2011.06.23Morocco-Algeria: Towards an further agriculture

The three-day visit to Algeria, which began Saturday by the Minister of Agriculture Akhannouch Aziz was the occasion for the two neighbors to sign cooperation agreements in agriculture. Morocco and Algeria seek to be complementary in this strategic area. The two neighbors hold enormous potential.

To the press this Sunday, June 19, Aziz Akhannouch, Moroccan Minister of Agriculture, and his Algerian counterpart Rachid Benaissa spoke of a "possibility of complementarity" between the agriculture of both countries. Complementarity that goes through fruitful discussions "on several levels, scientific, technical, training, agricultural extension and pest control," said the Algerian minister.

Specifically, this cooperation should lead to the implementation of agreements signed between the two countries during the visit of the Moroccan Minister in Algeria. The first measure concerns the protection and exchange of plants, in accordance with international phytosanitary measures. Two other agreements relate to the agricultural research and training, research and agricultural extension.

They will be realized through cooperation between the National Institutes of Agricultural Research (INRA) of Morocco and Algeria. Just as the exchange of experiences and trainers in the field of education and vocational training in agriculture. Another component, the implementation of strategies and direction for agricultural research, as well as increased trade and consultation on agricultural extension.

Tremendous opportunities

The signing of these agreements comes less than two months after the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministries of both countries. Two countries that do not lack strength in the field of agriculture. The food industry is one example. Not only trade can be formalized, but the complementarities between Morocco with its water reserves, Algeria with plenty of energy sources, could be utilized. Not to mention the Tunisian expertise in food processes.

For dates, olives, camel milk, a higher value could be reached. With similar patterns of consumption, would open new opportunities for operators and food economies of scale could also be achieved.

Source: yabiladi.com

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