Enhancing Agricultural Innovation Through Collaboration
The enhancement of collaboration between Morocco and the United States in agricultural research and innovation took center stage during discussions held on Friday, October 9, 2026, in Rabat. These discussions involved Lamiae Ghaouti, the director of the National Institute of Agronomic Research (INRA), and a delegation from the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA). This meeting marked another step in a series of engagements aimed at strengthening ties between the two institutions, which have seen multiple missions and exchanges since 2024. The primary goal is to identify scientific and technical complementarities while exploring new partnership opportunities.
During this gathering, various possibilities for collaboration were examined, particularly in the areas of conservation agriculture, genetic improvement of crops and livestock, and the development of tailored solutions suited to Morocco’s agro-climatic conditions. Ashley Randle, the commissioner of the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources, emphasized that the purpose of the delegation's visit to INRA was to understand the institute's research priorities and identify avenues for collaboration with NASDA, which encompasses the agricultural departments of all 50 U.S. states and four territories. The discussions focused on common priorities related to climate change, agricultural resilience, conservation agriculture, soil health, and animal genetics, highlighting the importance of these conversations in pinpointing cooperative pathways that could bolster the agricultural economies of both nations.
Key Areas of Focus for Future Collaboration
Ms. Ghaouti pointed out that the discussions revolved around two primary axes of cooperation: conservation agriculture and gene editing. These areas are seen as pivotal for accelerating the development of new crop varieties. She stressed the importance of developing techniques that encourage farmers to adopt conservation agriculture practices and exploring the potential of gene editing to expedite the creation of new varieties that meet the specific needs of Moroccan agriculture. Furthermore, the INRA director mentioned ongoing discussions concerning the genetic improvement of cattle, aiming to identify collaborative opportunities for developing breeds that are well-suited to Moroccan conditions, particularly leveraging local breeds and their resilience potential.
Additionally, Moroccan-American cooperation in agriculture is bolstered by research initiatives and capacity-building efforts, notably supported by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). This cooperation encompasses genetic improvement of crops, biotechnology, sustainable water and soil management, and adaptation to climate change. The collaboration also includes scientific exchange programs, such as Fulbright and Borlaug, through which 25 INRA researchers have gained capacity-building opportunities. In the past two years, six of these researchers have participated in research stays at six U.S. universities, focusing on strategic themes for agriculture.
Moreover, strengthening collaboration with NASDA is expected to facilitate the exchange of expertise and connections with agricultural departments across various U.S. states, universities, and research centers. This will aim to develop joint projects that align with the agricultural priorities of both nations, promoting a more productive, resilient, and sustainable Moroccan agriculture.
As reported by maroc-hebdo.com.
