Agadir is currently the hub of significant international discussions, as it hosts the 19th meeting of the heads of national inspection services from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), alongside Workshops on Harmonizing Compliance Controls, and the 84th plenary meeting of the OECD Scheme for Fruits and Vegetables. Notably, this marks the first time the plenary meeting is held in Africa, from November 24 to 28. These pivotal gatherings are drawing representatives from over 20 nations, including Germany, France, Spain, Italy, and the Netherlands, as well as several countries from Africa and South America, according to an official statement. During the opening of the 19th meeting of the heads of national inspection services on Tuesday, November 25, the Minister of Agriculture, Maritime Fisheries, Rural Development, and Water and Forests, Ahmed El Bouari, highlighted Morocco's commitment to championing «an agricultural model rooted in cooperation, transparency, and sustainability». He further expressed «a collective ambition to forge a safer, more sustainable, and equitable food future for all». Adding to the significance of these meetings, the official launch of the LABEL Morocco Sustain Food Standard (MSFS) was announced. Developed by Morocco Foodex in collaboration with the FAO and co-financed by the EBRD and the European Union, this standard outlines a national framework for sustainability, encompassing «governance, regulatory compliance, social responsibility, and environmental performance». The certification process is structured into «three progressive levels: Commitment, Mastery, and Excellence», as detailed in the statement. In this context, 22 pioneering companies from the citrus, fresh produce, processed products, and fishing sectors, which have achieved MSFS certification, were honored with trophies during a dedicated ceremony for certificate presentations.
