Meknes Summit: Morocco’s Livestock Sector at Core of Global Food Security Resilience Efforts. Abidjan, Ivory Coast — April 21, 2026 The 18th International Agricultural Exhibition of Morocco, SIAM 2026, concluded in Meknes with a strong emphasis on the pivotal role of sustainable livestock systems in ensuring global food security and resilience.
The conference, spanning April 20 to 28, brought together a diverse array of stakeholders, including ministers, experts, and breeders, to address the pressing challenges facing animal production systems under the pressures of climate change and market volatility.
The conference underscored the strategic importance of Morocco’s livestock sector, which contributes significantly to the nation’s agricultural GDP, supporting millions of breeders and generating substantial employment. Morocco’s Agriculture Minister, Ahmed El Bouari, emphasized the sector’s dual role as an economic and strategic pillar, highlighting the country’s commitment to enhancing livestock resilience in line with the “Green Generation 2020-2030″strategy. International collaboration was a key theme, with Portugal’s José Manuel Fernandes advocating for concrete solutions in water management, soil health, and animal health.
France’s Minister of Agriculture, Annie Genevard, spoke of the balance between productivity, health, and sustainability, noting Morocco’s momentum in agricultural innovation. Ivory Coast’s Bruno Nabagné Koné praised Morocco’s expertise in research and soil management, viewing it as a model for African cooperation.
The conference featured high — level panels on animal production system resilience and consumption dynamics, focusing on sustainable feed, farm modernization, genetic improvement, and adapting to shifting dietary trends. These discussions highlighted the need for resilient food systems capable of withstanding climate change and market volatility.
The FAO’s emphasis on One Health and climate-smart livestock practices was a recurring theme, emphasizing the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. Innovations in smart farming technologies and antimicrobial resistance were also addressed, with OCP Nutricrops showcasing solutions for soil health and nutrient efficiency.
The outcomes of SIAM 2026 are expected to have a lasting impact on policy and practice in Morocco and beyond, reinforcing the importance of sustainable livestock systems in securing global food security in the face of environmental and economic challenges.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
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By This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: moroccoworldnews
Source: Ihab Ou-ouda
