Doha – In a historic first, Morocco has been selected as the guest of honor at the 61st International Agriculture Show (Salon International de l’Agriculture – SIA) in Paris, marking the first time a foreign country has received this distinction since the show’s inception.
The event will take place from February 22 to March 2 at Paris’s exhibition grounds.
During a press conference held on February 4, French Agriculture Minister Annie Genevard emphasized the significance of this choice. “For the first time in its history, the show highlights a foreign agriculture, that of a partner and friend of France,” he stated.
The minister highlighted the mutual benefits of this collaboration, particularly in addressing climate challenges.
“Our farmers have much to learn from each other. French agriculture, also faced with climate uncertainties, can usefully benefit from Morocco’s experience, particularly in quantitative water management,” Genevard noted.
SIA President Jérôme Despey revealed that this decision was five years in the making.
“We are proud today to have made this choice a reality,” he said, adding that “Morocco is a major agricultural country, and we have everything to exchange together on numerous complementarities.”
Morocco will showcase its agricultural heritage in a central pavilion spanning 476 square meters.
According to El Mahdi Arrifi, Director General of the Agricultural Development Agency (ADA), the pavilion will feature labeled Moroccan terroir products from traditional cooperatives and agricultural products demonstrating the sector’s diversity.
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Visitors can also experience Moroccan culture through artistic performances and food tastings.
The exhibition, themed “A French Pride,” expects to welcome over 600,000 visitors and will feature 4,000 animals and 1,000 exhibitors spread across 16 hectares in nine pavilions.
SIA Director Valérie Le Roy described the 2025 edition as “exceptional: a celebration of agriculture and its expertise, a moment of communion between generations, and a unique showcase of French excellence.”
The Moroccan delegation will include institutional representatives, industry professionals, and producers.
This selection as guest of honor builds upon long-standing Franco-Moroccan cooperation in the agricultural sector and follows a recent state visit to Morocco by the French President in October.
