Morocco’s 14th International Date Fair Concludes with Strong Sales and Focus on Water Sustainability
Erfoud, The Gulf Observer: Morocco’s 14th International Date Fair concluded on November 2, attracting nearly 95,000 visitors and generating over MAD 38 million ($3.8 million) in sales, organizers announced.
Held over five days in the southeastern city of Erfoud, the event brought together more than 220 exhibitors from nine countries, centering on a critical issue facing the region — water scarcity.
The fair was inaugurated by Minister of Agriculture Ahmed El Bouari under the theme “Sustainable Management of Water Resources: Foundation for Date Palm and Oasis Development.” Organized by the Association of the International Date Fair in Morocco (ASIDMA), the event was supported by the Ministry of Agriculture and the National Agency for the Development of Oasis and Argan Zones (ANDZOA).
Addressing Water Challenges in Oasis Ecosystems
Reflecting growing concerns about water stress threatening traditional oasis systems, this year’s fair placed emphasis on sustainable resource management. Oasis environments, which serve as biodiversity reservoirs and natural shields against desertification, were the focus of scientific and policy discussions.
A scientific symposium gathered experts from Morocco’s National Institute for Agricultural Research (INRA), ANDZOA, the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and the International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA). The participants explored innovative strategies to adapt oasis ecosystems to climate change.
An investment forum titled “Responsible Investment for Date Palm and Oasis Development,” hosted by the Agricultural Development Agency and Crédit Agricole Group, provided a platform for businesses and investors to form new partnerships, while business-to-business sessions encouraged cooperation across the industry.
Major Irrigation Initiative Announced
During the fair’s opening, Minister El Bouari visited the Maktaa Sfa hydro-agricultural project — a landmark initiative designed to redirect floodwaters from the Gheris River to Lake Merzouga.
With a government investment of MAD 85.23 million ($9 million), the project aims to benefit 6,770 residents and irrigate 1,194 hectares across the Rissani and Taous communes.
The infrastructure includes a 260-meter diversion dam at Ksar Sidi Ahmed Ben Madani, a 14-kilometer water transfer canal, and a 2.6-kilometer irrigation canal. The project will also rehabilitate Lake Merzouga’s dike and modernize irrigation networks.
Beyond improving irrigation, the initiative seeks to preserve vegetation, replenish groundwater, enhance Lake Merzouga’s ecological and tourism potential, and reduce rural migration by boosting oasis resilience. The project is part of Morocco’s “Generation Green 2020–2030” strategy, which promotes sustainable and inclusive agricultural development for food sovereignty and territorial resilience.
Showcasing Diversity in the Date Industry
Spanning 40,000 square meters, the fair featured several thematic zones. Indigenous sheep and goat breeds from oasis regions were displayed in a livestock area, while agricultural companies showcased fertilizers, irrigation technologies, renewable energy solutions, and packaging innovations.
The “Rahba” pavilion — a 3,000-square-meter marketplace — served as the heart of the fair, where date producers, cooperatives, and economic interest groups exhibited and sold their products. Another section highlighted regional specialties from Morocco’s oasis regions, while an educational zone offered interactive workshops for children to learn about oasis ecosystems.
Global Participation and Cultural Exchange
The event drew international participation from nine countries, including Jordan and Mexico, underscoring its growing global appeal.
Nabil Abu Aram, General Manager of Baptism Basin Dates from Jordan, said his company was honored to participate and commended Morocco’s progress in the date industry. Managing 15,000 date palm trees across 1,000 acres in the Jordan Valley, Abu Aram said his team attended to explore partnerships and technological innovations under the guidance of the Khalifa International Award for Date Palm and Agricultural Innovation.
From Mexico, Alexandra Montes represented El Sultán Del Desierto, a producer showcasing Medjool dates at the fair for the first time. Montes noted the differences between Mexican and Moroccan dates, attributing their unique taste profiles to distinct growing conditions and elevations.
“This is our first year at the Morocco Festival, and we’re so happy to be here,” she said, expressing hope to return in future editions.
A Platform for Innovation and Collaboration
The International Date Fair in Erfoud continues to cement its reputation as a global hub for innovation, investment, and cultural exchange in the date palm industry. By fostering collaboration among producers, researchers, and policymakers, the fair plays a vital role in advancing sustainable oasis agriculture — a cornerstone of Morocco’s environmental and agricultural strategy.
As the 14th edition concluded successfully, stakeholders and participants expressed optimism for continued growth and cooperation in the years ahead.
