(Ecofin Agency) - Agrofood Emirati firm Al Dahra has invested 156 million dirhams ($15.6 million) in apple and flower production in Azrou, South of Fès in Morocco. The firm made the announcement in a statement released on the sidelines of 12th edition of Morocco Agriculture Fair (SIAM 2017).

According to the statement reported by newspapers Le Matin, the investment includes in the first stage the development of 210 hectares dedicated to apple-farming (200 ha) and horticulture (10 ha). In the long term, this area will expanded to 1,060 hectares. The firm aims to produce of 712,320 apple trees and high-value flowers, both in the mountainous as well as in small farms. The Gala, Red Delicious, Golden Delicious, Fuji, Pink Lady and Envy apple varieties should be grown and sold out locally and in the regional market, that in Africa and Middle East.

The firm said it has started growing flowers last month and should proceed to an initial harvest in October.

Al Dahra was founded in 1995 and is present in more than 20 countries worldwide. It generates yearly a turnover of about $1 billion.

Espoir Olodo