Government Intervention in Moroccan Agriculture: Evolution of Subsidy Equivalents and Possible Trade Reform Effects

Morocco's agricultural policies are surveyed and aggregate measures of support are calculated for eight commodities (wheat, barley, corn, cotton lint, raw sugar, wheat flour, edible vegetable oil, and refined sugar) for the years 1982-89. During this period of economic adjustment, producer support peaked then declined, while consumer subsidies fluctuated. In the event of a GATT agreement liberalizing global agricultural trade and pricing policies, Morocco, as a net food importer, would be vulnerable to increased import prices. The combined effects of internal and possible external reforms underscore the importance of designing a more cost-efficient food security system