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Morocco seen as gateway for ag exports into Africa

Minnesota’s top ag official points to one African country that could unlock export opportunities throughout the continent.

Commissioner Thom Petersen recently returned from a trade mission to Morocco and says the focus was on grain, feed, and the Port of Duluth.

“Keep in mind too, Morocco is the only African country that has a free trade agreement. It’s kind of the gateway to Africa if you look at the ports and other things, so it kind of makes sense for us.”

He tells Brownfield the Port of Duluth can service North African countries like Algiers, Egypt, and parts of Southern Europe.

“So we look at some of those strong possibilities in growing markets.”

Petersen says feed demand is growing in Morocco.

“They have a large poultry sector, it’s about 75 percent of their feed (usage). And then ruminants (like) cattle (and) sheep would make up the rest of that.”

He says the Port of Duluth can be used to export corn, soybean meal, soy oil, wheat, oats, sugarbeets, and pull pellets from the Upper Midwest to Africa.