Morocco’s green norm wins IFOAM-Organics International (OI) recognition

Bio-Maroc certificate, Morocco’s green norm , is now an international norm after the certificate received the recognition of IFOAM-Organics International (OI), an international organic farming association.

The recognition was awarded during Biofach-2022 held in the German city of Nuremberg in July (26-29).

“This certificate of acceptance is awarded following a comprehensive evaluation of the Moroccan national organic standard Bio-Maroc against the Common Organic Standards Objectives and Requirements (COROS),” the Ministry of Agriculture & Maritime Fisheries said in a statement.

“By obtaining this certificate, Morocco aligns with the standards of IFOAM-IO, gains credibility at the international level and is positioned in new international markets for organic products such as Saudi Arabia or Australia, which will develop its exports,” the statement added.

The Bio-Maroc certificate aims to exploit 100,000 hectares by 2030. So far, only 12,000 hectares of farm lands are devoted to bio produces, certified “Bio-Maroc”.

The North African country currently produces argan, medicinal and aromatic plants, prickly pear and carob, as well as capers, olives, almonds, citrus fruits and market gardening.

The country has produced 120,000 tons of bio-Maroc produce this year, up from 40,000 tons in 2010.

In terms of exports, the kingdom shipped out 17,000 tons of green produce in 2019, up from 10,000 tons in 2010.

Morocco launched the production of green produce in the 1990s. The initiative was bolstered by Plan Maroc Vert launched by King Mohammed VI in 2008.