Celebrating Diversity and Quality in Moroccan Agricultural Products
In its seventh iteration, the Moroccan Agricultural Products Competition has once again recognized excellence and diversity in Moroccan products. This event took place on Saturday at the International Agricultural Show in Meknes, organized by the Agricultural Development Agency, under the continuous support of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development. The aim of the competition is to promote and enhance the efforts of producer groups, underscoring the importance of valuing local products.
The awards ceremony was marked by an impressive distribution of 455 medals, which included 134 gold, 141 silver, and 180 bronze medals, as reported by hespress.com. This formal event was held in conjunction with the 18th edition of the International Agricultural Show in Morocco (SIAM) and was presided over by Ahmed Bouari, the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Rural Development, Water, and Forests, alongside officials from the Agricultural Development Agency.
A special innovation award was presented to the "Amine" cooperative from the Marrakech-Safi region for their organic saffron-infused argan oil, recognizing their innovative approach to product development.
Recognizing Excellence and Innovation
This initiative not only serves to honor producer groups but also highlights their expertise to the public through awards that emphasize the quality and authenticity of their products. According to Hajouba Chakil, the Director of Local Product Marketing Development at the Agricultural Development Agency, this year’s competition saw the participation of 1,375 products from various regions of the kingdom.
Following the deliberations of the judging committee, seven excellence awards were granted, showcasing various products including argan oil from the "Bokhdo Akrimoud" cooperative, olive oil from the "Agereswak" cooperative, thyme honey from the "Agdz" cooperative, and koda cheese from the "Alfa" cooperative, among others. This diverse array of winners illustrates the richness of Morocco's agricultural heritage.
Launched in 2014 by the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, the Moroccan Agricultural Products Competition has become a vital mechanism for enhancing local products, fostering competitiveness among producers, supporting cooperatives, and promoting a market offer that meets both national and international demands.
In interviews with Hespress, several winners expressed that this recognition is not merely about receiving awards, but rather serves as a significant motivation to continue innovating and valuing Morocco's agricultural heritage. Fatima Zahra Amine, president of the "Amine" cooperative, expressed her pride in receiving the innovation award for saffron-infused argan oil, stating that this accolade serves as a strong encouragement for the thirty women involved in the cooperative to balance tradition preservation with product development.
Moreover, Mohamed Skourai, president of the "Agereswak" cooperative, emphasized that winning the quality award for olive oil exemplifies their hard work and strict adherence to legal standards. Similarly, Fatima Marzouq, president of a cooperative in the Fez-Meknes region, viewed the gold medal in vinegar categories as a significant honor and a testament to their diligence.
Through these awards, the Moroccan Agricultural Products Competition continues to play a crucial role in elevating local products and enhancing their competitiveness in both domestic and international markets.
As reported by hespress.com.
