The National Institute of Agronomic Research (INRA) welcomed, on Tuesday 10 February 2026, an official delegation from the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR), led by Mr. Damian Donovan, Australia’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of Morocco.

This working visit is part of efforts to strengthen scientific and technical cooperation between the Kingdom of Morocco and Australia, particularly in the fields of agriculture, innovation, and climate resilience.

On this occasion, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at promoting sustainable agricultural research was signed by Prof. Lamiae Ghaouti, Director of INRA, and Ms. Zita Ritchie, Research Program Manager at ACIAR.

This agreement falls within the framework of the Africa–Australia Cooperation Program for Climate‑Adapted Agriculture (AAPCRA), fully aligned with Morocco’s national RDI strategy – Génération Green.

The Memorandum of Understanding establishes the foundations of a structured cooperation between the two institutions, focused on:

-Development of joint agricultural research projects;

-Capacity building, training, and exchange of expertise;

-Innovation in climate‑smart agriculture;

-Networking of researchers and valorization of scientific results;

-Promotion of collaborative approaches for sustainable and resilient agriculture.

Furthermore, a letter of intent was signed between the Director of INRA and the Australian Ambassador, aimed at promoting research and innovation in support of the sustainability of food and agricultural systems.

With a budget of 76.4 million Australian dollars over six years, the AAPCRA program aims to strengthen research and innovation in sustainable and climate‑resilient agricultural practices in North and West Africa, particularly in Morocco, Egypt, Ghana, and Nigeria.

Following the signing ceremony, the Australian delegation held a technical meeting with Moroccan teams to explore priority research areas and the strategic opportunities offered by this bilateral partnership. The visit concluded with a tour of the research units at the Regional Center of Agronomic Research in Rabat.

Press Release