In March, a group of nineteen prominent leaders from Montana's agriculture and natural resource sectors undertook an enlightening ten-day international study seminar in Morocco. This immersive experience provided participants with the opportunity to explore various facets of agriculture, natural resources, public policy, and the rich cultural landscape of Morocco.
REAL Montana, the leading program facilitating this journey, is designed to offer comprehensive education and training within the agriculture and natural resource sectors. Standing for Resource Education and Agriculture Leadership, REAL Montana encompasses a myriad of educational experiences, including eight in-state seminars, a five-day national study tour in Washington, D.C., and an international excursion lasting between ten to twelve days. This initiative is made possible through a strategic partnership with Montana State University Extension, alongside contributions from private industry.
The individuals comprising Class VI of REAL Montana represent a diverse array of backgrounds within Montana's agricultural and natural resource industries. Notable members of this class include Rusty Batie, Rob Breuer, Alexis Canen, Marla Chappell, and several others who all share a commitment to advancing these vital sectors.
According to Tara Becken, co-director of REAL Montana, the international tour to Morocco is a pivotal aspect of their leadership development program. The overarching mission of REAL Montana is to cultivate a network of well-informed and engaged leaders who are dedicated to propelling the natural resource industries forward in Montana.
The journey commenced in northern Morocco, where participants visited a prominent dairy operation and a diverse farm focusing on olive and small grain production. They also toured a seed cleaning and distribution facility, gaining invaluable insights into agricultural practices. In cities like Rabat and Fes, the group explored the Medina, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its historical significance and one of the world's oldest tanneries. In Meknes, they engaged with the National School of Agriculture, delving into the challenges faced by Moroccan producers and current research initiatives aimed at improving olive production.
Discussions during this segment emphasized enhancing drought resistance, elevating olive oil quality, and exploring innovative applications for olive pit biomass, followed by a visit to a local fruit storage facility. The group proceeded to Marrakech, making a notable stop at one of Morocco's largest diversified fruit farms to study citrus production. There, they engaged with experts from the Regional Center for Agricultural Research, focusing on research related to date palms, olives, and various fruits, with a continued emphasis on drought management strategies.
The study tour culminated in Casablanca, where participants gained insights into international trade and the positioning of Montana commodities within the global context. They visited a baking and milling school and heard from representatives of U.S. Wheat Associates about the potential of Montana wheat in the African market. The group also received important briefings from the U.S. Consulate and USA Pulses, highlighting the critical role of global market dynamics and trade relations in supporting Montana's agricultural producers.
Becken expressed optimism about the impact of this experience, stating, "We look forward to seeing these members of our group apply the global insights they gained in Morocco to their roles as leaders for Montana’s agriculture and natural resource industries." The members of REAL Montana Class VI graduated in May, and the next cohort, Class VII, is set to launch in September.
To learn more about REAL Montana and its initiatives, visit www.montana.edu/realmontana/.
As reported by montana.edu.
