Algeria Launches First National Livestock and Dairy Products Fair in Tizi Ouzou

Algeria — The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Youcef Cherfa, officially inaugurated the first National Livestock and Dairy Products Fair on Monday in Tizi Ouzou. Organized by the regional Chamber of Agriculture in partnership with the local Directorate of Agricultural Services and other stakeholders, the event aims to promote animal farming and boost domestic dairy and meat production.

In his opening remarks, Minister Cherfa emphasized that the fair is part of a broader governmental strategy to develop animal resources and strengthen food self-sufficiency. He cited directives from President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, issued during the 50th anniversary of the National Union of Algerian Farmers (UNPA) in November, which called for revitalizing the livestock sector to increase local production, reduce import dependency, and preserve indigenous breeds.

“This event reflects the President’s vision of supporting livestock development as a key element of national agricultural policy,” Cherfa stated at the fair, held at the Boukhalfa passenger transport terminal on the western outskirts of Tizi Ouzou. He described the fair as a model initiative, intended to be replicated across Algeria to expand opportunities for agricultural professionals and entrepreneurs.

Highlighting the achievements of local farmers, Cherfa noted Tizi Ouzou’s emergence as a national leader in dairy farming, with approximately 7,000 livestock farmers and 33 operational dairies. “Tizi Ouzou has become a flagship dairy region,” he said.

During his tour of the exhibition stands, Cherfa expressed optimism about the strong participation of young farmers and start-ups, seeing it as a positive sign for the future of Algerian agriculture. He mentioned encouraging data from the latest agricultural census, especially regarding the growth of small-scale livestock farming.

Reaffirming government support for the sector, the minister reiterated Algeria’s commitment to boosting agricultural productivity and ensuring national food security. He also announced that the importation of sheep for Eid al-Adha would continue throughout May, with the distribution campaign launched nationwide receiving positive feedback from the public for its affordability.

The opening ceremony was attended by regional and national officials, including the Wali and President of the People’s Provincial Assembly of Tizi Ouzou, the President of the National Chamber of Agriculture, UNPA’s Secretary-General, and representatives from the CREA.

On the sidelines of the event, 15 land use titles were handed over to farmers as part of a broader initiative to regularize and reclaim agricultural land, following presidential directives. Additionally, 10 new combine harvesters were distributed to promote agricultural mechanization. Two partnership agreements were signed—between the CRMA and both the Multipurpose Agricultural Cooperative (CAPTO) and the Thirga Oufellah Milk and Red Meat Cooperative—aimed at fostering integrated development and equipment insurance for sustainable farming.

More than 120 participants from around 20 provinces are exhibiting at the fair, including dairy producers, cheesemakers, animal feed suppliers, poultry farmers, and agricultural equipment manufacturers. The event runs until May 10.