Prince Moulay Rachid Launches the 18th Edition of Morocco's International Agriculture Exhibition
On April 20, 2026, Prince Moulay Rachid presided over the opening ceremony of the 18th International Agriculture Exhibition in Meknes, Morocco, held at the historic site of the Sidi Kacem Reservoir. This prestigious event is organized under the patronage of King Mohammed VI and will run until April 28, 2026, under the theme "Sustainability of Animal Production and Food Sovereignty." The inauguration ceremony exemplifies the ongoing royal commitment to the agricultural sector and reflects Morocco's dedication to addressing contemporary challenges related to sustainable development, climate change, and food security.
Upon arrival, Prince Moulay Rachid was greeted with honors by a contingent of auxiliary forces. Notable attendees included Princess Sara bint Bandar bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Executive Director of the International Date Council, along with the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Rural Development, Water and Forests, and other dignitaries representing various regional and international bodies. The exhibition will showcase cooperation and partnerships that enhance the agricultural landscape, particularly emphasizing sustainable practices and the importance of food security.
During the opening, Prince Moulay Rachid awarded recognition certificates for quality and origin to various cooperatives and agricultural associations. He presented geographical indications to leaders of cooperatives, highlighting the importance of local products and their contributions to the economy. Notably, geographical indications were awarded to products from the Drâa-Tafilalet region, including "Louz Ghassat" and "Khamoun Baladi Alnif," underscoring the rich agricultural heritage of the area.
This year's exhibition features a significant international presence, with 70 countries participating, and Portugal being honored as the guest of honor. This selection highlights the strong bilateral relations and dynamic cooperation between Morocco and Portugal. The event will delve into critical topics such as sustainability and resilience in the agricultural sector, focusing on advancements in animal health and production, food safety, and the economic performance of livestock farming.
The International Agriculture Exhibition has established itself as a prominent fixture in both national and international agricultural agendas since its inception. It serves as a vital meeting point for decision-makers, economic actors, professionals, and local stakeholders, facilitating discussions that drive innovation and collaboration. This edition of the exhibition is expected to attract over 1.1 million visitors, showcasing the agricultural identity of Morocco and reinforcing its position as a global agricultural hub.
As the exhibition unfolds, it aims to stimulate economic development while embracing innovations in technology and international cooperation. Through this endeavor, Morocco aspires to establish a more efficient, sustainable, and competitive agricultural sector on both regional and global scales.
As reported by hespress.com.
