Lesieur Cristal Launches New Technical Center for Oilseed Development in Morocco
Introduction to the CTOM Initiative
The establishment of the Technical Center for Oilseeds (CTOM) marks a significant step in mobilizing all stakeholders within the oilseed sector in Morocco. The Industrial Group of Oilseeds in Morocco (GIOM), which includes Lesieur Cristal and Huileries Souss Belhassan, plays a pivotal role as an aggregator in this initiative.
GIOM is instrumental in providing technical support to producers, facilitating training, raising awareness, and offering operational assistance necessary for boosting local production.
Supporting Farmers and Enhancing Food Sovereignty
Mohammed El Baraka, president of FOLEA, emphasized that the CTOM serves as a vital lever to support farmers directly in the field, providing tailored assistance and solutions to meet their specific needs. This initiative reflects the ambition to create a more efficient, resilient, and truly sovereign oilseed sector.
The launch of the CTOM comes at a time when Morocco remains heavily reliant on imports, with a domestic coverage rate for oilseed raw materials limited to just 2%. The primary goal is to accelerate the structuring of local production, enhance the competitiveness of agricultural operations, and sustainably strengthen food sovereignty.
Aligning with Group Objectives
Stéphane Yrles, Secretary General of Avril, highlighted that this initiative aligns perfectly with the group's mission: 'Serving the Earth.' It aims to provide concrete solutions to the challenges faced by the sector, particularly in improving yields, securing supplies, and supporting producers in a resilient and environmentally friendly agricultural transition.
Operational Framework of the CTOM
Designed as a practical tool for farmers, the CTOM will rely on rigorous agronomic trials to establish optimal technical pathways and generate benchmark data, particularly regarding the benefits of oilseeds in crop rotation.
Additionally, it will utilize a network of relay structures to strengthen connections with farmers, gather field needs, and disseminate research findings.
The center will also function as a platform for innovation and experimentation, aiming to improve access to seeds suited to Moroccan climatic conditions and conduct dedicated studies, including the utilization of rapeseed straw for livestock.
Launch Event Highlights
The launch event attracted nearly one hundred participants, including representatives from the Regional Directorate of Agriculture, the Agricultural Development Agency (ADA), ONCA, INRA, as well as industry professionals and researchers.
The agenda featured institutional presentations and a roundtable discussion focused on 'Proximity Agricultural Services: Challenges and Opportunities for Sectors.'
Discussions highlighted the challenges of accessing agricultural advice, particularly related to resource constraints and territorial coverage.
Fatima Ezzahrae Lamnasra, a farmer from the Meknès region, expressed the need for personalized, responsive support that considers the entirety of the farming operation.
Identifying Key Needs and Future Studies
The mutualization of skills between major crop sectors, particularly between cereals and oilseeds, was identified as a crucial lever for development.
The afternoon session included two working workshops aimed at characterizing available advisory structures, refining the typology of farms, and identifying support needs. These efforts will serve as the foundation for two field studies to be conducted in the coming months.
Conclusion and Future Vision
As project partners noted, the CTOM embodies a shared vision of innovation that serves both the territories and the producers. The discussions facilitated the identification of clear priorities and laid the groundwork for the deployment of the Technical Center for Oilseeds in Meknès, which is set to become a key instrument for the sustainable development of the oilseed sector in Morocco.