Strategic Partnership Boosts White and Red Meat Production Ahead of Ramadan

✏️ BY: Dr. Hana Saada

Algiers, Algeria | August 25th, 2024 — In a proactive move to stabilize the Algerian meat market ahead of the high-demand period of Ramadan, a comprehensive partnership agreement was signed on Sunday in Algiers. The agreement, targeting both white and red meat production, represents a crucial step in the government’s broader strategy to regulate prices and ensure market stability.

The partnership involves key national institutions, including the Strategic Agricultural Crops Development Company (SDCAS), the Food and Logistics Industries Group (Agrolog), and the National Agricultural Mutual Fund (CNMA). The signing ceremony took place at the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, with the presence of Agriculture Minister Youcef Cherfa, highlighting the significance of the initiative.

Aiming for 10,000 Tons of White Meat and 50,000 Ovines

The agreement is designed to ramp up the production of no less than 10,000 tons of white meat while building a stock of 50,000 ovine heads. The signing took place at the Ministry’s headquarters, where the heads of the involved entities—Mustapha Belhanini, CEO of SDCAS; Djahid Zefzaf, CEO of Agrolog; and Chérif Benhabiles, Director General of CNMA—formalized the partnership. The agreement aims to address Algeria’s food security needs by ensuring a reliable supply of high-demand meat products during Ramadan, as well as during the upcoming Aïd el-Adha festivities.

According to a press release issued during the event, this partnership is part of the Ministry’s forward-looking efforts to mitigate market volatility for key agricultural products, including white and red meats. These measures are essential for both price stability and ensuring adequate supply during peak consumption periods.

Strategic Stockpiling and Optimized Use of Existing Resources

The agreement outlines a strategic framework for collaboration between various stakeholders in Algeria’s agricultural sector. Under the agreement, existing poultry and livestock facilities—previously pilot farms under SDCAS—will be placed at the disposal of the National Office of Livestock Feed (ONAB) and the Algerian Red Meat Company (ALVIAR). These facilities will be utilized for the large-scale production of white and red meats, with the goal of building a strategic reserve that can stabilize the market during periods of heightened demand.

This initiative reflects a clear strategy to optimize the use of underutilized agricultural infrastructure. The Ministry aims to leverage the full potential of these facilities to meet national production targets, which, in turn, will help mitigate the need for imports and reduce Algeria’s dependency on external sources for its food supply.

Comprehensive Risk Management and Technical Support

In addition to facilitating meat production, the CNMA will provide comprehensive insurance coverage for the activities involved in the agreement. This includes risk management for all stages of production, from rearing to distribution. Furthermore, the CNMA will offer technical support through ongoing evaluations and expert guidance to ensure best practices in livestock management.

The partners are committed to producing at least 10,000 tons of white meat and raising 50,000 ovine heads as part of a stockpile that will serve as a regulatory buffer. These measures aim to ensure that nationally-produced meat products are available at controlled prices during periods of peak demand, minimizing the risk of market shortages and inflated prices.

Promoting National Meat Production and Quality Standards

One of the key objectives of this agreement is to promote national production of meat and to guarantee its availability at competitive prices. To achieve this, the partners will not only utilize existing infrastructure but will also supply the necessary inputs—such as chicks and feed—to the production units. These inputs will be distributed in accordance with stringent health and safety regulations that govern poultry and livestock facilities. The partners are also committed to adhering to the highest quality standards to ensure that the meat products meet the expectations of Algerian consumers.

Agriculture Minister Youcef Cherfa emphasized the importance of this agreement in his remarks during the ceremony. “The goal of this partnership is to regulate the meat market, stabilize prices, and optimize the use of our national production infrastructure. By enhancing our domestic meat production capabilities, we can ensure a steady supply of both white and red meat products, particularly during periods of high demand such as Ramadan and Aïd el-Adha,” Cherfa stated.

Cherfa also highlighted the underutilized potential of former pilot farms across Algeria, which are now being repurposed to maximize national production. “We have a network of infrastructures that have not been used to their full potential. By mobilizing these resources, we can significantly increase our national meat production and build up substantial reserves to ensure market stability during critical times,” he said.

A Sustainable Approach to Market Regulation

This agreement is not only about meeting short-term demand but also about ensuring the long-term sustainability of Algeria’s meat market. By focusing on the development of domestic production and stockpiling, the government aims to shield the market from external shocks and price volatility. The initiative also seeks to promote self-sufficiency in meat production, reducing the country’s reliance on imports and fostering greater food security.

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