The main objective of the project is the development of a joint Master’s Programme, within the curricula of 4 Moroccan universities, namely the Hassan II Institute of Agronomy and Veterinary Medicine (IAV), the National School of Agriculture of Meknès (ENA), Ibn Tofail University (IBN) and Mohammed I University (UMP), supported by the project coordinator the University of Évora (UEVORA), the University of Barcelona (UB) and the Mediterranean Universities Union (UNIMED).

The project aims to develop new approaches and methodologies and to promote wider participation in higher education. Such participation enhances social inclusion through economic, social and civil means. From an occupational perspective, participation in higher education can be understood as enabling a transformation of identity and socio-economic status through the transitional occupation of student, to become a worker and a professional.

The objectives of the FoSaMed project include to qualify Moroccan academics for modern and innovative teaching methodologies, to support Moroccan HEIs in designing a Master Programme on food safety associated to the recovery and promotion of the traditional Mediterranean diet and to short food supply chains, and to contribute to inclusive higher education, which integrates underprivileged groups, such as women, rural populations and refugees and gives them equal access to knowledge and the opportunities it brings.

FENAGRI is the associate partner which actively contributes to identify national sector priorities and link academy with organizations and companies in the agri-food industry.

The Federation contributes in the assessment of market and sector needs, especially in terms of professional qualification needs, and has a pivotal role in facilitating access to internships, providing data for the preparation of thesis, and supporting the integration of postgraduates in the labour market.

FENAGRI is fundamental in the creation of the FoSAMED collaborative network too. FENAGRI’s association with the project is an opportunity to revitalize its connection with the universities through CETIA (Centre Technique de l’Industrie Agroalimentaire), coordinated by the federation and the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and New Technologies. The project also benefits from the partnership with the CFAP (Centre de Formation en Agroalimentaire et Plasturgie), under FENAGRI management.