Nestled in the heart of the High Atlas Mountains, this region renowned for its lush landscapes and fertile soils also enjoys a climate conducive to the growth of fruit trees.
The olive trees of Al Haouz are known for producing fruits of remarkable quality, thanks to their exquisite taste and rich oil content.
Ait Mansour Hamid, president of the Sidi Ali cooperative for olives and almonds, in the Douar of Amghras (64 km from Marrakech), stressed that the secret of the quality and prosperity of the agricultural sector in the region lies in the serious and diligent work of local communities.
“We want to respect the standards in force throughout the production process,from the cultivation of trees to the harvesting of fruits and their processing,” he told MAP,noting that members of the cooperative are involved in continuing training which makes it possible to constantly improve production methods.
He also indicated that the local authorities provided valuable assistance which made it possible to expand the cooperative’s agricultural activities,strengthen its production capacity and modernize its means,particularly through the adoption of irrigation techniques. localized.
“Our objective is now to work for the expansion of the distribution of goods both nationally and internationally,” he noted.
For his part, Moulay Driss Ait Saadan, president of the Tigdelt Azitoun Cooperative, indicated that his organization employs around twenty people, men and women, who ensure the collection, cleaning, processing and packaging of olives.
As the main sources of income for many families in the province, cooperatives have demonstrated remarkable capacity for recovery after the earthquake.
Driven by a united community spirit and unwavering determination, these cooperatives were able to mobilize to relaunch their activities.
The innovative approach adopted to address the challenges has also enabled these cooperatives not only to return to their pre-earthquake production levels, but also to become a model for other regions of the Kingdom.
– How can other agricultural communities learn from the success of olive cooperatives in Al Haouz?
Interview: The Resilience of Olive Cooperatives in the High Atlas mountains
Editor, Time.news: Today, we are speaking with Ait Mansour Hamid, the president of the Sidi Ali cooperative for olives adn almonds, nestled in the picturesque Al Haouz region of the High Atlas Mountains. We aim to explore the robust agricultural practices and cooperation in this area, especially in the wake of recent challenges. Thank you for joining us, Hamid.
Q: Hamid, can you begin by sharing what sets the olive trees in Al Haouz apart from those found in other regions?
A: Absolutely. The olive trees in Al haouz are celebrated for producing high-quality fruits, characterized by their exquisite taste and rich oil content. The region’s lush landscapes and fertile soils, coupled with a climate that is particularly favorable for fruit tree cultivation, contribute significantly to this quality. Our cooperative focuses on adhering to strict production standards from the cultivation to the harvesting and processing of olives.
Q: you mentioned the cooperative’s commitment to quality. Can you elaborate on how local communities contribute to this?
A: Certainly! The success of the agricultural sector here is largely due to the serious and diligent efforts of local communities. Members of our cooperative engage in ongoing training, which is essential for continually refining our production methods. This proactive approach ensures that we respect the standards required throughout the production process.
Q: What role do local authorities play in supporting these cooperatives?
A: Local authorities have been incredibly supportive, providing valuable assistance that enables us to expand our agricultural activities, enhance production capacity, and modernize our techniques. Such as, we have adopted localized irrigation systems, which are crucial for improving yield while conserving water. This level of collaboration is vital for our growth.
Q: The resilience of cooperatives is particularly engaging. Can you describe how your cooperative recovered after the recent earthquake?
A: Yes, the earthquake posed important challenges, but thanks to our united community spirit and unwavering determination, we quickly mobilized to relaunch our activities. The innovative methods we adopted not only helped us return to our pre-earthquake production levels but also allowed us to become a model for other regions in the Kingdom.It’s a testament to the strength of cooperative work and community engagement.
Q: What are your objectives moving forward for the cooperative?
A: Our primary goal now is to expand the distribution of our goods both nationally and internationally. We aim to introduce our high-quality olives and olive oil to a broader market, which will provide greater income opportunities for the families relying on our cooperative.
Q: For those interested in the olive oil industry,what practical advice would you offer?
A: I would advise aspiring farmers and cooperatives to prioritize quality and sustainability. Continuous learning and adaptation are crucial; investing in training and modern techniques,such as localized irrigation,can significantly enhance productivity. It’s also vital to foster community involvement and support, as collaboration leads to stronger recovery and growth.
Editor, Time.news: Thank you,Hamid,for your insights on the olive industry in the High Atlas Mountains and the resilience of the cooperatives in your area. This conversation sheds light on the vital link between community, quality, and lasting practices in agriculture.