The agropoles strategy in Morocco: an evaluation

Between 2009 and 2015, six agropoles should have been created in different Moroccan cities. Presented as real levers of the agricultural industry, these projects are part of the Pillar II of the Green Morocco Plan aimed to strengthen the processing and marketing of agricultural products. Substantial funds have also been devoted to these big projects: 550 million dirhams in Meknes, 350 million in Berkane, 920 million in Tadla and 450 million in Agadir, not including funds allocated to Gharb and Haouz. These industrial cities should give a boost to agricultural processing and should lead the value chain from production to marketing.

The program for this new generation of industrial zones includes spaces dedicated to the support and training of investors, research centers, hotels, conference centers, services and catering areas. But now, nearly a year after the deadline, only two agropoles are operational, in Berkane and Meknes. And their first assessment is frankly not reassuring.

[Full French article here | Photo by Department of Agriculture]