INRA Signs Strategic Partnerships to Expand Conservation Agriculture in Morocco

Fez – Morocco’s National Institute for Agronomic Research (INRA) has signed three framework partnership agreements aimed at advancing sustainable and conservation agriculture practices across the country, with a strong focus on expanding direct seeding technologies.

The agreements were concluded on the sidelines of the International Agriculture Show in Morocco (SIAM) in Meknes, one of the country’s leading agricultural events.

They reflect a coordinated effort to promote reduced soil disturbance, permanent soil cover, and stronger resilience of farming systems in the face of climate change.

The first agreement, signed with the Moroccan Association for Conservation Agriculture (AMAC), sets out a structured framework to accelerate the adoption of conservation agriculture nationwide.

It includes the establishment of pilot plots across different agro-ecological zones, as well as training and awareness programs for farmers and technicians.

The partnership also aims to support joint scientific and technical projects and strengthen cooperation between research institutions and field actors.

INRA Director Lamiae Ghaouti said the initiative forms part of a broader strategy to open the institution to socio-professional stakeholders and scale up direct seeding practices.

She described the program as a key tool to enhance resilience in Moroccan agriculture, particularly under increasing climate pressure.

Direct seeding is already practiced on more than 200,000 hectares in Morocco, with a national target of reaching one million hectares by 2030.

According to Ghaouti, farmers are increasingly adopting the method due to its higher productivity and profitability, especially during periods of drought.

AMAC Vice President Jalil Eddaoudi said the agreement marks a significant step for the future of large-scale crops in Morocco.

He stressed that closer cooperation between research bodies and field organizations is essential to build a more resilient and efficient agricultural sector.

A second agreement was signed with the Agriculture, Environment and Development for the Future Association (AGENDA), led by Mohamed El Mourid.

The partnership focuses on promoting sustainable agriculture and strengthening the resilience of production systems.

INRA will contribute its scientific expertise, while AGENDA will rely on its field experience and farmer networks to support implementation and outreach.

El Mourid said the collaboration represents a decisive step toward achieving the national goal of expanding direct seeding.

He noted that the technology offers practical solutions to climate challenges, including drought and water stress, and provides new opportunities for farmers.

A third agreement was signed with the company GGAGRI to further support the dissemination of direct seeding technologies and resilient agricultural systems.

The partnership includes the development of a “Living Lab” in the Abda plain, in the province of Safi.

This platform will host joint research, field experiments, and demonstration activities designed to adapt innovative farming systems to local conditions.

Together, the three agreements signal a strengthened national effort to align scientific research, field expertise, and private sector engagement in support of a more sustainable and climate-resilient agricultural model in Morocco.

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