This study reveals structural shortcomings in neoliberal approaches to agricultural development and food provision in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) by analyzing the cases of Egypt and Morocco. Furthermore, it demonstrates that Morocco cannot serve as a model for developing Egypt’s agricultural sector. In the neoliberal discourse, the case of Morocco’s agricultural development is considered successful, with modern, private, irrigated, highly capitalized, and export-oriented farms producing fruits and vegetables and exporting them to other countries, especially European countries. Moreover, the country’s regime successfully overcame a wave of the Arab Spring, by providing a stable supply of wheat (and bread) to the people and ensuring food security. In contrast, Egypt is considered an unsuccessful (or less successful) case in this neoliberal discourse. Despite its potential for export-driven agricultural development, the country’s agricultural sector is vulnerable and underdeveloped. Furthermore, it is overly dependent on imported wheat, and generous wheat subsidies exacerbate this trend. Therefore, some neoliberal economists argue that Egypt should invest in export-driven agricultural projects to earn more foreign currency. This policy advice is based on the theory of comparative advantage, with Morocco serving as a successful model for Egypt. Neoliberal economic reform also targets generous food subsidies, which are among the major contributors to Egypt’s fiscal deficit. However, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022 highlights the limitations of the neoliberal approach in the MENA region. The blockade of the Black Sea triggered a global food crisis, resulting in a sharp increase in food prices in this region. This food crisis demonstrates that the neoliberal approach to agriculture and food supply assumes a peaceful period in which foodstuffs are adequately supplied; however, this approach is vulnerable to external shocks during wartime. Furthermore, despite food subsidies receiving significant state funding, neoliberal scholars argue that they are inefficient for poverty alleviation. However, the usefulness of food subsidies is demonstrated during food crises. A large proportion of the population of MENA countries comprises middle-class citizens who are economically vulnerable, and external shocks can cause their living conditions to fall below the poverty line. Many members of this social group work in the informal sector and are not covered by social insurance. For these informal workers, food subsidies are the last resort for avoiding poverty.