Agricultural activities are a key contributor to Morocco's economy. In 2020, the agriculture, forestry, and fishing sector accounted for
, the second-highest value added in North Africa after Algeria. Morocco has around 30 million hectares of
. About 21 million hectares are under permanent meadows and pastures, while seven million hectares are arable land. The land area under permanent crops extends over the remaining 1.7 million hectares. In addition to crop production, animal breeding and fishing activities are also widespread in the country.
Substantial sugar and wheat production
Sugar, wheat, potatoes, and olives are the
main crops produced in Morocco. In 2020, the sugar beet output stood at around four million metric tons. The country ranks among the
leading sugar exporters worldwide, registering an export volume similar to that of Colombia and South Africa. Specifically, Turkey and the United States are the
principal export destinations of Moroccan sugars and sugar confectionery, accounting for around 67 million and 33 million U.S. dollars of the trade, respectively. After sugar, wheat represents the second-leading crop in Morocco. Wheat is mainly
produced in the regions of Rabat-Salé-Kénitra, Fès-Meknès, and Tanger-Tétouan-Al Hoceima.
Poultry dominates livestock farming
Chicken is by far the
main livestock species produced in Morocco. In 2020, the country recorded a chicken output of 360 million heads. In comparison, sheep and turkey production amounted to 13 million and 12 million heads in the same year, respectively. Unsurprisingly, Morocco has the largest
chicken population on the African continent, followed by South Africa and Egypt. Overall, the annual
meat production in the country stands at around one million metric tons, including both white and red meat.
Large fish and seafood output
Morocco is a substantial producer and exporter of fish and seafood products. In 2020, sea fishing in the country generated a
production value of roughly one billion U.S. dollars. Coastal and artisanal fishing accounted for around 60 percent of the output, while 37 percent of the production value originated from deep sea fishing activities. Morocco largely exports fish and seafood, mainly
frozen fish and preserves. Specifically, sardines significantly contribute to the country's seafood export trade, recording an
export value of almost 690 million U.S. dollars in 2019.
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