The 17th edition of the forum, held under the patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI from April 21 to 27, focused on “Agriculture and Rural World: Water at the Heart of Sustainable Development.” It attracted a record number of exhibitors (approximately 1,580) and over a million visitors, enhancing its reputation and positive impact on the entire sector.
The opening ceremony was presided over by His Royal Highness Crown Prince Moulay Hassan, and the event centered around the efficient management of water resources and adaptation to climate change, with France participating as the guest of honor.
This year’s forum brought together participants from 70 countries, enriching discussions and strengthening ties with stakeholders from various participating nations.
In this context, the forum provided opportunities for participants—including farmers, professionals from the food industry and agricultural inputs, researchers, government officials, and institutional actors—to discover innovations in the agricultural sector and its future prospects, through 12 thematic areas spanning 124,000 square meters.
Additionally, during this edition, the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Rural Development, Water and Forests organized a high-level international seminar on “Water Management for Sustainable and Resilient Agriculture,” attended by twenty-seven foreign delegations led by ministers and heads of delegations.
This seminar served as a platform for strategic dialogue on issues related to water and agriculture, alongside the impacts of climate change, reaffirming Morocco’s steadfast commitment to making the interconnection between water and agriculture a strategic lever for enhancing food sovereignty.
The event also hosted the fifth annual ministerial conference of the “Adaptation of African Agriculture” initiative (AAA), with participation from ministers and officials representing several African countries.
The scientific program of the forum marked a significant turning point for knowledge exchange, featuring 55 scientific seminars and highlighting its role as a catalyst for business and scientific opportunities in the agricultural field.
Moreover, the “Local Products” segment saw the participation of 530 exhibitors representing economic interest groups, cooperatives, national companies, and participants from West Africa, allowing them to showcase their products and benefit from new commercial opportunities.
With this notable success, the International Agricultural Exhibition in Morocco continues to play a key role in fostering sustainable and resilient agriculture by facilitating meetings among various stakeholders in the sector and encouraging the adoption of innovative scientific solutions to face climate challenges and national and international changes.