Latest news with #Geographical
Morocco World
03-07-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
The Great Argan Appropriation: How a French Multinational is Undermining Morocco's Heritage and Economy
In the sun-scorched hills of southern Morocco, generations of women have toiled with care and pride to extract a golden oil from the nut of the argan tree, a tradition that has nourished communities, empowered cooperatives, and safeguarded one of the world's rarest ecosystems. But today, that tradition stands on the edge of collapse. The reason lies in a silent and systematic takeover of the argan oil industry by a French multinational: Olvea Group. What began as an inspiring model of social entrepreneurship, where Moroccan women's cooperatives transformed ancestral knowledge into economic opportunity, has now become a cautionary tale of dispossession and corporate dominance. A Market Once Moroccan, Now Industrial Olvea, originally a fish oil company from Normandy, France, entered the Moroccan market in 2005 and swiftly expanded its argan operations under the brand Olvea Morocco. Today, it controls nearly 70% of argan oil exports, acting as both buyer and processor, leaving Moroccan producers and cooperatives clinging to the fringes of a sector they built. According to figures highlighted by Médias24 and field research by Reporterre, Moroccan cooperatives, once responsible for over 80% of exports, now represent less than 20% of output. Most have been relegated to subcontracted roles, cracking argan nuts for a pittance while Olvea reaps the profits of processing, branding, and international sales. Many women-led cooperatives are locked into contracts that oblige them to sell below cost. One such cooperative, led by Jamila Idbourrous, was compelled to operate at a loss for nearly a year due to binding agreements. Others have shut down altogether, unable to compete for raw argan fruits, which have become scarce and unaffordable due to climate change, forest degradation, and illegal harvesting networks. Fatima El Mehni, president of a cooperative in Ameskroud, notes with sorrow that they used to produce 3,000 liters a month and now are lucky to make 50. The once-bustling storage rooms of women's collectives now stand eerily empty, while Olvea's state-of-the-art industrial tanks operate at full scale in Agadir. Legal Blind Spots and Trademark Barriers The legal framework has also failed Morocco. Despite the country's long history of argan cultivation, there is still no internationally recognized Protected Geographical Indication for argan oil. A French pharmaceutical company, Pierre Fabre, registered the name 'Argane' as a trademark in 1983, effectively barring Moroccan producers from using their own heritage name in various markets. Although a French court acknowledged in 2013 that 'argan' refers to a generic tree endemic to Morocco, no exclusive rights were granted to Moroccan cooperatives. As a result, Moroccan producers still operate without any guarantee of intellectual property protection, despite the product being listed by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Climate Stress and Ecological Collapse The environmental situation is just as alarming. The argan ecosystem is under siege. Drought, overgrazing, and agricultural encroachment are shrinking forests and exhausting groundwater reserves. In this context of scarcity, industrial players with deep pockets such as Olvea are buying up raw argan in bulk, pushing local producers out of the market. The traditional 'agdal' system, a form of ecological resting period, has been violated, with illegal collectors raiding forests even during seasonal bans. Women have been harassed or threatened when trying to collect fruit, a resource they historically managed and protected. The power imbalance is clear and deeply unjust. A Pattern Repeated Across Africa Olvea's extractive logic is not limited to Morocco. Greenpeace Africa has exposed the company's role in the depletion of fish stocks in West Africa, where fish oils destined for European livestock and aquaculture feed are extracted at the expense of local communities' food security. In addition to argan oil, Olvea also produces Omega-3 oil extracted from sardines, widely used in food supplements and health products. According to a reliable source in Morocco, the company holds exclusive control over the production of refined fish oils, including Omega-3 derivatives. This operation is carried out through its subsidiary, Winterisation Atlantic, established in Agadir in 2005 as part of Olvea's fish oil activities. While Moroccan raw materials are used, the refined oil is neither sold to Moroccan organisations nor made available to local manufacturers, effectively shutting domestic actors out of the value chain. This has sparked concern among industry professionals, who view the situation as a clear restriction on access to a valuable national resource with both nutritional and economic potential. The same pattern now unfolds in Morocco. Just as Olvea has taken fish from African plates to produce feed for livestock and aquaculture industries in Europe, it is now taking ancestral knowledge and forest fruits from Moroccan women to supply the European beauty market. Reclaiming What Is Rightfully Moroccan This is not simply a business concern. It is a matter of economic justice, cultural sovereignty, and environmental responsibility. Moroccan authorities must act decisively. Securing international recognition for Moroccan argan oil, reforming the sector's governance, supporting value-added local processing, and enforcing environmental protections are no longer optional. They are essential if Morocco is to retain control over one of its most iconic and valuable resources. At the same time, global consumers, especially those who purchase argan oil under the assumption of fairness and sustainability, must ask difficult questions. Who benefits from this product? And who has been left behind? The story of argan oil should not become another example of Africa exporting raw materials while importing poverty. It should remain a celebration of Moroccan excellence, women empowerment, and ecological wisdom. But that can only happen if Morocco reclaims what belongs to it: its land, its knowledge, its communities, and its future. The argan tree grows on Moroccan soil, nurtured by Moroccan hands. Its story should be written by Moroccans, not erased by others. The Broader Struggle for Resource Sovereignty What is unfolding in the argan oil industry reflects a larger structural issue facing developing countries: the imbalance of power between multinational corporations and local economies. From cocoa in Côte d'Ivoire to fishmeal in Mauritania and shea butter in Burkina Faso, African natural resources are consistently extracted and commercialized abroad, often without fair value returning to the source communities. In this landscape, Olvea is not an isolated actor. It is emblematic of a broader system that commodifies heritage while sidelining the custodians of that heritage. This is not merely about argan oil. It is about the principle of who gets to benefit from Africa's natural wealth. The Moroccan case should be a wake-up call for the region to build stronger legal safeguards, reinvest in community-based enterprises, and actively resist the normalization of economic models that strip local populations of value while exporting narratives of ethical trade. Towards a New Vision of Economic Justice Morocco has the potential to pioneer a new model, one that aligns environmental protection, women's empowerment, and national economic development. This means putting cooperatives back at the center of the value chain. It means building a Moroccan-owned export infrastructure that does not rely on foreign intermediaries. It means educating consumers worldwide that true sustainability is not a certification stamped by a European body but a commitment to fair partnerships and shared prosperity. The international community must also bear responsibility. It is time for governments, consumers, and ethical certification bodies to stop rubber-stamping exploitative systems. A product should not be considered ethical if it silences the voices of the people who made it possible. Argan oil is not just a luxury product. It is the symbol of a culture, a history, a way of life. It must remain in Moroccan hands, not just in memory but in reality. In light of these concerning developments, it may be timely for the relevant Moroccan authorities to consider examining such monopolisation practices by foreign organizations. While economic openness is important, the strategic and cultural significance of argan oil makes it vital to ensure that access to this natural treasure remains fair, inclusive, and beneficial to local communities. Safeguarding the argan sector is not only an economic imperative but a cultural responsibility essential to preserving one of Morocco's most meaningful heritage assets.
Daily Record
01-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
Recipe for the perfect Ayrshire new potatoes as fresh produce hits the shelves
Ayrshire New Potatoes, affectionately known as Ayrshire Earlies, have hit the shelves after coming back into season. Ayrshire foodies have been flocking to the supermarkets after the annual return of seasonal Ayrshire New Potatoes. Affectionately known as Ayrshire Earlies, the variety are Scotland's first potatoes of the year and are renowned for their distinctive "earthy, nutty and sweet flavour" with a "creamy yet firm" texture. Assigned Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status, the Ayrshire Earlies are only grown by local farmers in the county's unique coastal soils. The Epicure breed of potatoes dates back to 1897 and it has become synonymous with Ayrshire potatoes for its unique flavour and frost resistance. To mark the launch of Ayrshire season, Scotty Brand are highlighting a traditional in a bid to showcase the best of these early potatoes. For the perfect Ayrshire New Potatoes Boil the whole potatoes for 15 minutes or until tender, drain and then throw them into a large bowl. Add a dollop of butter and sprinkle with salt - try Wee Knob of Butter's Truffle & Black Pepper alongside Blackthorn Scottish sea salt flakes for a uniquely Scottish flavour. Serve and enjoy the delicious simplicity of Ayrshire potatoes. Scotty Brand works closely with Drew Young from Girvan Early Growers to produce Ayrshire Potatoes. Drew Young is a generational farmer with both his sons now integrated into the family farm. A spokesperson for Scotty Brand said: "Scotty Brand, Scotland's trusted name in fresh, local produce, is delighted to announce the arrival of the much-anticipated Ayrshire season, marking the start of the Scottish potato harvest with its celebrated Ayrshire New Potatoes. "The region's mild climate, warmed by the Gulf Stream, and the use of seaweed fertilisers from local beaches, create the perfect growing conditions for these premium spuds. This coastal influence allows for earlier planting and harvesting, making Ayrshire New Potatoes available from May to July—a highlight of Scotland's food calendar. "At Scotty Brand, we believe that eating with the seasons is essential for taste, nutrition, and sustainability. "Scottish produce, grown in its natural season, is fresher, more flavourful, and has a lower environmental impact. Ayrshire New Potatoes are a perfect example of how seasonal eating connects us to Scotland's rich agricultural heritage and supports local farmers."
The Hindu
23-06-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
GI application filed for Balanagar Custard Apple
Balanagar Custard Apple, a custard apple variety that grows wild in three districts of Telangana, has been pitchforked for a Geographical Indications tag on Monday. A filing with the Geographical Indications Registry shows the application number 1569 filed on behalf of three farm-based organisations, including a farm produced company, an agriculture cooperative society, and horticulture university. 'We identified the uniqueness of the variety by analysing the micro and macro nutrients found in the custard apple that is grown in five mandals of Mahbubnagar, three mandals of Rangareddy and three mandals of Vikarabad. Because of the rocky terrain and weathering, the nutrient profile of the Balanagar custard apple is different,' said Saidaiah Pidigam of Sri Konda Laxman Telangana Horticultural University. The scientific documentation of the fruit's unique agro-morphological characteristics shows how its cultivation in a non-commercial manner in areas that are not irrigated marks it out. 'Irrigation and use of fertilizer makes the custard apple insipid. As the Balanagar variety grows in only rain-fed areas, its flavour profile is robust,' informed Saidaiah Pidigam. The application was filed by GI practitioner Subhajit Saha of Resolute4IP on behalf of Pomal Farmer Producer Company Limited, Balanagar Farmer Producer Company Limited, and The Primary Agricultural Cooperative Society, with funding support from NABARD (National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development). 'The GI tag is expected to provide legal protection, strengthen brand identity, and open premium domestic and international market access for the Balanagar Custard Apple,' informed Mr. Saha.
Powys County Times
23-06-2025
- Business
- Powys County Times
Welsh Government urged to act on massive loss of abattoirs
WALES' diminishing local abattoir infrastructure has been highlighted to the Welsh Government. Several organisations, including the Farmers' Union of Wales have written to the Government raising the critical issue. The letter, addressed to Huw Irranca-Davies MS, Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs, has been co-signed by eight organisations, including Nature Friendly Farming Network, North Wales Wildlife Trust, Pasture for Life, Plantlife Cymru, Rare Breeds Survival Trust, RSPB Cymru, the Sustainable Food Trust and the Farmers' Union of Wales. In 1990 there were 58 red meat abattoirs in Wales, whereas today there are just 15, with nine being small-medium, and five of these being classed as small. Even fewer are able to provide all of the services farmers need to sell directly to local consumers, such as butchering, packaging, processing small numbers of animals, multi-species animals, having organic certification, and the ability to deal with horned animals, or those 'over thirty months' (OTM). This issue puts Welsh farmers' ability to sell and distinguish their products from imports produced to lower environmental and animal welfare standards at risk. All co-signatures of the letter highlighted the role of grazing livestock for the management and enhancement of priority habitats across Wales, from peatlands to salt marshes, species-rich grasslands to heathlands, ffriddoedd and 'Celtic Woodlands'. Farmers' Union of Wales president Ian Rickman said: 'The FUW has been clear that if the Welsh Government wants to promote a 'circular economy' and ensure Welsh produce produced to high environmental standards can be marketed as such, then the abattoir infrastructure is an essential enabler. "The fact that Australian and New Zealand lamb imports have increased by 78 per cent, at the same time that farmers in Wales are struggling to sell their produce locally, makes no sense. "Such a situation undermines the efforts farmers are making to enhance biodiversity, nutritional value, and low carbon produce sold to Welsh consumers, as well as the integrity of Welsh Lamb and Beef's 'Protected Geographical Indication' status. Other issues facing abattoirs include 'animal by-products' which used to represent an income stream for abattoirs and contributed towards a circular economy, which are now an added cost due to disposal charges. Teleri Fielden, Farmers' Union of Wales policy officer added: 'Farmers in Wales are rightfully proud of our high animal welfare standards and the quality of life afforded to many grazing livestock. "While out of the farmers' control, short journeys to slaughter is part of this, as is access to casualty and emergency slaughter services. "However, there is only one slaughterhouse in Wales which has the 'contract' to receive BovineTB reactors, creating lengthy journeys and additional stress to both the animal and the farmer experiencing a bTB breakdown.
Time of India
13-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Proud day for artists: GI tag conferred on sitar and tanpura makers from Miraj
Kolhapur: Artisans from Sangli's Miraj, known for handcrafting traditional string instruments like sitar and tanpura were conferred the GI (Geographical Identification) tag on Friday. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The ceremony, held in Vashi in Mumbai, brought together artisans, musicians, instrument makers, and representatives from music companies to celebrate the recognition. Geographical identification plays a vital role in safeguarding the interests of producers, consumers and the cultural heritage associated with unique regional products. It promotes authenticity, quality and economic growth while ensuring that traditional practices and knowledge are preserved for future generations. Miraj Musical Instrument Cluster was awarded the GI tag for Sitar, Soultune Musical Instrument Producer Company for Tanpura. The musicians, after the event, asserted that Miraj will be known across the world as music city exporting string instruments. Mohsin Mirajkar, Miraj Musical Instrument Cluster head, said: "Miraj city has a tradition of making string instruments since 1850. Miraj will get a different identity due to GI tags and it will be a boost for the city on the tourist map." "Nearly 25 families of hereditary sitar and tanpura makers continue to live in the Shaniwar Peth area of Miraj. Our sixth and seventh generation is now involved in crafting string instruments like tanpura, sitar, dilruba, sarangi, rudraveena, etc," he added. The recognition is a matter of pride for the certified GI tag holders. Mubin Mirajkar, Soultune Musical Instrument Producer Company chief, said: "The speciality of the wood and gourd and the quality achieved through modern craftsmanship have given the instruments global recognition, and now the GI tag." Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Hupari Silver Craft under Chandi Karkhandar Association-Hupari (Kolhapur), Vasmat Haldi (Turmeric) under Hon Balasaheb Thackeray Haridra Research and training center, Nandurbar Amchur under AMU Aakha Ek Se Farmers Producer Company Limited, Nandurbar and Nandurbar Mirchi under Sewa Samiti, Nandurbar, Sawantwadi wooden craft under Sutar Samaj Hastkala Producer Company Limited, Sindhudurg were also conferred with Geographical Identification tag on Friday. Maharashtra state co-operation minister Babasaheb Patil was the chief guest of the event. Minister of state for cooperation Dr Pankaj Bhoyar, principal secretary (cooperation and marketing) Praveen Darade, co-operative commissioner and registrar of co-operative societies Deepak Taware, Nabard chief general manager Rashmi Darad were also present at the event.
