SIDATTES 2026: Erfoud Hosts the Date Fair
The 15th edition of the International Date Palm Festival in Morocco (SIDATTES) will take place from October 28 to November 1, 2026, in Erfoud, under the theme “Date Palm and Innovation: Opportunities for Integrated Territorial Development.” The event aims to bring together professionals in the date palm sector to discuss innovation, research, investment, and the enhancement of oasis territories, with more than 100,000 visitors expected.
Erfoud at the Heart of Morocco’s Date Sector
Under the High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, the new edition of SIDATTES is organized with the support of the Ministry of Agriculture, Maritime Fisheries, and Food Sovereignty. It is led by the International Date Palm Festival Association of Morocco, with support from the National Agency for the Development of Oasis Zones and the Argan Tree (ANDZOA).
According to the organizers, this event is part of a national dynamic aimed at strengthening the date palm sector, supporting its modernization, and increasing its contribution to the economic and social development of oasis territories.
With anticipated attendance exceeding 100,000 visitors, SIDATTES is a major meeting point for farmers, cooperatives, companies, researchers, investors, and institutions engaged in advancing date production in Morocco.
The festival also provides a platform for networking and partnerships between national and international stakeholders, in a context where agricultural innovation and the valorization of local resources are increasingly prominent in territorial development strategies.
Dedicated Spaces for Professionals and Visitors
This 15th edition will gather various stakeholders from the sector through multiple spaces dedicated to date-producing regions, institutions, sponsors, and international participation, as well as a Date Market.
Visitors will also have the opportunity to discover local produce, agricultural supplies, farm machinery, and livestock-related activities. This diversity aims to highlight local expertise, available technical solutions, and potential cooperation opportunities among professionals.
Beyond showcasing products and equipment, SIDATTES intends to promote commercial exchanges and connect producers with businesses and partners that can support the development of their activities.
Innovation and Research Supporting Date Production
In line with this year’s theme, innovation and research will occupy a central place in the event’s program. Scientific and professional meetings will address technological advancements, innovative agricultural practices, and investment opportunities in the date palm sector.
The aim is to bridge the gap between research outcomes and the concrete needs of producers while promoting the dissemination of solutions that can improve agricultural practices and enhance production valuation.
Agricultural advice and health safety will also be among the priority topics. These issues are crucial for improving the quality of Moroccan dates, enhancing their commercial value, and assisting professionals in evolving their production methods.
Discussions are expected to identify support mechanisms that can mobilize resources for investments, develop skills, and strengthen the adaptability of farms and enterprises.
A Lever for the Development of Oasis Territories
The development of the date palm sector extends beyond agricultural activities. It also concerns the creation of local value, the preservation of traditional know-how, and the maintenance of economic activities in oasis territories.
In this context, SIDATTES will feature cultural activities and competitions dedicated to date products. These initiatives will help showcase agricultural heritage, production diversity, and the skills of professionals.
The festival aims to strengthen the links between innovation, economic development, and the preservation of oasis ecosystems. Modernizing the sector represents an important challenge for enhancing the prospects of producers and encouraging the creation of new investment opportunities.
Through this 15th edition, SIDATTES reaffirms its role as a hub for exchanges and partnerships among farmers, cooperatives, researchers, companies, institutions, and international investors.
The Erfoud event aspires to connect innovative solutions with the realities on the ground and to strengthen the contribution of the date sector to the sustainable development of Morocco’s oasis territories.
