Algeria: Algeria expects to conclude its first barley export tender early in June

A tender by Algeria to sell barley abroad, in what would be the country's first grain exports in 40 years, should be concluded early next month, Agriculture Minister Rachid Benaissa was quoted as saying by Channel Africa on May, 24.

Algeria is one of the world's biggest grain importers, sourcing an average of 5 million tonnes per year, but a record crop last year has boosted stocks, especially of barley.

Benaissa declined to give details about the potential export sale, beyond saying that shipments would be from Algiers.

The authorities announced the tender a month ago and a source at the Algerian farm ministry had said in March the country wanted to export 300,000 tonnes of barley.

The planned barley exports would be a milestone for a country that is aiming to expand agricultural production and make itself less dependent on food imports, a policy spurred by the experience of soaring import prices in 2008 amid a global spike in food commodities.

"I think it will come together at the beginning of June," Benaissa said of the barley export tender. "The negotiations between (state grains office) OAIC and interested operators are progressing well."

26 May, 2010