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In recognition of its standing in the global olive sector, Morocco has been chosen to chair the International Olive Council for 2026. The announcement coincided with World Olive Tree Day celebrations in the Spanish city of Cordoba on 20 November 2025, where Morocco formally adopted the "Cordoba Declaration".
The declaration sets out a roadmap for the future of the olive sector, focusing on:
Ensuring the sustainability of the global olive value chain.
Strengthening food security and supporting human health.
Preserving biodiversity and combating desertification.
The Strategic Importance of the Olive Sector in Morocco
During the event, Ahmed El Bouari, Minister of Agriculture, Maritime Fisheries, Rural Development, Water and Forests, presented figures highlighting the sector's central role in the national economy:
Cultivated area: Olives cover more than 1.2 million hectares, representing 65% of the total area planted with fruit trees.
Employment: The sector generates more than 51 million working days annually.
Self-sufficiency: It covers around 19% of national demand for edible oils.
Economic impact: It contributes 2.1 billion dirhams annually to the Kingdom's trade balance.
National Strategies and Sector Development
The minister highlighted the achievements delivered through the "Green Morocco" plan and the "Generation Green 2020–2030" strategy, which aim to:
Modernise olive cultivation.
Raise quality standards and add value to products.
Encourage innovation and scientific research to address climate change.
Integrate olive oil into health and food policies to boost the international competitiveness of Moroccan products.
Intensive Morocco-Spain Cooperation
On the sidelines of the International Olive Council meetings — whose member states account for 94% of global production — Minister El Bouari held a bilateral meeting with his Spanish counterpart, Luis Planas. The talks covered:
Strengthening coordination to address climate challenges and build resilience in agricultural systems.
Preparations for a high-level meeting planned for December to sign new memoranda of understanding between the two countries.