Celebrating Agricultural Innovation and Sustainability
On Monday, His Royal Highness Prince Moulay Rachid presided over the opening ceremony of the 18th International Agricultural Fair in Morocco, held at the historic site of Sidi El Kadi in Meknes. This prestigious event, organized under the esteemed patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, runs from April 20 to 28 under the theme "Sustainability of Animal Production and Food Sovereignty." This year’s fair highlights Morocco’s ongoing commitment to addressing contemporary challenges related to sustainable development, climate change, and food security, demonstrating the unwavering support of the King for the agricultural sector.
Upon his arrival, Prince Moulay Rachid was greeted by a ceremonial display by the Auxiliary Forces, followed by a warm reception from several dignitaries, including Her Royal Highness Princess Sara bint Bandar bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the Executive Director of the International Date Council, and various officials from the agriculture and rural development sectors. The event also saw participation from regional leaders and representatives from various agricultural cooperatives, underlining the inclusive nature of this international gathering.
A Platform for Recognition and Collaboration
During the opening session, Prince Moulay Rachid awarded certificates of recognition for distinctive quality labels to cooperative leaders and agricultural groups, acknowledging their contributions to the sector. Notable recognitions included the geographical indication for "Louz Ghasat" presented to Mr. Mohamed Bouskassou and the designation of "Kamoun Baladi Alnif" awarded to Mr. Mohand Ahmadi, both from the Drâa-Tafilalet region. Additional awards were given to representatives from the Béni Mellal-Khénifra region and the Marrakech-Safi region for their achievements in olive oil production.
The fair this year features participation from 70 countries, with Portugal serving as the guest of honor, a choice reflecting the strong ties and dynamic cooperation between the two nations. The International Agricultural Fair serves as a critical platform for discussing sustainability challenges and showcasing advancements in livestock production, animal health, and economic performance. Spanning over 37 hectares at the Sidi El Kadi site, the event is expected to attract more than 1.1 million visitors, further solidifying Morocco's status as a global agricultural hub.
In line with His Majesty King Mohammed VI's royal vision, the fair aims to be a catalyst for economic development while promoting Morocco's agricultural identity through technological innovation and international collaboration. The event not only emphasizes the importance of sustainable and competitive agriculture but also seeks to enhance the agricultural sector's resilience in the face of evolving global challenges.
As reported by alahdat.net.
