Morocco and France Strengthen Cooperation in Agricultural Professional Training

On the sidelines of the Paris International Agricultural Show (SIA), the agriculture ministers of both countries reaffirmed the excellence of their bilateral relations and signed an agreement to enhance the training of Moroccan students in agronomic, veterinary, and forestry fields in France.

During the SIA in Paris, Morocco’s Minister of Agriculture, Maritime Fisheries, Rural Development, and Water and Forests, Ahmed El Bouari, and France’s Minister of Agriculture and Food Sovereignty, Annie Genevard, held a bilateral meeting on Sunday, February 23.

According to the statement, the ministers highlighted the excellence of bilateral relations and the solidity of agricultural cooperation between the two countries. Morocco was honored as the first foreign «guest of honor» in the history of the SIA Paris, during its 61st edition. In return, France will be honored at the next edition of the International Agricultural Show in Morocco (SIAM), scheduled from April 21 to 27 in Meknes.

Agricultural relations between France and Morocco were further strengthened following President Emmanuel Macron’s state visit to Morocco in November 2024. This visit included the signing of a framework agreement in the agricultural and forestry sectors before His Majesty King Mohammed VI. The agreement provides a strategic framework for achieving sustainable development, security, and food sovereignty goals.

During their exchange, the ministers reviewed the main areas of cooperation in the agricultural and agro-food sector. They emphasized several priority areas, including support for the Moroccan training and research system, sanitary and phytosanitary security, and consolidation of relations between sector professionals. They particularly highlighted strategic sectors such as oilseeds, livestock (sheep, cattle, and dairy), the seed sector, and the fruit and vegetable sector.

In the face of common challenges, the ministers called on French and Moroccan professionals in the vegetable sector to strengthen their cooperation and dialogue, particularly within the framework of the SIA.

During this meeting, the ministers signed an agreement related to organizing internships and study trips in France for Moroccan higher education students in agronomy, veterinary medicine, and forestry, as well as for trainees from specialized technical institutes. Dubbed «Operation Stage 250», this initiative aims to strengthen exchanges and cooperation in the field of training.

This agreement is part of an administrative cooperation arrangement in the field of technical and professional agricultural training and higher education in agronomy, veterinary medicine, and forestry, signed in Paris on March 1, 2024. According to the statement, this agreement aims to promote the development and consolidation of exchanges and cooperation between the training and educational institutions of both countries.