The fifth edition of the Morocco Berry Conference will take place on November 14, 2024, in Agadir, with a program full of presentations and discussions on the main topics in the berry sector, from market trends to new agricultural technologies. Designed to engage producers, experts, and companies from various countries, the conference serves as a platform for sharing knowledge and innovations in the global berry industry.
Opening and Introduction
The day begins at 7:30 with participant registration and reception, followed by introductory speeches to welcome guests and introduce the conference’s main themes.
Session 1: "Market Update"
Moderated by Thomas Drahorad, the first session offers an overview of the global berry market, focusing on strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries. The presentations will address emerging trends, growth opportunities in the Chinese market, and the importance of branding to differentiate products. The session also includes an update on Moroccan production for 2023/2024. Notable speakers include Thomas Drahorad from Italian Berry, Huan Zhang from Twinkle Star Berry, and Lacey Bradshaw from Twenty Degrees.
Session 2: "Technical Session"
After a coffee break, the conference continues with a technical session moderated by Marcel de Jong. This session explores technical challenges in berry production, such as managing abiotic stress during generative phases and using LED lighting to improve plant performance. Experts like Jorge Duarte and Pieter Mol will share their insights and innovative solutions.
Session 3: "Varietal Selection and Sustainability"
In the afternoon, Thomas Drahorad returns to moderate a session dedicated to varietal selection and sustainability, key topics for the sector’s future. Attendees will hear presentations on themes such as marketing and intellectual property protection for new varieties, the outlook for mechanical harvesting, and sustainable innovations for strawberry and raspberry production in Morocco. Notable speakers include Ines Buiza from Fallcreek and Roger Horak from Ozblu.
Session 4: "Technology and Operations Management"
The final session of the day, moderated by Marcel de Jong, focuses on applying technologies in agricultural operations management. Topics include data management in agriculture and essential hygiene standards for blueberry cultivation. Invited experts such as Fernando Martino and Anas Bennis will share their field experience and recommendations.
Roundtable and Conclusions
The day concludes with a roundtable and Q&A session, giving participants the opportunity to discuss and summarize the key topics covered. This will be followed by conclusions and recommendations, summarizing the conference highlights, and finally, the event closing at 18:35.
A Platform for Networking and Innovation
The Morocco Berry Conference 2024 represents a unique opportunity to connect with industry leaders, share knowledge, and discover the latest innovations. With a variety of international speakers and topics covering every aspect of berry production and marketing, this event is set to be an unmissable gathering for professionals in the industry.
