Tunisia Celebrates National Agriculture Day with Ambitious Plans for Food Sovereignty
On the occasion of National Agriculture Day, May 12, 2026, Tunisian Minister of Agriculture, Water Resources, and Fisheries, Ezzedine Ben Cheikh, presided over an official ceremony at the National Institute of Marine Sciences and Technologies in Salammbô. Under the evocative slogan "Food Sovereignty is a Decision, Not a Choice," the Minister emphasized that food independence has become a vital strategic axis in the face of climate disruptions and global economic turbulence, describing it as a natural extension of national liberation.
Resilience in the Face of Challenges
Despite the difficulties, the sector's economic indicators show notable resilience. The Minister highlighted that the country's food trade balance maintained a surplus of 1,280 million dinars in 2025, with a coverage rate of 119.8%. This trend has intensified in the first quarter of 2026, with a surplus of 798.3 million dinars and a record coverage rate of 139.6%.
Targeted Measures for Strategic Sectors
To consolidate these achievements, a package of targeted measures has been announced for strategic sectors. In the olive oil sector, support will focus on storage, opening new markets, and financing small farmers, while encouraging the export of conditioned and organic olive oil. For dates, the Promotion Fund for Quality will revise its interventions to improve the competitiveness of Tunisian dates on the international market. A national strategy aims to achieve self-sufficiency in durum wheat, relying on the use of selected Tunisian seeds and the expansion of irrigated crops.
Addressing the Livestock Crisis
In response to the livestock crisis, exacerbated by water stress and the cost of feed, the Minister announced the full activation of the National Office for Animal Nutrition to combat speculation. Meanwhile, the Livestock and Pastures Office will oversee the rebuilding of the national cattle and sheep herd. Sanitary campaigns have been launched on a national scale to combat the red palm weevil and vaccinate livestock annually.
Water Management and Digital Transformation
Water management remains a top priority, with exceptional investments planned for 2026 in well drilling, desalination plant reinforcement, and modernization of irrigated areas. The state is also committed to digital transformation, launching a platform for managing public hydraulic domains and a real-time information system for decision-making support. This technological transition is accompanied by increased support for innovation and scientific research to build a smart and sustainable agriculture.
Environmental and Investment Efforts
The environmental and investment aspects have not been overlooked. A vast rehabilitation program covers over 6,000 hectares of forest and pastoral systems, supported by the distribution of millions of plants. On the investment side, more than 6,500 projects worth a total of 548 million dinars have been approved, with specific support for young entrepreneurs, women, and community enterprises.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Minister emphasized that food sovereignty is a national collective project, requiring continuous reforms to make the agricultural sector more competitive and resilient.
