Two major Moroccan grain importers are continuing a pattern of regular sorghum purchases, putting Morocco on course for record U.S. sorghum imports this year.Sales, as of May 19, total 112,000 metric tons (4.4 million bushels), up 57 percent from the same time last year. In comparison, Moroccan purchases totaled 98,000 tons (3.9 million bushels) in the 2009/2010 market year.

Last week, Morocco bought an additional 26,000 tons (1 million bushels).

This success stems from a U.S. Grains Council and United Sorghum Checkoff Program market assessment and two key Moroccan teams that brought a mix of importers, feed millers and large farmers to the United States and Mexico last year, according to Cary Sifferath, USGC senior director for the Mediterranean and Africa.

“These trips put the Moroccan importers together with their end-users to learn about U.S. sorghum. This has led both companies to become regular importers for their downstream customers,� Sifferath said.

He noted that the latest sales are part of a regular pattern that has taken place since the team visits.

“The Sorghum Checkoff and the Council worked together to make these trips possible, leading Morocco to become a new U.S. sorghum market,� said Florentino Lopez, Sorghum Checkoff marketing director. “The recent Moroccan sorghum purchases are a great example of how checkoff funds are being properly utilized to increase profitability for U.S. sorghum farmers. It’s a win-win for all involved.�