The National Institute of Agricultural Research (INRA) welcomed, on April 15, 2026, at its headquarters in Rabat, an official and economic agricultural mission from the State of North Dakota (United States), led by Mr. Doug Goehring, Commissioner of Agriculture of the State of North Dakota. The delegation was received by INRA’s Director, Professor Lamiae Ghaouti, as part of efforts to strengthen bilateral cooperation between the Kingdom of Morocco and the United States in the fields of agriculture, research, and innovation.

This meeting provided an opportunity for INRA to present its research programs and strategic priorities, as well as its ongoing efforts in agricultural research and development, in a context marked by challenges related to sustainability, resilience of agricultural systems, and food security.

The discussions also enabled the two parties to exchange views on the main shared challenges faced by both Morocco and the State of North Dakota, particularly with regard to climate change adaptation and improving the performance and sustainability of agricultural value chains.

The exchanges highlighted a shared interest in developing cooperation in strategic areas, notably conservation agriculture, where Morocco aims to benefit from the advanced experience of the State of North Dakota. This orientation is fully aligned with the National Conservation Agriculture Program, led by INRA, which aims to develop one million hectares under conservation agriculture by 2030.

Other potential areas of cooperation were also explored, including collaboration in genetic improvement and the valorization of resilient crops, particularly barley and durum wheat.

At the conclusion of the meeting, both parties agreed to continue exchanges and prepare a visit by an INRA delegation during 2026, at the initiative of the Commissioner of Agriculture of the State of North Dakota, with the aim of deepening expertise sharing and operationalizing the identified areas of cooperation.

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