The 61st edition of the Agriculture Show opened on February 22 in Paris, with Morocco taking center stage as the event’s guest of honor. This marks the first time in over six decades that a foreign country has been given this distinction at the renowned French fair.
Held annually, the “Salon de l’Agriculture” is a major showcase for the agricultural sector, drawing approximately 600,000 visitors over its nine-day duration. This year, the event has embraced a more international approach, recognizing the importance of global agricultural exchanges. The president of the show, Jérôme Desprey, emphasized the necessity of looking beyond national borders, pointing out that international trade is essential to addressing challenges such as the deterioration of France’s trade balance, which directly affects the agricultural industry.
The decision to invite Morocco comes at a time of diplomatic tension between France and Algeria. French Agriculture Minister Annie Genevard, addressing questions about the selection, clarified that the choice was made by the show’s organizers. However, she affirmed that it was a positive decision, aligning with the recent visit of the French President to Morocco in October.
France’s relationship with Algeria has been strained, particularly after Paris expressed support for Morocco’s autonomy plan in Western Sahara. This disputed territory remains a focal point of conflict between Morocco and the Polisario Front, an independence movement backed by Algeria. Despite these geopolitical complexities, Genevard stressed the importance of keeping the focus on agricultural cooperation.
Beyond diplomatic considerations, economic tensions between French and Moroccan agricultural producers have also surfaced. French farmers have raised concerns about Moroccan cherry tomatoes, citing them as a source of unfair competition. Last year, Moroccan tomatoes were likened to Ukrainian sugar in discussions about the impact of foreign imports on domestic production. French producers have also criticized the environmental and social implications of Morocco’s agricultural practices, particularly the intensive irrigation of crops amid the country’s ongoing drought, now in its sixth consecutive year.
During discussions between France and Morocco, an agreement was reached to revive the Franco-Moroccan tomato committee. The goal is to establish a fair balance for both French and Moroccan producers in the market.
At the Agriculture Show, Morocco’s expanded booth in the international pavilion showcases a variety of products that reflect the country’s rich agricultural heritage. These include argan oil, olive oil, saffron, and dates, highlighting Morocco’s diverse and high-quality offerings.
As part of the growing collaboration between the two nations, France is set to be the guest of honor at the upcoming International Agricultural Show in Morocco this April. This reciprocal recognition reinforces the agricultural and economic ties between the two countries while fostering further exchanges in the sector.
