The 10th Regional Heritage Products Fair kicked off in Agadir on Friday under the theme “Heritage Products and the Challenges of Water and Climate.”
Mohamed Sadiki, the Minister of Agriculture, Maritime Fisheries, Rural Development, and Water and Forests, attended the opening ceremony of the event which serves as a platform for exchanging ideas among industry professionals and stakeholders.
The fair also seeks to enhance territorial approaches and strengthen cooperation and partnerships between various participants and economic organizations involved in developing heritage products.
Spanning 4,500 square meters, the fair features 230 exhibitors showcasing a diverse range of heritage products, including argan, honey, dates, saffron, almonds, henna, aromatic and medicinal plants, capers, cactus, rose, couscous, and olive oil, among others.
The event encompasses conferences and scientific discussions on water resource management, ecological and organic agriculture as solutions to climate change, and practical workshops on enhancing heritage products.
The fair includes awareness and training activities for youth and a tribute ceremony honoring influential figures in the heritage products sector.
The organizers said that the event aligns with the regional agricultural plan and reflects the ongoing promotion and development of heritage products, which began in 2012 and continues under the “Generation Green” strategy.
Sadiki told MAP that the annual event is part of the “Generation Green 2020-2030” strategy, noting that the fair is expected to attract over 130,000 visitors.
Youssef Jebha, President of the Souss Massa Agricultural Chamber, pointed out that the fair will strengthen solidarity agriculture and feature the participation of several cooperatives, including female-led ones, involved in heritage products.
Moroccan heritage products have significant annual production potential, exceeding two million tons, which can generate a turnover of approximately 14 billion MAD per year.
The Souss Massa region is a major producer of national argan oil and saffron and is known for distinctive products like thyme honey, euphorbia honey, dates, almonds, and henna.