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- Politics
- E&E News
Senate Commerce will dive into illegal fishing
Senate lawmakers will probe federal efforts this week to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing in U.S. waters. Witnesses called to testify before a Commerce, Science and Transportation subcommittee Thursday will offer perspectives on how encroachment on U.S. fishing grounds by rival countries like China and Russia, as well as imports of illegally harvested seafood by foreign fleets, is undermining the nation's $321 billion fishing economy. 'Foreign illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing … ignore basic seafood harvest rules and best practices, and ravage fish stocks without regard for any other users or future generations,' Sen. Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), chair of the Subcommittee on Coast Guard, Maritime and Fisheries, which will host the hearing, said in a statement. Advertisement The hearing, titled 'Finding Nemo's Future: Conflicts Over Ocean Resources,' will also evaluate current legislative authorities to counter illegal fishing from U.S. waters and the efficacy of international treaties aimed at reducing such activities.
Ya Biladi
28-05-2025
- Business
- Ya Biladi
Moroccan olive oil triumphs globally : Top producers honored at Rabat ceremony
The award ceremony honoring Moroccan olive oil producers who distinguished themselves in prestigious international competitions in 2025 was held on Tuesday in Rabat, under the presidency of the Minister of Agriculture, Maritime Fisheries, Rural Development, and Water and Forests, Ahmed El Bouari. Among those recognized were the Zoyout Essaouira Cooperative, winner of gold medals at the international olive oil competitions in Geneva, Miami, Abu Dhabi, and Istanbul; the Nour Mejjat Cooperative, which received a silver medal in Istanbul; and the Oléa Capital Company, awarded a gold medal in Athens and a platinum medal in Istanbul. This event celebrated the exceptional achievements of these Moroccan producers, who have set themselves apart through their dedication to quality, innovation, and sustainability. It also reaffirmed the ministry's commitment to supporting the sector's stakeholders and consolidating Morocco's position as a global leader in olive oil production. In his remarks, Ahmed El Bouari praised the laureates for their dedication and their exemplary contribution to a sustainable and efficient agricultural sector. He emphasized that the sector's growth is reflected in the recognition of Morocco's top olive-growing cooperatives and companies. The minister also highlighted the invaluable contributions of the men and women who drive the dynamism of the national agricultural sector and actively promote Moroccan products on the international stage. For his part, Rachid Benali, president of the Moroccan Olive Interprofession (Interprolive), underscored the importance of international recognition for Moroccan olive oil producers, noting its positive impact in inspiring farmers and industry professionals across the country. He further commended the efforts of Moroccan professionals who have managed to stand out globally, reinforcing the reputation of Moroccan olive oil—a true symbol of ancestral expertise and universally recognized quality.
Ya Biladi
08-05-2025
- Business
- Ya Biladi
Morocco's Damask rose production set to surge : A boost for sustainable development
The projected production of the Damask rose (Rosa damascena) is estimated at over 4,800 tons for the 2024-2025 agricultural season, compared to 3,500 tons in 2023-2024, according to the Regional Office for Agricultural Development (ORMVA) of Ouarzazate. The area cultivated with this flower in the province of Tinghir has reached 1,020 hectares, with exports of about 60 tons, specified Abdellah Abdellaoui, head of the agricultural production service at the ORMVA of Ouarzazate, during a scientific symposium held on Wednesday on the sidelines of the 60th edition of the International Rose Festival in Morocco (from May 5 to 8) in Kelâat M'Gouna. The rose industry has benefited, within the framework of the Green Morocco Plan, from two distinctive signs of origin and quality, including the protected designation of origin «Rose of Kelâa M'gouna-Dadès» and «Rose Water of Kelâat M'Gouna-Dadès», concentrated mainly in the communes of Ait Sedrate Sahl Gharbia (31%), Khémis Dadès (29%), Ait Sedrate Sahl Charkia (19%), Kelâat M'Gouna (11%), and Ait Ouassif (10%), detailed Abdellah Abdellaoui. While calling for the promotion of scientific research to advance this sector, the official highlighted certain constraints that still hinder the development of this industry, particularly concerning the adoption of underdeveloped techniques in processing this flower and illegal competition. Organized by the Ministry of Agriculture, Maritime Fisheries, Rural Development, and Water and Forests, in partnership with the province of Tinghir and national and international partners, the International Rose Festival is themed this year as «Rose Industry: A Lever for Sustainable Development within the Framework of the Green Generation Strategy».
Ya Biladi
22-04-2025
- Business
- Ya Biladi
Morocco's cereal production to surge by 41% in promising 2024-2025 season
Initial forecasts indicate that cereal production for the 2024-2025 agricultural season is expected to reach 44 million quintals, reflecting a 41% increase compared to the previous season, announced Ahmed El Bouari, the Minister of Agriculture, Maritime Fisheries, Rural Development, and Water and Forests, on Tuesday in Meknès. «The current agricultural season looks promising on all fronts. After a challenging start, March and early April saw significant rainfall, which has had a very positive impact on the agricultural situation across the Kingdom», El Bouari stated during the opening of a high-level international conference, held in conjunction with the 17th edition of the International Agriculture Fair in Morocco (SIAM), which runs until April 27 in Meknès. In this context, the minister highlighted that the condition of autumn cereal vegetation cover has significantly improved, contributing to higher yields, especially in favorable regions. With the improvement in spring crops, the recovery of livestock following recent rains, and strong performance in most other agricultural activities, the growth of the agricultural sector is projected at 5.1%, compared to a contraction of -4.8% in the previous season. SIAM 2025, which features 1,500 exhibitors from 70 countries, is organized under the theme «Agriculture and the Rural World: Water at the Heart of Sustainable Development». Serving as a key platform for agricultural policies, the fair is an essential opportunity to promote exchanges, strengthen international partnerships, and highlight concrete solutions to the challenges facing the agricultural sector.
Morocco World
11-04-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
Almond Festival Kicks Off in Tafraout with Rural Initiatives in Souss-Massa
Rabat – The 12th edition of the Almond Festival opened today in Tafraout on Friday. It was launched by Morocco's Minister of Agriculture, Maritime Fisheries, Rural Development, and Water and Forests, Ahmed El Bouari. During his visit, El Bouari also traveled to the province of Tiznit to monitor and launch new agricultural and rural development projects under the Green Generation Strategy (2020–2030). He was accompanied by the Governor of Tiznit Province, the President of the Regional Agricultural Chamber of Souss-Massa, the President of the Provincial Council of Tiznit, elected officials, and senior ministry representatives. Running from April 10 to 13 under the theme 'Land of Almonds, Wealth of Tomorrow,' the Almond Festival aims to promote the almond sector and support the local economy and culture, according to a statement from the ministry. The festival also aims to celebrate the heritage of the Anti-Atlas region and improve the social and economic conditions of local communities by promoting solidarity-based and social economy values. The almond is considered the region's symbolic and main agricultural product, noted the statement. Read also: Moroccans Prefer 'Cheaper' American Almonds Despite Self-Sufficient Production The festival covers a space of 2,000 square meters and hosts over 110 exhibitors of local products from across Morocco, in addition to professional players in the sector. Organizers expect more than 80,000 visitors. The almond trees in the Souss-Massa region, especially in the Anti-Atlas area, cover a total of 23,431 hectares. This represents about 10% of Morocco's national almond-growing area, estimated at 246,000 hectares. The region produces around 27,600 tons of almonds each year, or about 17% of the national production. As part of the visit, the minister also launched the first phase of a cactus planting program in the rural communes of Aglou and Bounaamane in the Tiznit Province. Almond Festival This program focuses on planting a special type of cactus that is resistant to the cochineal insect, which has badly affected cactus plants in recent years. The program will cover 5,000 hectares in five rural communes between 2022 and 2027. It includes planting and maintenance, training, and support for farmers. The total budget for the full program is MAD 55 million. Around 500 hectares will be planted during the first phase at a cost of MAD 11 million, benefiting 420 farmers. The total area planned for planting in this phase is 1,000 hectares. Tags: almondAlmond festival
