US Awards Morocco $226M to Boost Farm Production

Morocco is getting a major boost to its agricultural sector through a new partnership with the United States that could transform farming across the nation.

The US Department of Agriculture selected Morocco as one of seven priority countries for its 2026 Food for Progress program, which will award up to $226 million in cooperative agreements. Individual projects typically receive between $28 million and $35 million over five years, funding improvements in agricultural productivity, infrastructure, and trade development.

The program works through an innovative trade model. The USDA purchases bulk agricultural products from American farmers, ships and sells them in partner countries like Morocco, then reinvests the revenue into local agricultural development projects that build lasting capacity and encourage private sector innovation.

Morocco earned its spot through consistent economic progress and agricultural potential. The International Monetary Fund projects Morocco's economy will grow 4.4% in 2026, driven largely by stronger agricultural output and modernization efforts.

The selection also reflects Morocco's rising global importance in food security. Through the OCP Group, Morocco controls 70% of the world's phosphate reserves and leads global production of phosphate fertilizers, products essential for feeding growing populations worldwide.

That market leadership shows in the numbers. OCP reported a 17% revenue increase in 2025, reaching $11.4 billion, and recently shipped 90,000 tons of fertilizers to Latin America despite disruptions from Middle East conflicts.

The Ripple Effect

This partnership creates wins on multiple continents. American farmers gain reliable export markets while Moroccan communities receive tools and training to increase crop yields and food security. The program's trade-based model ensures sustainability beyond the initial five-year investment, building agricultural systems that continue strengthening long after US funding ends.

Morocco joins Bangladesh, Bolivia, Ecuador, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, and Thailand in this year's cohort, each selected for their commitment to agricultural development and potential for growth.

For Moroccan farmers and rural communities, this means access to modern techniques, improved infrastructure, and expanded markets that can lift living standards for generations to come.