Rabat: The National Institute for Agricultural Research (INRA) and the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at promoting sustainable agricultural research. The agreement was sealed on Tuesday in Rabat by INRA Director Lamiae Ghaouti and ACIAR Research Program Manager Rita Ritchie during a visit by an official ACIAR delegation. It is part of the Africa-Australia Partnership for Climate Responsive Agriculture and aligns with Morocco’s national “Green Generation 2020-2030” strategy.

According to Agence Marocaine De Presse, the agreement seeks to establish structured cooperation focusing on the development of joint agricultural research projects. It emphasizes capacity building, training, exchange of expertise, and innovation in climate-smart agriculture. The collaboration aims to promote networking among researchers, dissemination of scientific results, and collaborative approaches to sustainable and resilient agriculture.

In additio
n, a letter of understanding was signed between Ghaouti and Australian Ambassador to Morocco, Damian Donovan, marking a significant step toward enhancing research and innovation in sustainable food and agricultural systems. Donovan stated that this cooperation would help improve resilience to climate challenges and open new opportunities for agriculture in Morocco and across Africa.

Ghaouti described the signing as an important moment in Moroccan-Australian cooperation, aligning with the Australian government’s policy and the national ‘Generation Green’ strategy. This strategy places innovation and sustainability at the core of Morocco’s agricultural development. This visit is part of ongoing efforts to reinforce bilateral scientific and technical relations between Morocco and Australia in agriculture, innovation, and climate resilience.

The AAPCRA program has a budget of AUD 76.4 million over six years and aims to strengthen research and innovation in sustainable and climate-resilient agricultural practice
s in North and West Africa, notably in Morocco, Egypt, Ghana, and Nigeria. It also provides an opportunity for promising exchanges between Moroccan and Australian experts on prospects for collaboration in priority research areas and strategic opportunities offered by this bilateral partnership.