Latest news with #andWaterandForests
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
Ya Biladi
22-02-2025
- Business
- Ya Biladi
Morocco's Govt. Head inaugurates Kingdom's pavilion at Paris International Agricultural Show
On Saturday, Head of Government Aziz Akhannouch inaugurated the Moroccan pavilion at the Paris International Agricultural Show, where Morocco is the first foreign guest of honor. Akhannouch was accompanied by French Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noël Barrot, Morocco's Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Rural Development, and Water and Forests Ahmed El Bouari, as well as Ambassador of His Majesty the King in Paris Samira Sitail. Together, they cut the ribbon to officially open the Moroccan pavilion. Le chef du gouvernement marocain et le MAE français ont pris le temps de discuter avec de nombreux exposants marocains et de goûter aux nombreux produits du terroir? — (@yabiladi_fr) February 22, 2025 Following the inauguration, Akhannouch toured the pavilion and engaged in discussions with Moroccan exhibitors, in the presence of several members of the Moroccan community. French political figures, including Vice-President of the French National Assembly Naïma Moutchou, President of the France-Morocco Friendship Group in the French Senate Christian Cambon, and Senator Hervé Marseille, also participated in the visit. For Akhannouch, Morocco's presence at the Paris International Agricultural Show as guest of honor for the first time in the event's history reflects the «deep friendship» between Morocco and France, as well as the importance of agriculture and the solidarity of Moroccan farmers. He emphasized that Morocco's participation highlighted local products and the involvement of all territories, specifically noting the contribution of women's cooperatives showcasing their products. «This demonstrates the variety and richness of the agricultural products we have in our country», Akhannouch said. Amidst the exceptional relations between the two countries, Morocco's recognition at the 2025 SIA (February 22-March 2) underscores the uniqueness of the France-Morocco partnership. It is also a fitting tribute to Morocco, which has become a regional and continental leader in sustainable agriculture. The Kingdom will occupy a 476 m² pavilion, showcasing the diversity and richness of its agriculture at the heart of the Show. Organized under the motto 'A French Pride,' the 61st SIA is expected to attract over 600,000 visitors, with 4,000 animals and 1,000 exhibitors spread across a 16-hectare site with 9 pavilions. Morocco's tribute at the SIA is also a precursor to an upcoming event: next April, France will be the guest of honor at the International Agriculture Exhibition in Morocco (SIAM) in Meknes. This exchange serves as a powerful symbol of the complementary relationship between the two nations, extending beyond trade to tackle significant challenges in the sector, such as food security, water resource management, and agricultural innovation.
