Rabat: Morocco and the Kingdom of the Netherlands reaffirmed on Tuesday in Rabat their willingness to strengthen cooperation in the fields of agriculture, agronomic research, and innovation.

According to Agence Marocaine De Presse, the Agricultural Counselor at the Embassy of the Netherlands, Frank Buizer, engaged in discussions with the Director of the National Institute for Agronomic Research (INRA), Lamiae Ghaouti, to explore partnership opportunities between INRA and Dutch institutions active in agriculture, agronomic research, and sustainable development. This meeting aims to reinforce bilateral relations and promote scientific and technical partnerships, particularly in agronomic research, innovation, and sustainable development.

During the meeting, INRA officials outlined the Institute’s core missions and research programs focused on enhancing agricultural production systems, adapting to climate change, and optimizing natural resources. In a statement to MAP, Buizer commended INRA’s efforts in scientific research and innovation, expressing a strong desire to deepen cooperation through organizing several events in upcoming weeks. The initiatives will particularly target water-efficient agriculture and horticulture, aiming to intensify exchanges and consolidate existing partnerships between Morocco and the Netherlands.

Ghaouti highlighted that the visit serves as an opportunity to explore various avenues of cooperation with Dutch partners, especially in priority areas like smart agriculture, conservation of genetic resources, organic farming, and agri-tech, with a focus on greenhouses and market gardening. She emphasized the intention to build on existing cooperation while intensifying efforts through new visits and exchanges planned for 2026, alongside joint participation in the International Agricultural Show in Morocco (SIAM).

Ghaouti further noted that this partnership would leverage the Netherlands’ expertise in rational resource management, particularly water, and advanced technologies related to genetic improvement and varietal development, aiming to enhance the performance and sustainability of Moroccan agriculture. The discussions also covered opportunities for collaboration in technology transfer, training, and expertise exchange to modernize the agricultural sector and bolster its resilience.