Rabat – Prince Moulay Rachid chaired the opening ceremony of the 18th edition of the International Agriculture Fair (SIAM) on Monday in Meknes, launching a major gathering that places agriculture at the center of national priorities.
The event runs until April 28 and adopts a theme that links livestock sustainability to food sovereignty. The choice reflects growing concern over climate pressure, supply chain instability, and the need to secure domestic production.
The opening ceremony brought together Moroccan officials, foreign delegates, and sector professionals.
Among those present was Sara Bent Bandar Bin Abdelaziz Al Saoud, alongside government representatives and agricultural stakeholders. The Prince also received Portugal’s agriculture minister, as the country joins this edition as guest of honor, a sign of closer cooperation between Rabat and Lisbon.
During the ceremony, Prince Moulay Rachid handed official quality labels to several agricultural cooperatives. The distinctions covered products rooted in local know-how, from almonds in the Draa-Tafilalet region to cumin, olive oil, and sweet pepper produced in other parts of Morocco.
These labels aim to strengthen product traceability and raise the value of local output on both national and international markets.
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The Prince later toured several sections of the exhibition, including spaces dedicated to livestock production, food safety, and advisory services. He also visited institutional and corporate stands, including that of OCP Group, alongside financial and insurance partners involved in agricultural development.
This year’s edition extends across 37 hectares and brings together participants from 70 countries. Organizers expect more than 1.1 million visitors, with over 1,500 exhibitors, 500 cooperatives, and 200 breeders set to take part. The scale confirms the event’s role as a key meeting point for the agricultural sector.
Discussions throughout the week place strong attention on livestock systems, with a focus on animal health, sanitary standards, and productivity. These questions carry weight as Morocco seeks to adapt its agricultural model to water constraints and climate shifts.
Since its creation, SIAM has grown into a platform where policymakers, investors, and producers exchange ideas and build partnerships. This year’s edition continues in that direction, with an emphasis on innovation, international cooperation, and the promotion of local agricultural identity.
