A new 2.5 million dirham trading platform has opened in Aknoul, Morocco, aiming to streamline commerce for local agricultural cooperatives. The initiative,funded through the integrated Rural Progress Project in the Pre-Rif Mountains of Taza (PRODER),seeks to address longstanding challenges with market access for farmers in a region where almonds represent 28% of the province’s orchard farming. Officially inaugurated by Moroccan Minister of Agriculture Ahmed El Bouari, the platform represents a key component of the country’s “Generation Green” strategy to modernize its agricultural sector and bolster rural economies.
A new trading platform launched in the Taza province of Morocco aims to modernize agricultural commerce and boost income for local farmers.
The platform, located in Aknoul, represents a 2.5 million dirham investment as part of the Integrated Rural Development Project in the Pre-Rif Mountains of Taza (PRODER). It’s designed to connect agricultural cooperatives directly with buyers and processors, streamlining a historically fragmented market and improving the quality of locally sourced products.
The Aknoul region is a significant agricultural hub, particularly for almond cultivation, accounting for 28% of the province’s total orchard area – 40,520 hectares planted with almond trees. Until now, small farmers in the area have struggled with inefficient sales channels. The new platform seeks to address this by providing a modern, functional space for trade.
The project aligns with Morocco’s “Generation Green” strategy, which prioritizes farmers within the agricultural value chain and promotes more efficient industry organization. It also responds to a growing need for shorter supply chains and improved market conditions for small producers, ultimately stimulating the local economy.
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Moroccan Minister of Agriculture Ahmed El Bouari inaugurated the platform alongside other government officials, underscoring the importance placed on developing rural areas and supporting agricultural cooperatives. The launch is expected to invigorate the rural economy and create opportunities for young entrepreneurs and cooperatives in the region.
Officials envision the Aknoul trading platform becoming a key hub for showcasing local products, enhancing the region’s appeal, and fostering a new generation of organized, visible, and competitive rural actors. The initiative highlights a broader effort to modernize Morocco’s agricultural sector and empower its farmers.
