In a significant move poised to reshape Algeria’s agricultural landscape, Minister Yacine El-Mahdi Oualid has announced that a comprehensive new draft law organizing agricultural land will be presented to the Government imminently. This legislative initiative represents a critical step in addressing long-standing structural bottlenecks that have hampered both local farmers and potential investors.
During a plenary session at the Council of the Nation, the Minister emphasized that the draft text is the product of a dedicated national commission. Its core mission is to “resolve all problems related to agricultural land and unify procedures.” For stakeholders, this signals a shift from a fragmented, often opaque system to a standardized, transparent framework. The practical implications are profound: simplified land access, clearer ownership and usage rights, and a reduction in bureaucratic red tape that has historically discouraged investment and innovation in the sector. This legal unification is a prerequisite for modernizing agriculture and enhancing food security.
Minister Oualid’s remarks took a firm stance on administrative conduct, prompted by a senator’s inquiry into alleged problematic practices in Ouled Djellal. He announced a commission of inquiry and underscored a fundamental principle: “the role of the administration is to welcome farmers and facilitate their procedures, not the opposite.” This statement directly tackles a common pain point—administrative hurdles—and reframes the state’s role as an enabler rather than a gatekeeper. It aligns with broader governmental support measures he referenced, such as facilitated access to seeds, which are essential for improving crop yields and resilience.
Beyond land reform, the minister outlined parallel efforts to modernize and protect the vital livestock sector. A new legislative text is being drafted to formally organize the sector. Key components include:
1. National Digital Livestock Identification: This system would trace animals from farm to market, crucial for disease control, quality assurance, and preventing theft. It’s a foundational tool for biosecurity and export competitiveness.
2. Criminalizing the Slaughter of Ewe Lambs: This measure aims to protect the reproductive base of the national flock, ensuring its long-term sustainability and growth by preventing the short-term depletion of future breeding stock.
The government’s commitment to veterinary health was quantified with notable figures: over 14.9 million head of livestock, including 12.9 million sheep, were vaccinated this year against peste des petits ruminants (PPR), a highly contagious and devastating disease. This large-scale, free vaccination program is a direct investment in stabilizing herders’ livelihoods and safeguarding a critical protein source.
Furthermore, to address the chronic challenge of fodder availability—a major cost driver for breeders—the state has intervened significantly in the market. In 2024, more than 1.6 million quintals of subsidized fodder barley were allocated to over 97,000 breeders. The pace has accelerated, with over 1.97 million quintals distributed to 110,000 breeders by late December. This support is essential for maintaining herd health, especially during dry seasons, and preventing distress sales.
In summary, these interconnected announcements—the land law, livestock sector organization, health interventions, and input subsidies—paint a picture of a multi-pronged strategy. The goal is to create a more coherent, efficient, and productive agricultural system. The success of this ambitious overhaul will depend on the precise details of the forthcoming laws and, crucially, their effective and consistent implementation on the ground.
Source: APS via Algerie-Eco