Moroccan Agriculture Minister Khalid Hatimi announced that the country's date production is expected to reach 180,000 tons in the 2026-2027 agricultural season. He made the statement on Wednesday in Erfoud, during the opening of the 15th edition of the International Date Fair in Morocco (Saidate 2026). The minister emphasized that the national consumption of dates ranges between 220,000 and 250,000 tons per year.
Hatimi called for the promotion of national production and the regulation of imports. He highlighted that the date sector is a basic lever for food security, territorial development, and job creation, with promising prospects in the national market and export. The minister also noted that efforts are focused on enhancing storage and valuation capacities, controlling prices in the national market, and supporting farmers.
The date sector in Morocco plays a significant role in the country's economic and social development, particularly in rural areas. According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food Sovereignty, the sector generates an added value of over 3 billion dirhams and provides more than 3.4 million working days per year. The sector also contributes 60% of the agricultural income of rural families.
The International Date Fair in Morocco, organized under the high patronage of King Mohammed VI, brings together over 230 exhibitors from Morocco and abroad. The event, which takes place on an area of 40,000 square meters, is expected to attract over 100,000 visitors. The fair features eight thematic poles dedicated to producing regions, institutions, international participation, and local products.
The date sector is a priority area for development in Morocco, with a focus on improving production, processing, and marketing. The government has launched several initiatives to support farmers, including the Green Morocco Plan and the 2020-2030 Green Generation Strategy. These initiatives aim to promote sustainable agriculture, reduce rural migration, and combat desertification.
The International Date Fair in Morocco is an important platform for promoting the country's date production and attracting investment. The event provides an opportunity for farmers, producers, and exporters to showcase their products and connect with international buyers. The fair also features conferences, workshops, and exhibitions on date production, processing, and marketing.
Morocco's date production is mainly concentrated in the southern regions of the country, particularly in the oases of Erfoud, Ouarzazate, and Zagora. The country's date sector faces several challenges, including climate change, water scarcity, and pests. However, the sector has significant potential for growth, particularly in the export market.
Key points
- Morocco's date production is expected to reach 180,000 tons in the 2026-2027 agricultural season.
- The country's date sector generates an added value of over 3 billion dirhams and provides more than 3.4 million working days per year.
- The International Date Fair in Morocco attracts over 100,000 visitors and features over 230 exhibitors from Morocco and abroad.
