Celebrating Excellence in Moroccan Agricultural Products
In its seventh edition, the "Moroccan Competition for Agricultural Products" celebrated the distinction and diversity of Moroccan regional products on Saturday at the Agriculture Forum in Meknes. This prestigious event, organized by the Agricultural Development Agency, is part of the continuous support provided by the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries to producer groups, ensuring a strong emphasis on enhancing the value of their products.
The awards ceremony was marked by an impressive distribution of 455 medals, comprising 134 gold, 141 silver, and 180 bronze medals, which took place during a formal ceremony coinciding with the eighteenth edition of the International Agricultural Forum in Morocco (SIAM). The event was presided over by Ahmed Bouari, the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Rural Development, and Water and Forests, alongside officials from the Agricultural Development Agency.
A special innovation award was granted for the "Argan Oil with Organic Saffron" produced by the "Amini" cooperative in the Marrakech-Safi region, recognizing its innovative approach. This initiative not only acknowledges the efforts of producer groups but also highlights their expertise to the public, through awards that reinforce the quality and authenticity of their products.
Recognition and Innovation in Agricultural Heritage
During the event, Mahjoubah Chkil, Director of Local Product Marketing Development at the Agricultural Development Agency, announced that this edition featured the participation of 1,375 products from various regions of the kingdom. Following deliberations by the judging panel, seven excellence awards were presented, which included argan oil from the "Boukhdo Akrimoud" cooperative, olive oil from the "Agereswak" cooperative, thyme honey from the "Agdz" cooperative, and more. This reflects the richness of the national agricultural heritage.
The Moroccan Agricultural Products Competition, launched in 2014 by the Ministry of Agriculture, has become an essential mechanism for enhancing regional products, contributing to improving the competitiveness of producers, supporting cooperatives, and promoting offerings that meet national and international market demands.
In interviews with Hespress, award-winning exhibitors emphasized that this recognition is not merely about receiving awards; it serves as a motivation to continue innovating and honoring the national agricultural heritage. Fatima Zahra Amini, president of the "Amini" cooperative, expressed pride in receiving the award for her cooperative's saffron argan oil, stating that it provides a significant boost for the thirty cooperative members in the Essaouira region to balance tradition with product development.
Mohamed Skourai, president of the "Agereswak" cooperative, emphasized that winning the quality award for olive oil is the result of hard work and strict adherence to legal standards. Meanwhile, Fatima Marzouk, president of a cooperative in the Fez-Meknes region, regarded the gold medal in various vinegars as a significant honor and a recognition of diligence.
As the cooperative representatives shared their insights, they collectively acknowledged the importance of these awards in providing moral value to producers, empowering them to strive for continuous improvement. Tarik Fathi, a manager of a cooperative in the Souss-Massa region, expressed pride in winning a gold medal for his "Amlou" product, highlighting the precise technical support offered by local authorities to ensure quality.
With an eye toward the future, Omar Al-Zitouni, president of the "Demnate Forest Products" cooperative, discussed their ambition to focus on innovating the use of carob as a product that combines nutritional and medicinal properties. He affirmed that this recognition encourages the cooperative to elevate the quality and actively contribute to local development.
In the honey category, Imad Idouma, a representative of the "Al-Sahwa" cooperative, stated that receiving the national gold medal for "Sidra Honey" motivates them to achieve international standards of quality, showcasing their activities that extend beyond beekeeping to include meat valorization and the production of traditional Moroccan products like "Khlii" and "Samn".
Finally, Ahmed Farawi, a representative of the "Noor Wazzan" cooperative, confirmed that the gold medal for dried figs is a result of collaborative efforts with the Ministry of Agriculture, expressing gratitude for the ongoing support that this success represents in advancing the social and solidarity economy in the Wazzan region and enhancing the competitiveness of local products.
As reported by hespress.com.
