Morocco and the International Date Council (IDC) signed a memorandum of understanding on Monday in Ifrane to strengthen cooperation in developing the palm date industry.
Agriculture Minister Ahmed El Bouari and IDC Executive Director Princess Sara Bent Bandar Bin Abdelaziz Al Saud signed the agreement on the sidelines of the 18th edition of the International Agriculture Fair (SIAM), which opened Monday in Meknes. The MOU establishes a formal institutional framework for collaboration between the two parties.
The partnership spans several areas. On the technical side, it covers joint training programs and capacity building in integrated pest management, particularly targeting the red palm scale insect. It also promotes the adoption of best agricultural practices across Morocco’s date-producing regions.
Scientific research and innovation form another pillar of the agreement. Both parties committed to studying the effects of climate change on palm cultivation and developing sustainable solutions for preserving genetic resources and biodiversity in Morocco’s oasis ecosystems.
Quality and value addition also feature prominently. The MOU calls for developing quality standards tailored to Moroccan date varieties, with a specific focus on the premium Majhoul variety. It further supports innovation in post-harvest handling, processing, and product development.
Both sides agreed to exchange data on production volumes, cultivated areas, and export capacity to improve market transparency and grow international date trade.
During bilateral talks, Princess Sara expressed the IDC’s commitment to deepening knowledge exchange with Morocco. She pointed to the global significance of dates as a heritage crop with major scientific and human value, according to a statement from the agriculture ministry.
El Bouari, for his part, conveyed Morocco’s interest in expanding ties with the IDC. He noted the importance of the council’s presence at SIAM as an opportunity to showcase Morocco’s experience in the sector.
Morocco is among the world’s leading producers of Majhoul dates, with the variety commanding strong demand in international markets. The partnership with the IDC positions the country to further professionalize its date industry while tapping into global expertise on pest control, climate adaptation, and trade development.
MWN with MAP