More than 100 participants gathered in Morocco to demonstrate sustainable solutions for managing cactus cochineal during an ICARDA-AECID field day supported by the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID). Cactus has long been a lifeline for rural communities across Morocco, providing fruit, livestock feed, income, and valuable environmental benefits. To help reverse these losses, ICARDA, with support from the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID), hosted a field day on 7 July 2026 in Oued El Maleh, Mohammedia. "Our work focuses on fruit production and collective marketing, and we remain committed to promoting the value of cactus fruit. – Hassan Amghar, farmerFor most participants, the field day was an opportunity to exchange practical experiences rather than simply observe demonstrations.