The 18th edition of the Salon International de l’Agriculture au Maroc (SIAM) opened in Meknès on Monday, April 21, 2026, under the high patronage of King Mohammed VI, with Prince Moulay Rachid presiding over the inauguration ceremony. The event, which runs through April 27, brings together agricultural stakeholders from across Africa and beyond to discuss innovation, sustainability and international cooperation in the sector.
This year’s edition places a strong emphasis on Franco-Moroccan agricultural partnership, highlighted by the convening of the Morocco-France Mixed Agricultural Committee during the fair. Discussions are focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation in areas such as crop production, livestock health, and agri-tech innovation, with particular attention to the resumption of bovine exports from France to Morocco, a topic confirmed by French Minister of Agriculture Annie Genevard during her visit to the show.
Prince Moulay Rachid’s presence at the opening underscores the royal family’s continued support for SIAM as a national platform for advancing food sovereignty and rural development. According to official reports from the Moroccan Press Agency (MAP), the Prince toured several exhibition halls, engaging with farmers, cooperatives, and representatives of agribusinesses showcasing innovations in irrigation, organic farming, and climate-resilient crops.
The Minister of Agriculture, Mohamed Sadiki, reiterated Morocco’s commitment to modernizing its agricultural sector through strategic partnerships, noting that SIAM serves as a critical venue for technology transfer and investment promotion. He emphasized that the event aligns with the country’s Green Generation 2020-2030 strategy, which aims to strengthen sustainability, improve value chains, and enhance the competitiveness of Moroccan agriculture in global markets.
French Minister Annie Genevard, speaking at a press conference held at the French pavilion within SIAM, described the fair as “a cornerstone of Franco-Moroccan cooperation” and confirmed that technical teams from both countries are actively working on protocols to restart bovine exports, which had been suspended due to health regulations. She added that discussions also cover joint research on drought-resistant cereals and sustainable water management in agriculture.
SIAM 2026 features over 1,200 exhibitors from more than 30 countries, with dedicated zones for livestock, agroecology, digital agriculture, and rural crafts. The fair includes daily conferences, live demonstrations, and competitions such as the national bovine beauty contest and the trophy for best innovation in agroecology. A special pavilion highlights the role of women in agriculture, showcasing cooperatives led by female entrepreneurs from the Souss-Massa and Tadla-Azilal regions.
In a related development, the GPC Group announced an investment of 200 million Moroccan dirhams (approximately $20 million USD) to expand its logistics and storage facilities near Meknès, aiming to better serve agricultural producers in the Saiss and Fès-Meknès basins. The project, disclosed during a press briefing at the fair, includes the construction of a new grain silo complex and a cold chain unit for perishable goods, with completion expected by 2028.
Visitors to SIAM can access real-time updates, exhibitor lists, and conference schedules through the official SIAM mobile app and website. The event is organized by the Moroccan Ministry of Agriculture in collaboration with the National Agricultural Exhibition Office (ONEA), with security and logistical support provided by local authorities in Meknès.
As SIAM 2026 progresses, organizers anticipate over 800,000 visitors throughout the week, building on the success of previous editions that have consistently drawn large crowds of professionals, students, and families interested in agriculture and rural life. The closing ceremony is scheduled for Sunday, April 27, 2026, featuring awards for outstanding contributions to agricultural development and a cultural program celebrating Morocco’s rural heritage.
For ongoing coverage of SIAM 2026 and developments in Morocco-France agricultural cooperation, follow official updates from the Ministry of Agriculture, MAP News, and the SIAM organizing committee. Share your thoughts on the event’s impact and the future of sustainable farming in the comments below.