Highlights

Mr. Boussaid chairs a signing ceremony of a grant funding agreement

20/07/2014
Mr. Boussaid chairs a signing ceremony of a grant funding agreement

The Minister of Economy and Finance, Mr. Mohammed BOUSSAID, the Minister of Agriculture and Maritime Fisheries, Mr. Aziz AKHANNOUCH and the Ambassador and Head of the Delegation of the European Union in Morocco, Mr. Rupert JOY signed Friday, July 18th, 2014 at the Ministry of Economy and Finance in Rabat, a grant financing agreement amounting to $ 60 million (670 million dirhams) relating to session II of the Agriculture Sector Program Support.

In his speech, the Minister of Economy and Finance stated that this program proves the quality and the density of cooperative ties between Morocco and the European Union. He also highlighted the overall objective of the second session of this plan, namely the improvement of the agricultural income of small farmers and the development of inclusive farming in four regions-Fes-Boulemane, Meknès-Tafilalet, Eastern and Souss- Massa- Draa-. "The signing today of this financing agreement through which the EU grants Morocco a donation of € 60 million, will improve the incomes of small farmers through the support of projects to enhance their productions' explained Mr. BOUSSAID.

Furthermore, Mr. JOY noted that this Program will continue the efforts since 2010 in favor of inclusive agriculture in these areas. He also reported that the program focuses on the environmental aspect and climate change in agricultural development. "This plan, which promotes greater inclusion of rural women and youth in session 2 of Green Morocco Plan, highlights the importance the European Union attaches to a balanced and inclusive agricultural development in Morocco," noted Mr. JOY.

In his speech, Mr. Aziz AKHANNOUCH specified that this gift is important and added that it is likely to help accelerate the development of agriculture in the four target regions and fight against poverty.

​​This agreement will strengthen several production sectors in the target regions, Olives, Dates, Almonds, Red Meat Ovine) to integrate more young people and women in session 2 of the Green Morocco Plan, develop several local products and finally enhance the operational and monitoring abilities of the Ministry of Agriculture and Maritime Fisheries.