Morocco Extends Data Protection Compliance to Agriculture Through DATA-TIKA Agreement

Tetouan – Morocco is taking a new, bolder step to strengthen the protection of personal data in its agricultural sector, with the signing of a cooperation agreement between the National Commission for the Control of Personal Data Protection and the Ministry of Agriculture at this week’s International Agriculture Fair in Meknes.

Signed by Ahmed El Bouari and Omar Seghrouchni on wednesday, the agreement formalizes the ministry’s integration into the “DATA-TIKA” program, an initiative led by the Commission to promote compliance with national data protection standards.

The partnership is designed to support the agricultural sector in aligning its practices with Law 09-08, which governs the processing and protection of personal data in Morocco.

Through this framework, authorities aim to position data protection as a key element in building trust and ensuring responsible professional practices.

Officials said the agreement reflects the growing importance of data governance as the agricultural sector undergoes gradual digital transformation.

From administrative systems to field-level operations, the use of data is becoming more widespread, making compliance with legal standards increasingly necessary.

To support this transition, the Commission has established a dedicated unit focused on the agricultural sector.

This structure will provide direct assistance to professionals, address the specific challenges of the sector, and facilitate procedures related to compliance with the law.

The approach is intended to ensure that regulatory requirements are applied in a practical and accessible manner.

The initiative also takes into account the diversity of the agricultural landscape in Morocco, which includes small farmers, cooperatives, and larger operators.

Authorities said the aim of this tailored support is to ensure that all stakeholders, regardless of scale, are able to meet the required standards.

Beyond regulatory compliance, the agreement places emphasis on promoting a culture of responsibility in the handling of personal data.

Authorities have stressed that protecting personal information should be an integral part of professional conduct, in line with the protection of fundamental rights.

The DATA-TIKA program, under which the agreement is signed, seeks to encourage institutions and sectors to adopt structured and transparent data protection practices.

The inclusion of the agricultural sector marks a further expansion of this approach into areas that are central to the national economy.

The agreement also highlights the link between data protection and public confidence.

As digital tools become more integrated into agricultural activities and rural development programs, ensuring the security and proper use of personal data is seen as essential to maintaining trust among stakeholders.

Both institutions described the partnership as part of a broader effort to align economic development with legal and ethical standards.

Strengthening data protection in agriculture is viewed as a necessary step in supporting the sector’s modernization while safeguarding individual rights.

Ultimately, this agreement reflects the increasing role of governance frameworks in shaping how traditional sectors adapt to technological change.

While it establishes a clear basis for cooperation, the agreement’s effectiveness will depend on implementation across the sector.

Authorities hope to focus on awareness, training, and ongoing support to ensure that compliance is both understood and applied in practice.

Meanwhile, Morocco is reinforcing its approach to data protection as a component of modern governance, where legal compliance, professional responsibility, and public trust are closely connected.

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