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Erfoud— The 13th edition of the International Date Fair, SIDATTES, has officially commenced in the Oasis town Erfoud. This year’s event, themed “Moroccan oases: towards resilient systems in the face of climate change,” will take place from October 29 to November 3.
Organized under the auspices of the Ministry of Agriculture, Maritime Fisheries, Rural Development, and Water and Forests, in partnership with the Association of the International Date Salon of Morocco (ASIDMA), SIDATTES 2024 spans a 40,000 m² venue. With nearly 230 exhibitors and an anticipated attendance of over 90,000 visitors, the fair has solidified its role as a crucial platform for advancing Morocco’s date palm sector.
The newly appointed Minister of Maritime Fisheries, Rural Development, and Water and Forest, Ahmed El Bouari inaugurated the fair accompanied with The president of ASIDMA, Bachir Saoud, and several officials from the region.
The minister emphasized the significance of this edition’s theme in a statement.
“This is a theme which is part of a framework consistent with the country’s high strategic orientations for integrated territorial development, where the sustainable management of natural resources, particularly water resources, is a priority,” it said. “This priority is crucial for oasis agroecosystems, which face extreme weather phenomena, ranging from drought to torrential rains, such as those observed last September.”
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Bachir Saoud, president of ASIDMA, highlighted the sector’s crucial role in driving the region’s economic growth.
“This international event is not limited to the simple promotion of a sector, but also embodies a tribute to an ancient culture, to ancestral know-how and to a source of life for millions of people around the world. Dates are not just a food; they are the symbol of resilience in the face of environmental and economic challenges,” he stated.
“Cultivated in often arid conditions, oases bear witness to human ingenuity and the capacity of oasis populations to transform difficult terrain into fertile land. In this context, the date sector supports thousands of families, creating jobs and strengthening the local economy,” Saoud added.
This year’s inauguration was marked by an energetic display of traditional Moroccan folklore, with local dance and music performances by a regional group, highlighting the cultural richness of the Drâa-Tafilalet region. The vibrant performances captured the essence of Moroccan heritage, setting a celebratory tone for the event.
Key Components of SIDATTES 2024
SIDATTES 2024 offers a diverse range of specialized hubs, each designed to showcase the various facets of Morocco’s date palm industry and the sustainable practices essential for its future. These hubs serve as focal points for innovation, tradition, and international collaboration, drawing exhibitors and visitors from around the world.
The Regional Hub highlights the unique strengths of Morocco’s primary date-producing areas, including Drâa-Tafilalet, Oriental, Souss-Massa, and Guelmim-Oued Noun. This hub emphasizes the agricultural diversity across these regions and underscores their significance in Morocco’s date production and export.
The Institutional, Sponsors, and International Hubs foster collaboration by bringing together key players from both the private and public sectors involved in the date palm value chain. This year, delegates from 19 countries—including business leaders, officials, and government representatives—will attend to explore industry innovations, expand trade prospects, and discuss sustainable growth opportunities for the date palm sector.
Focusing on the latest in agricultural technology, the Agri-supplies and Agricultural Machinery Hub gathers companies specializing in fertilizers, agricultural tools and machinery, phytosanitary products, irrigation equipment, and packaging solutions. Here, exhibitors are showcasing cutting-edge tools designed to enhance productivity and sustainability, critical for meeting the environmental challenges faced by Morocco’s oases.
At the heart of SIDATTES is the Rahba Hub and Local Products Space, which celebrates local cooperatives focused on dates and date-derived products. This popular hub allows visitors to experience Morocco’s diverse range of date varieties and offers valuable networking and trade opportunities, emphasizing the rich agricultural heritage of the region.
A Forum for Resilience and Sustainable Development
The 13th edition of SIDATTES is a crucial gathering for stakeholders within the date palm sector, providing a forum to discuss sustainability and climate resilience. With climate change significantly impacting Moroccan oases, the event serves as a platform to assess recent achievements and future directions for adapting date production to evolving environmental conditions.
As part of Morocco’s Generation Green strategy, the development of the date palm industry has been prioritized through a 2021-2030 program contract between the State and the Moroccan Interprofessional Federation of Dates. This contract aims to support sustainable growth in the sector, reinforcing Morocco’s commitment to environmental and economic sustainability.
SIDATTES 2024 is not only an exhibition but a reflection of Morocco’s dedication to preserving and enhancing the resilience of its date palm heritage. Through discussions, collaborations, and the sharing of innovations, this year’s fair sets the stage for a more sustainable and climate-resilient future for Morocco’s cherished oases.
