Prince Moulay Rachid chaired, on Monday at Mechouar Stinia–Sahrij Souani in Meknes, the opening ceremony of the 18th edition of the International Agricultural Exhibition in Morocco (SIAM).
The fair, held under the High Patronage of King Mohammed VI, under the theme “Sustainability of Animal Production and Food Sovereignty,” runs from April 20 to 28. It extends over a 37-hectare site and draws participation from 70 countries, with Portugal as the guest of honor — a choice that reflects the depth of relations between Rabat and Lisbon.
The inauguration of the exhibition by Prince Moulay Rachid, translates the King’s solicitude and care toward the agricultural sector. It reflects the Kingdom’s unwavering commitment to addressing contemporary challenges related to sustainable development, climate change, and food security.
The launch ceremony was attended by Portugal’s Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, and by representatives of invited foreign countries, including Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, France, The Gambia, Madagascar, Mali, Uganda, Poland, São Tomé and Príncipe, Sudan, and Turkey, as well as by the Exhibition’s development partners, namely the Afro-Asian Rural Development Organization and the Arab Organization for Agricultural Development.
At the beginning of the opening ceremony, Prince Moulay Rachid presented labels of origin and quality to presidents of cooperatives and agricultural groups.
The Prince thus awarded the geographical indication “Almonds of Ghassate” to Mohamed Boussaksou, President of the Ougrour Cooperative Union of the Draa-Tafilalet region, and the appellation of origin “beldi cumin of Alnif” to Mohand Ihmadi, President of the Economic Interest Group “Alnif Tafraouet Maaider,” from the Draa-Tafilalet region.
He also awarded Mohamed Haidach, President of the Haidach Agricultural Cooperative from the Beni Mellal-Khenifra region, the geographical indication “sweet pepper of Ouled Ali Fkih Ben Saleh,” and Abderrahman Labiad, President of the Association for the Origin of Olive Products of Kelâa des Sraghna and its surroundings, from the Marrakech-Safi region, the geographical indication “Extra virgin olive oil of El Kelâa des Sraghna.”
Prince Moulay Rachid then visited the Exhibition’s “Regions” section, as well as the “Animal Production,” “Food Security,” and “Agricultural Advisory” areas at the pavilion of the Ministry of Agriculture, the pavilions of the OCP Group and sponsors and institutional partners (Crédit Agricole, MAMDA, and ANCFCC), and the sections “International,” “Agro-supply,” “Agridigital,” “Agri-food and Services,” “Nature and Environment,” “Machinery,” “Local Products,” “Livestock Inputs,” and “Livestock.”
Building on recent themes that have highlighted the challenges of sustainability and resilience in the agricultural sector, the Exhibition will showcase achievements in the development of animal production chains in terms of animal health and welfare, sanitary safety, and the economic and zootechnical performance of livestock farming.
Since its creation, SIAM has established itself as a major event in the agricultural calendar at both national and international levels. It serves as a platform where decision-makers, economic actors, professionals, local stakeholders, and international partners converge.
Marking a new stage in its commitment to innovative, inclusive, and forward-looking agriculture, the 18th SIAM hosts more than 1,500 exhibitors, 500 cooperatives, 200 breeders, and 45 foreign delegations, with expected attendance exceeding 1.1 million visitors, thus confirming its status as a global hub for agriculture.
Like previous editions, SIAM 2026 aims to be a catalyst for economic development and the promotion of Morocco’s agricultural identity, in line with the High Royal Vision.
Combining technological innovation, international cooperation, and the enhancement of agricultural heritage, the Exhibition embodies the Kingdom’s ambition to build a high-performing, sustainable, and competitive agriculture on both regional and global scales.