Red Meat Prices: A Chronic Problem
When we previously raised the issue of red meat prices, we called for a serious investigation by the relevant authorities, stakeholders, and experts to shed light on this recurring problem.
According to La Presse, the President of the Otic (Office of Trade and Industry) recently announced that "the President of the Republic has decided to set the price of lamb at 40 dinars and beef at 36 dinars." However, despite this statement, there has been no reaction from the Ministry of Commerce, the governing authority, to confirm or clarify this "good news" for consumers.
The President of the Butchers' Chamber, Ahmed Laâmari, has strongly disputed the Otic President's claims, leaving us no closer to a resolution. Some bouchers have reportedly agreed to voluntarily reduce prices, but this is not a concrete solution. Meanwhile, imported meat from Ellouhoum is being sold at a more affordable price in some supermarkets, and there are plans to establish "from producer to consumer" sales points in all governorates.
But what happens next? In a few weeks or months, we will likely face the same constraints, as the root of the problem remains unaddressed. This is why we believe that the butcher trade needs to be reformed, particularly in terms of slaughterhouses, sales points, and "méchouis" (traditional butcher shops) where all sorts of activities take place, including the sale of sheep, which is prohibited.
We are convinced that behind these sales points lies a network that controls the entire market. The recent monitoring of roads and scrutiny of transportation of goods, products, and animals have already begun to yield results, with numerous seizures due to lack of sales and purchase documents. The scope of manipulation and speculation is being gradually reduced, and we will eventually succeed in putting an end to these practices.
The growth rate of livestock, which has been cited as a factor, needs to be reviewed by neutral and impartial experts, rather than those with a vested interest in the market. This will likely reveal some surprises, including the role of intermediaries and the prices of feed, which have been inflated without justification. This year, with everything available, prices have plummeted, and livestock has not been in short supply.
In national cases like this, there is no room for favors or special treatment. We need reliable figures and data from credible sources, rather than from individuals with a direct interest in the matter. The most sensible approach would be to entrust this dossier to competent authorities.
In six months' time, we will likely be discussing the price of lamb for the upcoming Eid celebrations once again.
