Rabat – At the 13th annual International Date Fair (SIDATTES 2024) in Erfoud, Morocco took a significant step toward strengthening its date palm sector by signing six new agreements.
Held from October 30 to November 3 under the theme “Moroccan Oases: Resilient Systems in the Face of Climate Change,” the event showcased Morocco’s commitment to supporting oasis ecosystems in a changing climate.
The signing ceremony, led by Ahmed El Bouari, Morocco’s Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Rural Development, and Water and Forests, brought together top officials, including Drâa-Tafilalet regional governor Essaid Zniber and representatives from local agricultural agencies.
The agreements aim to boost resilience in the Drâa-Tafilalet region, Morocco’s leading area for date production, by enhancing agricultural practices, encouraging industry innovation, and offering tailored support for local farmers.
A notable partnership between the Moroccan Agricultural Insurance Mutual (MAMDA) and the Association of Modern Date Producers in Morocco (APM) will introduce insurance options designed specifically for date farmers.
These options, developed with competitive rates, intend to mitigate the financial risks farmers face from unpredictable weather patterns.
Another agreement, spearheaded by the National Agricultural Advisory Office (ONCA) and the National Interprofessional Federation of the Date Sector (Maroc Dattes), focuses on expanding Morocco’s Green Plan initiatives.
The deal will facilitate the renewal of traditional date groves, promote sustainable water use, and share updated technologies for date cultivation.
Key objectives also include training farmers in best practices, building awareness around water and energy efficiency, and introducing traceability standards across cooperatives.
Organized by the Moroccan Association of the International Date Fair (ASIDMA) under the Ministry of Agriculture’s auspices, SIDATTES 2024 emphasizes Morocco’s long-term vision for sustainable date palm development.
