AGRINFO is supporting Morocco in anticipating new EU regulations

As part of its EU-funded AGRINFO programme, COLEAD participated in a workshop organised by Morocco FoodEx on “The new regulatory context for exports of processed agri-food products and seafood from Morocco to the EU” on 24–25 June 2025 in Marrakech. Around 130 participants attended the event, including export companies, government agencies, and professional organisations. The aim was to improve understanding of upcoming EU legislative changes and safeguard the competitiveness of Moroccan exports.

Over three half-day sessions, COLEAD expert Ingrid Morvan delivered presentations on:

• The EU decision-making process, emphasising the importance of data collection and public consultations in anticipating and influencing future legistative changes.
• Major upcoming changes, including those relating to contaminants (e.g. mineral oil aromatic hydrocarbons (MOAH) in food; nickel in fruit juices), food additives (e.g. the ban of 10 primary products in smoke flavourings ), the ban of certain use of antibiotics in food producing animals (in the case of Morocco, affecting poultry, aquaculture, honey and casings) and new packaging requirements.
• The AGRINFO’s new aquaculture guide, which supports Morocco’s ambitions for the sustainable development of this sector.

Participants voiced concerns about the pace of regulatory changes, the lack of predictability and the challenges involved in achieving compliance. This is particularly important as Morocco seeks to further strengthen its exports to the EU, notably of composite products, honey, poultry, and high-value foods.

Promoting AGRINFO and building local capacities

This mission raised significant awareness among Moroccan stakeholders of COLEAD & AGRINFO resources, including the analytics platform, sectoral guides, newsletters, webinars, and the ‘Ask AGRINFO’ feature. While some participants were already users of AGRINFO, many others subscribed to the platform after discovering its services. The presentations, which included direct links to AGRINFO reports, will be shared with all participants to help them gain a deeper understanding.

Beyond technical tools, the workshop encouraged practical discussions on the new EU Vision for agriculture and food, sustainability approaches, and new due diligence obligations. It also highlighted Morocco Sustain Food®, a national initiative that helps companies calculate their carbon footprint and environmental performance.

Strategic support for African value chains

This mission is also part of COLEAD’s efforts to strengthen ties between Morocco and the agri-food value chains in sub-Saharan Africa, which are supported through the FFM+ programme. Morocco is a key market for tropical fruits and a gateway to Spain and the rest of Europe, offering additional opportunities for smallholders and SMEs in partner countries.

COLEAD would like to thank Morocco FoodEx for organising this workshop, which enabled rich and concrete exchanges that were perfectly aligned with the objectives of the AGRINFO programme.

This activity is supported by the AGRINFO programme, implemented by COLEAD and funded by the European Union (EU). This publication receives financial support from the European Union. The content of this publication is the sole responsibility of COLEAD and can in no way be taken to reflect the views of the European Union.