Paris agricultural show cements Morocco-France farming alliance
Morocco became the first-ever guest of honour at the 61st International Agricultural Show in Paris on February 23rd, according to RFI. This historic invitation marks a significant milestone in Franco-Moroccan relations, highlighting the growing strategic partnership between the two nations in the agricultural sector.
After the event, the Moroccan Minister of Agriculture, Ahmed El Bouari, and his French counterpart, Annie Genevard, met in Paris. According to Atalayar, they signed an agreement to strengthen training programs in agronomy, veterinary science, and forestry for Moroccan students in higher education. To reciprocate and show both countries’ strengthening of international and agricultural relations, Morocco will pay tribute to France at the International Agricultural Show of Meknes (SIAM) in April 2025.
This cooperation has been building in recent years. Back in November 2024, President Emmanuel Macron visited Morocco where he agreed upon a framework agreement in the sectors of agriculture and forestry. This agreement, signed in the presence of King Mohammed VI, establishes a strategic framework aimed at achieving sustainable development, food security, and food sovereignty.
This relationship has now developed with the meeting of El Bouari and Genevard. Within this meeting, both parties placed an importance on the areas of research, vocational training, and reaffirming relationships between professionals in the sector. The meeting between the two ministers culminated in the launch of ‘Operation stage 250’, an initiative designed to strengthen cooperation through educational training programs and student exchanges between the two countries.
Beyond the Paris International Agricultural Show, a significant Agri-Tech partnership is further cementing Franco-Moroccan relations. On February 23rd, the Digital Hub of the Moroccan Ministry of Agriculture and France’s Digital Farm initiative signed an agreement to facilitate the exchange of agricultural technologies, experiences, and expertise between the two nations.
This strengthening Franco-Moroccan relationship aims to deliver concrete benefits in both agricultural sectors. The partnerships are expected to enhance water resource management, improve crop yields through digital innovation, and create new educational opportunities for the next generation of agricultural professionals in both nations.
RFI
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