The (Siam) International Fair of Agriculture
The agriculture sector is one of the mainstays for the Moroccan economy since it contributes, depending on the weather – 15 to 20% of the global Gross Domestic Product (GDP). As far as food security is concerned, agriculture plays a dominating part in the coverage of food demand for the country.
As a result, in 2006 Morocco set up an annual agricultural fair for international participants and audiences, which continues to this day. The Meknes-Tafilalet region was chosen among the other regions of Morocco to shelter and organize the annual Fair of Agriculture seeing that it contains enough resources to play a part of the Kingdom’s capital of agriculture. In fact, it’s known as a “Moroccan water tower” and a forest land. The Meknes-Tafilalet region is known for its rural products, which aspires to make this even a catalyst of growth and a key to development. Moreover, the Meknes region is one among the three regions that breaks through in regards to the agricultural regional plans conceived as part of the “Green Morocco Plan.” (GMP) The Meknes-Tafilalet region concentrates its efforts on oleaginous plants, dates, apples, grapevines, cereals, onions, and potatoes. The goal fixed for this region is that the “added value” should pass from 5.1 billion Dirham per year to 11.7 billion Dirham in 2020. Built on the place of the historic site “Sahrij Souani” in “Jnane Benhalima’s” garden, this agricultural demonstration can be considered a date for professionals, governments, and credit institutions to take stock of the present state of affairs and the progress of the Green Morocco Plan, set up by the ministry in 2008. In other words, it is supposed to be a springboard towards the GPM. |
The international fair is held each year around the end of April. This year, 2011, it will take place from the 26th of April to the 2nd of May. It’s the sixth agricultural fair, which delights the city of Meknes and it’s organized under the high protection of his Majesty Mohamed VI.
The area reserved for this event is about 10,000 sq. meters, occupied by 812 exhibitors from 36 countries. The fair expects about 750,000 visitors and is divided in nine poles: · Regions · Institutional and Sponsors · International · Products · Agro-supplies · Souk – Solidarity Agriculture · Breeding · Nature and Life · Agricultural Machinery This year, the rural diversity of Morocco is emphasized in a huge window, which offers to everyone a chance to rediscover the Kingdom’s wealth through a didactic trip around its lands, mountains, and oases. Last but not least, France is considered the country of favour in 2011 because it’s an important business partner. This event could strengthen cooperation between our two countries. France is represented by 52 companies this year, and occupies two sections: “International” & “Breeding.” |