Minnesota, Morocco, momentum

On April 9, the University of Minnesota honored one of its distinguished alumni, Mohammed Sadiki, PhD, with the prestigious Outstanding Achievement Award. This award, the highest non-degree accolade conferred by the University, recognized Sadiki's remarkable contributions to agriculture and his enduring impact on both academia and public service.

Sadiki earned his PhD in plant genetics and breeding at the U of M in 1990. His academic pursuits laid the foundation for a career dedicated to advancing agricultural science and improving food security. Sadiki's involvement in the USAID Morocco project, known as the "Minnesota Project," was instrumental in developing agricultural and veterinary sciences in Morocco. This initiative, which started in 1969, aimed to train researchers and educators to meet the country's growing needs.

Upon returning to Morocco, Sadiki joined the Hassan II Institute of Agronomy and Veterinary Medicine (IAV) in Rabat. His tenure at IAV was marked by significant achievements in legume genetics and agricultural biodiversity. Sadiki's research focused on improving food legume crops such as faba beans, chickpeas, and peanuts. He utilized biotechnology and molecular markers to enhance grain legume improvement and seed production, establishing a world-class research program.

In 2005, Sadiki was appointed director of scientific research and doctoral studies at IAV, and by 2009, he became the director general of the institute, the largest agricultural university in Morocco. His leadership extended to the Ministry of Agriculture, Maritime Fisheries, Rural Development, Waters and Forests, where he served as secretary general from 2013. In this role, Sadiki was pivotal in implementing the Green Morocco Plan, a comprehensive agricultural development strategy. His expertise in fundraising and international collaboration was crucial in securing resources to support rural development projects.

Sadiki's dedication to public service reached new heights in October 2021 when he was appointed as the Moroccan Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Rural Development, and Waters and Forests. During his tenure, which concluded in February 2025, he continued to champion agricultural innovation and sustainability. Additionally, Sadiki represented his native province of Berkane in the Moroccan parliament, furthering his commitment to his community.

“Dr. Sadiki exemplifies the caliber of international students who have studied in our department,” said Gary Muehlbauer, head of the Department of Agronomy and Plant Genetics. “These students, hailing from all corners of the world, have enriched the department’s environment and culture and have gone on to make significant contributions to their fields in academia, industry, non-profits, and government. The Department of Agronomy and Plant Genetics takes great pride in having Dr. Sadiki as one of our alumni,” he said. “His achievements inspire all of us.”  

In conjunction with receiving the Outstanding Achievement Award, Sadiki presented a seminar titled "Moroccan Agriculture and Food Security: Challenges and Development Strategy." This seminar provided valuable insights into the strategies and challenges of agricultural development in Morocco.

Sadiki's legacy is a testament to the power of education, research, and public service. His contributions have not only advanced agricultural science but have also had a lasting impact on food security and rural development in Morocco. The U of M is proud to honor his achievements and celebrate his enduring influence on the global agricultural community.