PARIS – Aurore Bergé, the French Minister Delegate responsible for equality between women and men and the fight against discrimination, visited the Moroccan pavilion at the Paris International Agricultural Show (SIA) on Tuesday evening. Morocco, invited as the guest of honor, showcased its agricultural prowess and local products.

Accompanied by Samira Sitail, the kingdom’s ambassador to France, and Mahjouba Chkail, the director of development and marketing of local products at the Agricultural Development Agency (ADA), Bergé explored the various stands of the national pavilion. She engaged with exhibitors on Moroccan local products and the work of cooperatives, particularly those led by women.

Franco-Moroccan cooperation is “absolutely essential” for France, underlined the French minister in a statement to the map, after a meeting she had with Ms. Sitail, after her visit to the Moroccan stand.

“The designation of Morocco as the first foreign country invited to honor, she said, reflects the quality of Franco-Moroccan diplomatic relations, ‘friendship’ which unites the two countries, but also ‘the talent’ of its producers,” said Bergé.

Bergé noted that the success of the Moroccan stand, which required restocking after just a few days, testifies to the “enthusiasm” of the French for the Kingdom’s products. She emphasized the importance of economic and financial autonomy for women, stating, “Seeing whole cooperatives carried by women, and sometimes entirely made up of women is a major issue of economic autonomy and financial autonomy.”

At the heart of the Paris International Agricultural Show (February 22-March 2), the Moroccan pavilion, installed under the supervision of the ADA, stands out as a real showcase of national agricultural excellence. From its diversified terroirs to its ancestral know-how, the kingdom presents a model of sustainable and innovative agriculture.

On 476 square meters, Morocco, guest of honor for the first time in the history of the SIA, presents a range of emblematic products from its terroir, from 76 dynamic cooperatives bringing together nearly 2,000 small farmers, including 639 women, real caretakers national ancestral know-how.

The significance of this event extends beyond the agricultural sector. It highlights the growing importance of international cooperation in agriculture, particularly in the context of global food security. The U.S., for instance, has seen a rise in agricultural trade with Morocco, with exports of U.S. agricultural products to Morocco reaching $1.1 billion in 2023. This cooperation not only benefits the economies of both countries but also fosters cultural exchange and understanding.

The Moroccan pavilion’s success at the SIA is a testament to the country’s commitment to sustainable agriculture and the empowerment of women in rural communities. By showcasing its agricultural products and cooperatives, Morocco is setting a global example of how traditional practices can be combined with modern innovation to achieve sustainable development goals.

However, some critics argue that the focus on women-led cooperatives may overshadow other critical aspects of agricultural development, such as technological advancements and infrastructure improvements. While the empowerment of women is crucial, a balanced approach that addresses all facets of agricultural development is essential for long-term sustainability.

In response, advocates for women’s empowerment in agriculture point to the economic and social benefits of supporting women-led cooperatives. Studies have shown that when women have access to economic opportunities, they are more likely to invest in their families and communities, leading to improved health, education, and overall well-being.

For example, in the U.S., programs like the Women, Food and Agriculture Network (WFAN) have demonstrated the positive impact of supporting women farmers. These initiatives not only empower women but also contribute to the overall resilience and sustainability of the agricultural sector.

In conclusion, the visit of Aurore Bergé to the Moroccan pavilion at the Paris International Agricultural Show underscores the importance of international cooperation and the empowerment of women in agriculture. As the global community continues to address challenges related to food security and sustainable development, such initiatives serve as a beacon of hope and progress.