Morocco, EU Sign €4 Million Pact to Boost Agricultural, Forestry Education

Rabat – Morocco signed on Tuesday a €4 million collaboration agreement with the European Union (EU) aiming to enhance domestic agriculture and forestry education.

Dubbed “Ibtikar,” the agreement was inked in Meknes by Moroccan Minister of Agriculture, Mohamed Sadiki, and EU Ambassador to Morocco, Patricia Llombart Cussac.

Spanning a period of three and a half years, the agreement is set to address the pressing challenges posed by ecological transition.

Under the agreement, the two parties will focus on adapting educational curricula to meet the demands of sustainable agricultural and forestry practices, while preparing a new generation of professionals equipped to tackle climate-related issues.

The collaborative effort will extend to key institutions in the Moroccan agricultural and forestry sectors, including the Hassan II Agronomic and Veterinary Institute (IAV), the National Institute of Agronomic Research (INRA), the National School of Agriculture of Meknes (ENAM), and the National Forestry Engineering School (ENFI).

The objectives of the “Ibtikar” project are multifaceted, a statement explains. The plan covers the modernization of educational programs to align with ecological transition imperatives, paving the way for the creation of a workforce proficient in sustainable production methods.

In addition, “Ibtikar” seeks to establish a robust collaborative research framework focused on ecological transition and climate change challenges. The project equally aims to disseminate knowledge and skills among stakeholders, facilitating the adoption of eco-friendly practices.

Another key objective of the agreement is fostering entrepreneurship in sustainable production and consumption sectors through training and incubation initiatives.

Commenting on the partnership, EU Ambassador Llombart Cussac emphasized in a statement to the country’s news agency, MAP, the importance of preparing future generations to address the interconnected challenges of climate change, resource management, and green entrepreneurship.

According to Cussac, the agreement will support Morocco build capacity in the global climate adaptation efforts and train Moroccan professionals “to face even more effectively the joint challenges of climate change, resource regeneration, biodiversity, and green entrepreneurship.”

Minister Sadiki echoed this sentiment, highlighting the commitment of both Morocco and the EU to building a resilient agricultural sector capable of withstanding the impacts of climate change.

“This Morocco-EU green partnership demonstrates our joint commitment to sustainable and climate-resilient agriculture, and we welcome the concrete actions already taken and those planned for the future,” Sadiki declared.

The “Ibtikar” project is part of the broader “Al Ard Aa Khadraa” Program, funded by the EU with a total budget of €115 million. The program aligns with Morocco’s strategic initiatives, including “Generation Green” and “Forests of Morocco,” and is being implemented in four pilot agroforestry regions.

The signing of the agreement took place on the sidelines of the 16th International Agriculture Show in Morocco (SIAM), which has attracted participation from nearly 70 countries and over 1,500 exhibitors.