providing food security for their 38 million people.”

The delegation’s visit comes as Federal Labor’s live export ban — set to take effect in mid-2028 — is shaping up to be a major election issue, with both the Nationals and Liberals vowing to overturn the legislation if elected.

“It is difficult to explain why the Albanese Government are banning the live sheep trade when there is incredible global demand for our livestock,” Mr Wilson said.

Before the first shipment can take place, an approved Exporter Supply Chain Assurance System must be established by Australian exporters in Morocco to ensure the humane treatment and handling of animals from the time they arrive until the point of slaughter.

Morocco imports most of its cattle from South America, while sheep are mainly sourced from other North African countries and Europe, including Portugal, Spain and Romania.

But Mr Harvey-Sutton said it had struggled to secure a reliable supply, with Australian sheep an attractive option because of their disease-free status, good eating quality and competitive pricing.