The future of the Argane tree in Morocco is set for remarkable growth, with a significant expansion plan in place. By 2030, 50,000 hectares of land will be dedicated to planting Argane trees, according to the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Rural Development, Water, and Forests, Aziz Akhannouch. This announcement was made during the first celebration of International Argane Tree Day, an event initiated by Morocco in collaboration with the United Nations.
Ambitious Expansion and Development Goals
The Moroccan government is not only focusing on expanding the area under Argane cultivation
but also on upgrading the entire sector through various development projects.
The ultimate goal is to reach a cumulative target of 400,000 hectares of Argane
trees. In 2018, a significant program was launched to plant 10,000 hectares of
Argane trees, with a total investment of $49 million. This initiative directly
benefits 26,000 people and underscores the government's commitment to
supporting Argane cultivation through financial incentives provided by the
Agricultural Development Fund.
Rising Global Demand for Argane Products
The global
demand for Argane products has seen a substantial increase, particularly in the
past decade. Moroccan exports of Argane oil have tripled between 2010 and 2020,
highlighting the growing popularity of this natural product. To protect and
promote Argane products on international markets, the Argane tree has had a
geographical indication since 2010, a status that helps preserve this unique
cultural heritage and enhances its market value.
Innovation and Research: The National Argane Center
Recognizing
the importance of scientific research in the sustainable development of the
Argane sector, Akhannouch announced the creation of the National Argane Center.
This center, set to be established this year, will serve as an incubator for
public and private initiatives. It will also act as a platform to promote
research and documentation related to the Argane tree, ensuring that this
valuable resource continues to thrive.
Empowering Women and Building Sustainable Enterprises
Efforts to
organize and strengthen the Argane sector have led to the creation of over 500
cooperatives, involving 10,000 women—a tenfold increase since 2004.
Additionally, 22 nurseries have been established to produce Argane plantations,
all approved by the National Office for Food Products Sanitary Safety (ONSSA).
This is a significant improvement from just two nurseries in 2015. Furthermore,
more than 450 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have been established,
primarily focusing on the development and export of Argane products. These SMEs
contribute to an annual turnover exceeding one billion dirhams, showcasing the
sector's economic importance.
Global Responsibility and International Cooperation
Akhannouch
emphasized the collective responsibility of all nations to strengthen
international cooperation and funding for the protection of the Argane tree.
This unique heritage plays a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance and
preserving biodiversity. The proclamation of International Argane Tree Day by
the United Nations General Assembly on March 3, 2021, marks a significant step
towards global recognition and support for the preservation and promotion of
this invaluable resource.
Conclusion
As Morocco
advances towards its ambitious goal of expanding Argane cultivation, the future
looks promising for the Argane oil industry. With increased global demand, a
focus on scientific research, and the empowerment of local communities, the
Argane sector is poised for sustainable growth and continued success on the
international stage.
