Supporting Malagasy farmers

The International Agriculture Fair showcases organic farming products.

More than twenty professionals from this rapidly growing sector will present their products to visitors at the FIA this year. The International Agriculture Fair is also hosting bio-sourced agricultural products. A village dedicated to raising awareness of these frequently exported goods has been set up at the fair. According to Symabio, the Malagasy Organic Agriculture Syndicate, the establishment of this village is « an opportunity to discover local and organic products ». The « Biolojika » fair notes that it’s also a way to connect with others who share similar visions for this sector of agriculture.

This 160-square-meter space is designed to welcome professionals in the organic farming sector. According to Heriniaina Ramboatiana, president of Symabio, the industry has been growing and expanding, especially after the Covid years. He stated that the professional association now has around thirty active members in the organic industry, with certification for their organic products. The network includes 5,000 rural producers based in different regions of Madagascar. The syndicate estimates that the sector’s annual revenues are now well above 190 million USD, accounting for more than 10 % of Madagascar’s total agricultural exports, which were estimated at 1.2 billion USD in 2020.

This potential is something professionals want to capitalize on further. It’s worth noting that the sector receives technical support from the Export Development and Regional Integration Program. This system helps these professionals maximize the potential of their activities while benefiting from technical and financial support. In practice, this includes promoting Malagasy products on both national and international markets and establishing business partnerships. The program is funded by the European Union.