Morocco and France Sign Roadmap for Agricultural and Forestry Partnership

On April 22, 2024, Morocco and France signed a roadmap for cooperation and partnership in the agricultural and forestry sectors. The signing took place in Meknes, Morocco on the sidelines of the 16th International Agricultural Show in Morocco (SIAM). Moroccan Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Rural Development and Water and Forests, Mohamed Sadiki, and French Minister of Agriculture and Food Sovereignty, Marc Fesneau, were present for the signing.

The roadmap aims to strengthen cooperation between the two countries in these sectors and encourage sustainable development. It outlines plans to stimulate investment, job creation, and economic growth in Morocco's agriculture and forestry industries. The agreement also involves cooperation between educational and research institutions, including the National Institute for Higher Education in Agriculture, Food and the Environment (France), the Meknes National School of Agriculture (Morocco), the Hassan II Agronomic and Veterinary Institute, and the National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food and the Environment (INRAE).

Several agreements were signed between professionals from the two countries as part of the roadmap. These include partnerships between agricultural federations and institutes to support the development of the Moroccan agricultural and dairy sectors, as well as a project to create a regional technical center for oilseed production in Morocco. The agreements cover areas such as seeds and seedlings, cereals, dairy, and oilseed production.

Why this matters: The Morocco-France agricultural and forestry partnership roadmap represents a significant step in strengthening economic ties and promoting sustainable development in these key sectors. The agreements aim to drive investment, create jobs, and foster knowledge sharing between the two countries.

Crédit Agricole du Maroc and the French Development Agency also signed credit agreements to finance investments in the Moroccan agricultural sector. The funding will support projects to improve water efficiency, promote agroecology, and develop climate-resilient crop species and varieties. "The roadmap aims to strengthen cooperation between the two countries in these sectors and encourage sustainable development," said Minister Sadiki at the signing ceremony.

Key Takeaways

• Morocco and France signed a roadmap for agricultural and forestry cooperation.
• The roadmap aims to drive investment, create jobs, and promote sustainability.
• It involves collaboration between educational and research institutions in both countries.
• Several agreements were signed to support the Moroccan agricultural and dairy sectors.
• Funding agreements were signed to improve water efficiency and promote agroecology.