Agri‑Food Transformation: Morocco, a Benchmark for South‑South Cooperation

Speaking during a panel held as part of the 18th edition of the International Agricultural Exhibition in Morocco (SIAM), under the theme “Towards the Transformation and Sustainability of Agri‑Food Systems in Morocco”, Alexandre Huynh, FAO Representative in Morocco, stated that “Morocco is among the countries that are moving forward with determination and concrete action in transforming their agri‑food systems, to the extent that it has become a reference for South‑South cooperation.”

In this context, he highlighted the inherent complexity of transforming agri‑food systems, while emphasizing Morocco’s ability to maintain a long‑term strategic vision, embodied in particular by the Green Generation (Génération Green) strategy, regardless of economic or contextual fluctuations.

He also underscored the importance of multisectoral coordination, noting that in the absence of a shared organizational framework, effectiveness is reduced, and that this is precisely the coordination Morocco is currently strengthening.

For her part, Lamiae Ghaouti, Director of the National Institute for Agricultural Research (INRA), presented the results of studies conducted on nine strategic value chains, namely wheat, legumes, dates, onions, citrus fruits, tomatoes, apples, olive oil, and strawberries. These studies aim to identify critical stages of post‑harvest losses and propose targeted action levers.

She recalled that at the global level, 24% of calories produced are lost or wasted, with food waste accounting for between 8% and 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions.

In this vein, Ghaouti detailed the causes and solutions specific to each value chain. For tomatoes, efforts should focus on reducing handling and improving transport and storage conditions, while for citrus fruits, strengthening orchard management capacities and enhancing by‑products such as pectin and essential oils are key priorities.

Regarding strawberries, where post‑harvest losses can reach up to 30%, she called for exploring modified atmosphere storage, bio‑active coatings, and valorization through drying.

She further noted that INRA’s work is being carried out within the framework of the 2025–2028 programs, under the aegis of the Ministry of Agriculture, in partnership with the FAO and the World Bank, with the objective of improving production, preserving natural resources, and supporting the transition towards sustainable food systems.

Meanwhile, Hasnae Gamih, Head of the National Nutrition Program at the Ministry of Health and Social Protection, presented the National Multisectoral Nutrition Strategy 2024–2030, structured around targeted health interventions, the promotion of sustainable food systems, and collective action extending beyond the health sector alone.

She also stressed the need to integrate nutrition indicators into agricultural policies and to leverage agricultural advisors and community outreach workers as vectors of nutrition education. She advocated for stronger intersectoral governance between agriculture, health, and civil society in order to improve the country’s national nutrition trajectory.

The 18th SIAM is being held in Meknes until April 28, under the theme “Sustainability of Animal Production and Food Sovereignty”, with the participation of more than 1,500 exhibitors, 500 cooperatives, 200 livestock farmers, and 45 foreign delegations representing 70 countries, for an expected attendance exceeding 1.1 million visitors.