Baladna Algeria Launches $635 Million Phase Two, Air Lifting 30,000 US Dairy Cows
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Takeaway
The Baladna Algeria project presents a significant opportunity for U.S. agricultural suppliers, particularly in the dairy and logistics sectors. Investors should monitor the progress of the airlift program and the construction of the production plant, as delays could impact the project's timeline and potential returns. The project's success could also encourage further foreign investment in Algeria's agricultural sector.
On April 24, 2026, Baladna Algeria officially signed contracts for the second phase of its integrated dairy farm project, valued at over $635 million. The signing coincided with the launch of an airlift program to import 30,000 dairy cows from nine U.S. states, including Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Colorado, Idaho, California, Kansas, Iowa, and Indiana. The total investment for the Baladna Algeria project is estimated at $3.5 billion. The project is located in Adrar and aims to develop dairy farming and local powdered milk production.
The Baladna Algeria project, a collaboration between the Algerian Ministry of Agriculture and Qatari company Baladna, seeks to reduce Algeria's dependence on milk powder imports, which currently pose a burden on the balance of trade. In 2020, Algeria was the largest importer of dairy products in Africa, importing over 400,000 tons of milk annually, valued at nearly $800 million. The project aims to cover up to 50% of Algeria's powdered milk demand. The joint venture managing the project is 49% owned by the National Investment Fund (FNI) and 51% by the Qatari party.
The project will establish a 117,000-hectare farm designed to eventually house 270,000 dairy cows. The airlift program will involve 109 flights, each carrying approximately 300 cows, with about 10 flights per month. The cattle will be sourced from nine U.S. states, supporting the herd development timeline and ensuring a smooth transition to the operational phase. Construction of the production plant, led by GEA Group AG, is scheduled to begin in 2026, with the first powdered milk production expected by late 2027.
The Baladna Algeria project is expected to generate more than 15,000 jobs in Algeria and around 1,200 jobs in the United States through procurement and logistics activities. These activities are estimated to generate $250–300 million in economic impact across the U.S. agricultural supply chain. Initial contracts exceeding $500 million were signed in 2025 with Algerian and international suppliers and consultants, covering agricultural technology, production lines, irrigation systems, water well drilling, steel structures, engineering, consultancy, and project management services.
The second phase of contracts covers civil works, construction of additional facilities, irrigation systems, earthworks, a concrete plant, and residential and support infrastructure. The dairy cattle import program is a key milestone in the project's development, with air shipments commencing in November 2026 and continuing over ten months. The project aims to strengthen long-term agricultural cooperation between Algeria, the United States, and regional partners, while advancing national food security and local production capacity.