Meknes: The meeting of the Morocco-France joint agricultural committee, held on Tuesday in Meknes on the sidelines of the 18th edition of the International Agricultural Exhibition in Morocco (SIAM), marked a new momentum for an exceptional partnership dedicated to sustainable and resilient agricultural systems. On this occasion, the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Rural Development and Water and Forests, Ahmed El Bouari, and the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Food Sovereignty of the French Republic, Annie Genevard, who co-chaired the meeting, “reaffirmed their commitment to consolidating this strategic partnership and giving it new impetus,” states a press release from the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Rural Development and Water and Forests.
According to Agence Marocaine De Presse, this involves implementing concrete actions and developing new themes of cooperation, notably agricultural advisory services, the integration of youth in rural areas, the digitalization of services, and the capacity building of human resources, the same source specified. This meeting, organized in the presence of key institutional, scientific, and technical stakeholders from both countries, indeed marks the relaunch of a structuring framework for bilateral dialogue, following up on the framework agreement signed in October 2024.
It thus provided an opportunity to review the roadmap initiated since SIAM 2024 in the agricultural and forestry sectors, and to define the cooperation priorities for the 2026-2027 period. Agricultural cooperation between Morocco and France is part of a renewed dynamic, based on the exchange of expertise, the transfer of know-how, and the development of high-impact joint projects.
It covers strategic areas such as education and training, research, health safety, as well as the development of agricultural and agri-food value chains, thereby contributing to strengthening the resilience of production systems in the face of climate and economic challenges. This cooperation, both institutional and operational, constitutes a significant lever for addressing shared contemporary challenges and promoting sustainable agricultural development.
At the same time, the two ministers welcomed the significant results of the 2025 cross-agricultural year, which helped strengthen synergies between the institutions, territories, and professional sectors of both countries. The discussions highlighted the progress made since 2024 and consolidated several priority areas of cooperation.
In the field of livestock farming, which is at the heart of the SIAM 2026 theme, discussions focused on the reconstitution and improvement of livestock, the structuring of supply chains, and the adaptation of production systems, particularly through joint projects in genetic improvement and the development of forage resources. In the areas of vocational training, higher education, and research, both parties praised the quality of the partnerships undertaken, which are based on cross-mobility, joint training, dual degrees, and collaborative research programs.
Regarding sanitary and phytosanitary matters, the progress made since the signing of the 2024 administrative arrangement was highlighted. The technical dialogue between the National Office for Food Safety (ONSSA) and the General Directorate for Food (DGAL) helps strengthen the prevention and management of health risks, while ensuring the fluidity and safety of trade. The committee also emphasized the importance of cooperation in the forestry sector and the sustainable management of agricultural water, in a context marked by climate change and increased pressure on natural resources.
In this regard, both parties expressed their desire to strengthen joint initiatives and further structure their collaboration around concrete projects, the press release concludes.