Fact: In 2022, the Argan industry generated approximately 378 million dirhams in export revenue, highlighting its economic value.
AGADIR- Morocco’s Minister of Agriculture, Maritime Fishing, Rural Development, Water and Forests, Mohammed Seddiki, announced yesterday at the International Argan Exhibition in Agadir an investment of 3.5 billion dirhams by 2030 to promote the Argan industry in Morocco.
This fund will be utilized for the expansion of Argan plantations, related scientific research, afforestation, marketing, and many more.
The plan focuses on rehabilitating Argan forests, with a goal of increasing the total area from 164,000 hectares to 411,000 hectares. Additionally, efforts will be made to stimulate the agricultural planting of Argan trees, targeting an area of 50,000 hectares, including 48,000 hectares for solidarity agriculture. The program also aims to improve Argan oil production, setting a target of 10,000 tons by 2030.
Furthermore, the plan involves supporting the establishment of the International Argan Centre in Agadir, upgrading existing value-added units, creating new units, and setting up collection and conditioning facilities. Additionally, there is a focus on diversifying sales channels and increasing the volumes of exported Argan oil, with a target of reaching 5,000 tons by 2030 and increasing the proportion of packaged Argan oil to 50% by the same year.
Moreover, an agreement was signed with the Regional Academy of Education and Training of Souss Massa to educate students about this national treasure and raise students’ environmental awareness.
The International Argan Exhibition, held annually starting from May 10th to celebrate International Argan Tree Day, is a platform for professionals in the Argan industry to form commercial partnerships and explore new promotional opportunities.
It also highlights the socio-economic importance of Argan trees as a driver of local development. The exhibition includes activities such as a tasting of dishes prepared with Argan oil and a virtual exploration of Argan’s biodiversity.
Also, young visitors can learn more about this national treasure as a space is reserved for them to learn about the Argan tree in an engaging and educational manner.
