Morocco and the EU Join Forces to Cultivate a Sustainable Agricultural Future

In a significant step toward fostering a greener agricultural sector, Morocco and the European Union (EU) have signed a €4 million collaboration agreement known as "Ibtikar." This landmark pact, finalized on Tuesday in the historic city of Meknes, promises to revolutionize agricultural and forestry education across Morocco.

The initiative is led by Mohamed Sadiki, Morocco's Minister of Agriculture, and Patricia Llombart Cussac, the EU Ambassador to Morocco. The agreement, which spans three and a half years, aims to address the pressing challenges posed by ecological transition.

At the heart of this ambitious effort is a commitment to aligning educational curricula with sustainable agricultural and forestry practices, thereby equipping a new generation of professionals with the skills to tackle climate-related issues. The collaborative effort involves key institutions at the forefront of Morocco's 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 "Ibtikar" project has multiple objectives, with modernization of educational programs as its core focus. The goal is to prepare a workforce skilled in sustainable production methods that align with ecological transition imperatives. Additionally, the project aims to establish a collaborative research framework centered on climate change challenges, ensuring the continuous development and dissemination of innovative solutions.

A key aspect of the project is the dissemination of knowledge and skills among stakeholders to facilitate the widespread adoption of eco-friendly practices. The agreement also seeks to encourage entrepreneurship in sustainable production and consumption through targeted training and incubation programs, nurturing a new generation of innovators dedicated to a greener future.

In a statement to Morocco's news agency, MAP, EU Ambassador Llombart Cussac highlighted the importance of preparing future generations to address the interconnected challenges of climate change, resource management, and green entrepreneurship. "This agreement will support Morocco in building capacity in the global climate adaptation efforts and train Moroccan professionals to face more effectively the joint challenges of climate change, resource regeneration, biodiversity, and green entrepreneurship," she said.

Minister Sadiki echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the shared commitment of 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 noted.

The "Ibtikar" project is part of the broader "Al Ard Aa Khadraa" program, funded by the EU with a total budget of €115 million. This comprehensive program aligns with Morocco's strategic initiatives, including "Generation Green" and "Forests of Morocco." The program is being implemented in four pilot agroforestry regions, reinforcing Morocco's dedication to a sustainable agricultural future.

The signing of this agreement took place during the 16th International Agriculture Show in Morocco (SIAM), a prestigious event that attracted participants from nearly 70 countries and over 1,500 exhibitors, underscoring the global significance of this collaborative effort.

As Morocco and the EU embark on this ambitious journey, their partnership serves as a beacon of hope for a greener, more sustainable agricultural sector, one that not only preserves the planet's precious resources but also secures a prosperous future for generations to come.