A. Muhyawi – Heba Press
Under the supervision of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Rural Development, Water and Forests, and in coordination with the workforce of the Midelt region, the city of Midelt hosts the National Apple Forum under the slogan “Sustainable development of the apple industry”. in mountainous regions” from October 16 to 19, 2014, with the partnership and support of local, regional and national partners.
The National Apple Forum in Midelt is in its fourth edition, organized by the National Apple Forum Association in Midelt. This forum is an extension of the Apple Festival, celebrated in Midelt until 2014, when it was transformed into a national forum offering an annual platform for communication and interaction between stakeholders and those responsible for the fields of apple production. culture, production, valorization and marketing. of apples.
The forum aims to promote the role of cooperatives and agricultural associations, to develop their capacities and skills, in addition to supporting small producers and enabling them to contribute effectively to the development of the social economy in the region, by establishing partnerships solid between the different actors. and sector managers.
The fruit tree sector, including apple trees, is the second agricultural sector in terms of economic importance for the agricultural sector in the Draa-Tafilalet region.
At the national level, this sector, like other production sectors, received the signing of a new program contract between the State and the Interprofessional Federation of the Fruit Sector in Morocco for the period extending from 2021 to 2030. With the aim of implementing major projects aimed at increasing the added value of this chain and strengthening its contribution to the national economy.
The forum’s scientific program focuses on strengthening the apple industry in mountainous areas, discussing ways to develop it within the framework of the “Green Generation” strategy. Organize scientific seminars that review the challenges and opportunities for improving apple production in these regions, while providing training workshops aimed at supporting the capacities of farmers and cooperatives under the supervision of experts in apple production. material with the aim of increasing and improving the quality of production and finding innovative solutions to overcome the obstacles and challenges facing this vital sector.
For reference, it is expected that apple production during this season will reach more than 275 thousand tons in the Draa-Tafilalet region, where it will experience a decrease of 10% compared to last season due to the conditions and extreme and difficult climatic phenomena. that the region has experienced.
This year’s forum session is expected to see the participation of around 170 exhibitors, representing major players in the sector. The exhibition covers an area of 5,500 square meters and includes, in addition to the agricultural consultation area, several centers.
