The second Azrou apple tree meeting, a space for consultation and promotion of apple growing, discussed this weekend the contribution of the sector to the sustainable development of this mountainous area, considered as one of the important apple production basins in the whole country.

The fruit of the coordination of a set of regional agricultural actors, this meeting brought together, around the central theme "Apple growing: a promising sector for local development", eminent researchers, agricultural executives and professionals of the sector, who debated, among other things, ways to upgrade the sector to meet the challenges imposed by free trade agreements, climate change and the scourge of fire blight, but also problems of standardisation and marketing.

The agro-industry development strategy was also raised by professionals in the sector, who find themselves confronted with difficulties linked to the means of absorbing production surpluses, on the one hand, and accompanying changes in consumption habits.

The participants also debated themes relating to access to new apple production niches, the market for certified apple plants, the professional organisation of the apple sector, the rationalisation of the use of irrigation water and reasoned fertilisation in apple growing.

In addition to the part dedicated to debates, several other cultural, artistic and sporting animation activities, including apple-based recipe tasting competitions, a cycling tour, exhibitions and music shows were organised in Azrou throughout the weekend.

At the national level, apple cultivation, which covers an area of approximately 27,300 ha, is positioned at the head of agricultural production in mountain areas, with a total production volume estimated at 422,000 tonnes of fruit and a turnover of nearly 1.5 billion dirhams.

The Ifrane province constitutes an important apple production basin, with a total area of approximately 5,600 ha, i.e. 20% of the national area and a production of 114,000 T.