Celebrating Excellence in Moroccan Agricultural Products
In its seventh edition, the Moroccan Products Competition celebrated the remarkable diversity and quality of Moroccan agricultural products on Saturday at the International Agricultural Exhibition in Meknes. Organized by the Agricultural Development Agency, this event is part of continuous support provided by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development to producer groups, aimed at enhancing and valuing their products.
The awards ceremony was a grand affair, with the event seeing the distribution of 455 medals, including 134 gold, 141 silver, and 180 bronze medals, during an official ceremony held alongside the 18th edition of the International Agricultural Exhibition in Morocco (SIAM). The ceremony was presided over by Ahmed Bouaari, the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Rural Development, Water and Forests, along with officials from the Agricultural Development Agency.
A special innovation award was granted to the 'Argan Oil with Organic Saffron' produced by the 'Amini' cooperative from the Marrakech-Safi region, recognized for its innovative approach. This initiative highlights the efforts of producer groups and brings their expertise into the spotlight, with awards that affirm the quality and authenticity of their products.
During the event, Hajouba Chakil, Director of Local Product Marketing Development at the Agricultural Development Agency, announced that this edition saw participation from 1,375 products originating from various regions of the kingdom. Following deliberations by the judging panel, seven excellence awards were granted, covering a range of products including Argan oil from the 'Boukhdou Akramoud' cooperative, olive oil from the 'Agerisouak' cooperative, and honey from the 'Aqdaz' cooperative, showcasing the rich agricultural heritage of the nation.
Voices of the Winners
In separate statements to the media, the awarded producers expressed that this recognition is not merely about winning awards but serves as a motivation to continue innovating and valuing the national agricultural heritage. Fatima Zahra Amini, president of the 'Amini' cooperative, expressed her pride in receiving the award for her cooperative's 'Argan Oil with Saffron', stating that it represents a significant boost for the thirty members in the Essaouira region to balance tradition with product development.
Mohamed Skourai, head of the 'Agerisouak' cooperative in Al-Haouz, emphasized that the award for olive oil quality is a result of diligent work and full commitment to legal standards. Likewise, Fatima Marzouq, president of a cooperative in the Fez-Meknes region, viewed the gold medal in vinegar categories (apple, cherry, and peach) as a significant honor and recognition of hard work, reiterating that these awards provide immense moral value to producers, motivating them to keep striving for excellence.
As the cooperative leaders shared their visions, it became evident that they are committed to innovating and enhancing product quality, with aspirations to meet consumer expectations and contribute effectively to local development. This competition, initiated in 2014 by the Ministry of Agriculture, has become a vital mechanism for enhancing the visibility and competitiveness of Moroccan products, showcasing their potential to meet both national and international market demands.
As reported by hespress.com.
