The National Forum on the Decarbonization of Food Industries, held this Monday in Rabat, represents a decisive turning point in establishing a low-carbon strategy for a vital sector of the Moroccan economy.

Organized by the National Federation of Agribusiness (FENAGRI) with the support of the Ministry of Industry and Trade and the Ministry of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development, this event gathered key public, private, and financial stakeholders. The objective is to drive a sustainable transformation within the food industry in Morocco, addressing challenges such as rising energy costs, water scarcity, and evolving international market requirements.

The food industry is a cornerstone of the national economy, boasting an annual turnover of approximately 191 billion dirhams. With some 2,600 companies operating across the country, the sector provides more than 206,000 direct jobs, contributes 44 billion dirhams to exports, and meets nearly 77% of the domestic demand for processed food products.

A strategic energy challenge

Despite its economic success, the sector faces a significant energy hurdle. Consuming roughly 380,000 tonnes of oil equivalent per year, food industries account for nearly 20% of Morocco’s total industrial energy consumption. This highlights the urgent need for a structured and gradual decarbonization path tailored to the specific needs of various sub-sectors.

In response, FENAGRI has launched a national study to develop a decarbonization roadmap leading up to 2040. This initiative aims to pinpoint major emission sources, evaluate reduction methods, and establish practical steps for a successful transition. During the forum, participants agreed that reducing carbon emissions is not merely a regulatory obligation but a vital tool for industrial modernization and economic competitiveness.

Strengthening competitiveness through green transition

Abdelmounim El Eulj, President of FENAGRI, noted that the decarbonization of food industries is a priority for today, directly impacting company performance and their ability to access global markets. He emphasized that this shift is essential for building resilience against new climate-related economic demands.

The discussions made it clear that success depends on close coordination between government bodies, industrial leaders, and financial institutions. Promoting green finance and enhancing technical expertise will be crucial for a cohesive transition that aligns industrial, energy, and environmental policies.

Supporting small and medium enterprises

A major focus of the forum was the inclusion of very small, small, and medium-sized enterprises (TPME), which form the backbone of the national productive landscape. Ensuring these businesses have access to affordable solutions, specialized diagnostics, and bankable projects is essential for a truly inclusive transition.

Moving forward, FENAGRI intends to maintain this momentum by establishing a monitoring framework for the 2040 roadmap. Planned actions include sub-sector workshops and deeper collaboration with technical and financial partners to help every member company define and reach its own sustainability goals.