The 5th edition of the International Red Berry Fair takes place from December 4 to 7 in Larache, under the theme "The Red Berry Sector: A Lever for Sustainable Agricultural, Economic, and Social Development".
This event, organized under the auspices of the Ministry of Agriculture, Maritime Fisheries, Rural Development, and Water and Forests, and the Interprofessional Federation of Red Berries "Interproberries Maroc", in collaboration with the Regional Office for Agricultural Development of Loukkos, the province of Larache, and the Regional Chamber of Agriculture of Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima, is established as one of the most important agricultural events in Morocco, according to a statement from the organizers.
The event will bring together national and international professionals and experts to exchange knowledge, discuss the challenges of the sector, and discover the latest innovations and technologies.
The festival, which has become an essential annual event for stakeholders in the red berry sector, offers a platform for communication between producers, exporters, and other industry players.
The program includes scientific conferences and exhibitions highlighting all aspects of red berry production and export.
Participants will also discover the results of the latest scientific research aimed at improving the quality and competitiveness of the products.
Furthermore, the festival aims to strengthen collaborations between Moroccan operators and international partners, thereby opening up new markets and increasing the added value of this strategic sector for the national economy.
The same source highlights that the red berry sector is a key driver for job creation in Morocco, particularly in rural areas, generating over 6 million workdays across the entire value chain, about one-third of which are in the final stages of production, significantly contributing to rural employment.
The total revenue is estimated at around 3.5 billion dirhams, over 90% of which comes from exports.
The festival will highlight the socio-economic role of this sector, particularly its positive impact on women and young people. It will also be an important opportunity to attract further investments and stimulate local economic growth.
It is important to note that the Loukkos region contributes 70% of the national red berry production, thus positioning itself as a major player in this strategic sector in Morocco. With a cultivated area of approximately 6,600 hectares, the region produces over 180,000 tons of red berries annually, according to the statement.
This significant contribution is based on modern agricultural practices, such as localized irrigation for optimal water resource management. Additionally, the area includes more than 26 packaging and freezing units, ensuring the quality and freshness of products destined for national and international markets.
The Moroccan red berry sector is experiencing rapid export growth, with around 85% of national production destined for over 40 international markets, particularly the European Union, Gulf countries, and North America.
Exports are directed 90% to European markets, 4.5% to Asia, 1.5% to Gulf countries, and 4% to ALENA countries, Africa, South America, PECO, and Oceania.
The shares of fresh and frozen exports are significant, reaching 85% of production for strawberries, 96% for blueberries, and 95% for raspberries, while fresh exports account for 47% and frozen exports for 53%. This success significantly contributes to the national economy and strengthens Morocco's position as a leader in high-quality agricultural product exports.
Photo: lifeforstock
Source: MAP
