November 20, 2007

Morocco seeks 70,000 tonnes subsidised corn

Morocco's state grains agency ONICL said on Monday (November 19) it is tendering for 70,000 tonnes of government-subsidised corn (corn).

The tender is set for Nov.27 at 1000 GMT as deadline, with arrivals for December 15 at the latest, ONICL added.

The corn tender is part of a government scheme to help breeders and other farmers cope with a drought that affected last season's cereals harvest to 2 million tonnes from 9.3 million tonnes in the previous period.

This year, the government allocated 2 billion dirhams (US$257.4 million) for a scheme which includes supplying breeders with subsidised barley and corn as well as water for animals.

ONCIL said that corn from the tender would supply six regions including Casablanca, with 20,000 tonnes and Meknes with 15,000 tonnes.