NARA backs World Bank recommendation for rendered proteins in Morocco aquafeeds

MOROCCO – The North American Renderers Association (NARA) has welcomed a new World Bank Group report recommending that Morocco move forward with regulations authorising the controlled use of rendered animal proteins (RAPs) in aquaculture feed formulations, a move expected to reduce feed costs and improve the competitiveness of the country’s growing marine aquaculture sector.

The recommendation appears in the World Bank Group’s latest Morocco: Country Private Sector Diagnostic report, which identifies RAP authorisation as one of several reforms needed to strengthen sustainability, resilience, and private sector investment in Morocco’s aquaculture industry.

According to the report, feed currently accounts for between 50% and 75% of operating costs in marine aquaculture production. 

Morocco’s restrictions on rendered animal proteins have limited feed formulation flexibility, increased dependence on fishmeal and imported soybean meal, and exposed producers to global commodity price volatility.

The World Bank estimates that feed costs in Morocco are currently 15% to 20% higher than in competing Mediterranean aquaculture markets due to these restrictions.

“This is an important international validation of the role rendered animal proteins can play in supporting sustainable aquaculture and global food security,” said Kent Swisher, President and Chief Executive Officer of NARA. 

“The World Bank’s findings reinforce what science and industry experience have demonstrated for years: RAPs are safe, sustainable, nutritionally effective feed ingredients that can help reduce costs, improve resilience and advance circular economy objectives.”

Morocco urged to implement RAP regulation

The World Bank specifically recommended that Morocco issue the ministerial order required to implement Decree No. 2-23-557 of 2024, which would authorise the controlled use of approved rendered animal proteins in aquafeeds under strict sanitary and traceability controls.

Oversight would be managed by Morocco’s National Office for Food Safety (ONSSA), which would supervise approvals, compliance, and monitoring within the country’s existing food safety and animal health framework.

The report concluded that RAPs are a “proven, circular economy ingredient” capable of replacing 30% to 50% of fishmeal in seabass and seabream diets without negatively affecting growth performance or product quality when properly formulated.

According to the World Bank, allowing the use of RAP could lower feed costs, improve profitability for aquaculture producers, support investment in domestic feed manufacturing, and enhance food system resilience by better utilising agricultural byproducts.

Feed sustainability gains attention in aquaculture

The recommendation reflects broader global efforts to reduce dependence on fishmeal in aquaculture feeds as the industry faces rising sustainability and cost pressures.

Aquaculture producers worldwide are increasingly adopting alternative protein ingredients, including plant proteins, insect meal, algal products, and rendered animal proteins, to improve feed security and reduce exposure to volatile marine-ingredient markets.

Morocco’s aquaculture industry is viewed as having strong growth potential due to increasing seafood demand and favourable coastal conditions. 

The World Bank estimates the sector could attract approximately US$1.96 billion in private investment and support around 75,000 direct and indirect jobs over the medium term if reforms are implemented.

These reforms include simplified permitting procedures, improved coordination of marine- and land-based aquaculture infrastructure, and approval of rendered animal proteins for use in aquafeed formulations.

“The inclusion of this recommendation in a major World Bank strategy document is particularly significant because it reflects extensive technical review and engagement with Moroccan regulatory authorities and aquaculture stakeholders,” said Dana Johnson Downing, Senior Vice President of International Programs at NARA.

NARA said the recommendation could also support broader regulatory modernisation efforts and potentially create future trade opportunities involving U.S.-origin rendered animal proteins.

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