The International Agricultural Exhibition in Morocco (SIAM 2025) witnessed the signing of two significant agreements aimed at strengthening the oilseed crop sector and consolidating the food sovereignty of the Kingdom, as part of the national strategy to restructure the agricultural sector by 2030.
The Federation of Oilseed Crops (FOLEA) signed these agreements in collaboration with the National Agricultural Research Institute (INRA) and the Seed Company (ASNAF), in a move that confirms FOLEA’s commitment to act as a bridge between public policies and field agricultural programs, through the implementation of the goals outlined in the sector contract-program, specifically regarding the revival of the refining sector and improving the competitiveness of various components within the chain.
The first agreement, which was signed in the presence of the Minister of Agriculture, Ahmed Bouari, brought together FOLEA and INRA, aiming to accelerate the adaptation of canola and sunflower crops to local specifics through an applied research program focusing on genetic selection, field trials, and knowledge transfer to farmers. The agreement also includes organizing technical days, distributing best practice guides, and enhancing national agricultural expertise networks, directly addressing climate challenges, water scarcity, and soil degradation in rainfed areas.
Mohamed El Baraka, President of FOLEA, emphasized during the event that “developing the oilseed crop sector is no longer just an economic choice, but a strategic necessity to reduce food dependency and achieve the goal of covering 15% of national vegetable oil needs by 2030.” He added, “Integrating crops like canola and sunflower into agricultural rotations enhances soil fertility and contributes to rural development.”
The second agreement brought FOLEA together with the Seed Company (ASNAF), which specializes in seed production and distribution, aiming to improve farmers’ access to high-performance and cost-effective seed varieties. The agreement stipulates the development of model fields, the establishment of an effective distribution network, and the organization of training programs to ensure a strong start to each agricultural season, contributing to increased yields and reduced risks faced by farmers.
In parallel, FOLEA, in partnership with Lesieur Cristal, organized a roundtable titled: “Serving the Land: Towards Sustainable Development of Resilient Oilseed Agricultural Chains,” in the COMADER pavilion at the exhibition, featuring representatives from INRA, Agropol, and Lesieur Cristal. The focus was on the importance of public-private partnerships, the establishment of a regional technical center for agricultural trials, and enhancing field training.
In his remarks during the meeting, Laurent Laskri, Director of Primary Agricultural Operations at Lesieur Cristal, stated, “Through our participation in Earth Day celebrations, we aimed to highlight how our vision – Serving the Land – is embodied in tangible initiatives that support farmers from the ground up, and strive to build a more resilient agricultural system with significant environmental and social impacts.”
This dynamic comes within the current cycle of SIAM, which has chosen the theme: “Agriculture and the Rural World: Water at the Heart of Sustainable Development,” a session that emphasizes efforts to tackle climate challenges through participatory, scientific approaches grounded in territorial integration.
It is worth noting that FOLEA, established under the supervision of the Ministry of Agriculture and linked to COMADER, includes key players in the vegetable oil sector and seeks sustainable development of the sector and enhanced competitiveness through research, innovation, and training. Lesieur Cristal is recognized as a leader in the food industry in Morocco, playing a significant role in promoting the position of Moroccan oils in both local and international markets.
