Strengthening Agricultural Cooperation Between Morocco and France
On April 21, 2026, during the 18th edition of the International Agricultural Exhibition in Morocco (SIAM), a significant meeting took place between the Moroccan-French Joint Agricultural Committee in Meknès. The meeting was co-chaired by Mr. Ahmed El Bouari, Moroccan Minister of Agriculture, Maritime Fisheries, Rural Development, and Water and Forests, alongside Ms. Annie Genevard, French Minister of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty, and Agro-Food. This gathering brought together key institutional, scientific, and technical stakeholders from both nations, revitalizing the framework for bilateral dialogue initiated by the framework agreement signed in October 2024.
This meeting served as a platform to review the progress made since the 2024 SIAM in the agricultural and forestry sectors, while also setting the priorities for cooperation for the period of 2026-2027. The agricultural partnership between Morocco and France is experiencing a renewed dynamic, characterized by the exchange of expertise, transfer of know-how, and the development of impactful joint projects. This collaboration spans crucial areas such as education and training, research, sanitary security, and the development of agricultural and agro-food sectors, thereby enhancing the resilience of production systems in the face of climate and economic challenges.
Key Outcomes and Future Directions
During the opening remarks, the ministers expressed their satisfaction with the notable results achieved during the 2025 agricultural cross-year, which successfully strengthened synergies between institutions, territories, and professional sectors in both countries. Discussions highlighted the advancements made since 2024 and consolidated several priority areas for continued cooperation.
Focusing on livestock, a central theme at SIAM 2026, discussions revolved around the reconstruction and improvement of herds, structuring of sectors, and adaptation of production systems. This includes collaborative projects aimed at genetic improvement and the development of fodder resources. In the realms of vocational training, higher education, and research, both parties acknowledged the quality of existing partnerships, which are based on cross-mobility, joint training programs, dual degrees, and collaborative research initiatives.
Significant progress in health and phytosanitary matters, especially since the signing of the administrative arrangement in 2024, was also underscored. A technical dialogue between the Moroccan National Office for Food Safety (ONSSA) and the General Directorate for Food (DGAL) is enhancing the prevention and management of health risks while ensuring smooth and secure commercial exchanges.
The committee also emphasized the importance of collaboration in forestry and sustainable agricultural water management, particularly in the context of climate change and the increasing pressure on natural resources. Both parties expressed their commitment to enhancing joint initiatives and structuring their collaboration around concrete projects.
At the conclusion of the meeting, the ministers reaffirmed their dedication to solidifying this strategic partnership and injecting new momentum into it through the implementation of concrete actions and the development of new cooperation themes, including agricultural advisory services, youth integration in rural areas, service digitization, and strengthening human resource capacities.
As reported by agrimaroc.ma.
