Meknes, the Ismaili Capital, Welcomes the World Once Again: A New Edition of the Agriculture Fair Focuses on Water and Sustainability
Within the walls of the Ismaili capital, Meknes—a city that breathes history and blossoms with a promising agricultural present—Moroccan agricultural excellence shines once again. Today, Monday, April 21, marks the official launch of an exceptional annual event that has become a firmly established international tradition and a strategic milestone on the global agricultural development map.
We are now just one hour away from the opening of the 17th edition of the International Agricultural Fair in Morocco—an outstanding event that transcends the concept of an exhibition to become a platform for global dialogue, an open laboratory for innovation, and a high-level forum for smart policies that view agriculture as a driver of sustainable development and food sovereignty.
At a critical juncture marked by accelerating climate disruptions and mounting economic constraints, the urgent need arises to redraw the contours of the future through collective awareness and a sustainable vision.
Held under the High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI—may God assist him—this new edition comes under a highly meaningful theme: “Agriculture and the Rural World: Water at the Heart of Sustainable Development.” A slogan rooted in reality, reflecting an advanced awareness of the scale of climatic and environmental challenges affecting all agricultural production systems globally, especially in Morocco—a country that has, for years, chosen to firmly pursue a resilient, innovative, and climate-adaptive agricultural model.
Among the most striking features of this edition is the record participation of 1,500 exhibitors representing 70 countries, with France as the guest of honor and 45 official foreign delegations expected to attend, according to preliminary data. Over one million visitors are anticipated—figures that leave no doubt that the Fair has become a major international landmark and a shining example of Moroccan excellence in agricultural organization.
This edition maintains a proven structure through 12 thematic clusters, where visitors can explore the latest developments in digitalization, food industries, agricultural machinery, environmental sustainability, and local products. Additionally, the “Regional Cluster” offers a broad window into the Kingdom’s diverse agricultural wealth.
While this edition places water at the center of attention, innovation and technology will also be strongly present through displays of the latest solutions in smart irrigation, solar energy, water treatment, and drones equipped with thermal sensors to diagnose water stress. These efforts reflect a collective will to make modern technologies allies of both small-scale and large-scale farmers in the battle for adaptation.
The focus this year is not limited to technical content. It also includes significant improvements in visitor experience: upgraded infrastructure, expanded parking areas, internal tour routes, family spaces, and restaurants offering traditional Moroccan dishes made from local products—an intelligent integration of agriculture, culture, and culinary art.
In line with the digital transition, an online ticketing platform has been launched to reduce the environmental footprint associated with paper. Multilingual signage has also been introduced to ease visitor navigation, embodying a deep understanding of the “smart fair” concept.
The message this edition conveys is clear and powerful: Morocco continues to strengthen its leadership in sustainable agriculture, guided by a wise royal vision, a clear political will, and national minds open to global experiences—firm in the belief that agriculture is no longer merely an economic sector, but a pillar of dignity, food sovereignty, and stability.
And once again, Meknes—the historic and ever-welcoming city—opens its arms to the world, not only to showcase its achievements but to propose solutions, build bridges, and host discussions that lay the foundation for a more just and sustainable agricultural future.
#adil EL ARABI