Tunisia to Establish National Network for Monitoring and Data Exchange on Agricultural Pests

Tunisia will establish a national network for monitoring and data exchange on agricultural pests, accompanied by training programs for technical officials at regional agricultural development commissions, announced Agriculture Minister Ezzeddine Ben Cheikh on Friday.

This announcement was made during the closing session of the first national workshop on "Biological Diseases and Pests in Tunisia: From Research to Field Solutions," held on May 14-15, 2026. The minister also stated that measures will be taken to strengthen phytosanitary control at border crossing points, in parallel with intensified awareness campaigns.

Restructuring of Sensitive Agricultural Sectors

As part of this effort, authorities have launched a strategy to restructure the fig tree sector, based on the adoption of resistant varieties and good agricultural practices. The program also includes support for coccinella mexicana multiplication units, as well as encouragement for young entrepreneurs and the private sector to invest in this area.

Regarding the Xylella fastidiosa bacterium, the minister announced the update of the national commission responsible for monitoring the prevention program against its introduction in Tunisia. Scientific research programs will also be developed to map insect vectors and study the resistance of local olive tree varieties.

The ministry recommends strengthening the fight against herbicide-resistant weeds in cereal systems, particularly through the updating of their mapping and the creation of a dedicated platform for integrated pest management best practices.

Accelerating the Adoption of Certified Plants

In the citrus sector, it was decided to accelerate the widespread adoption of certified plants tolerant to the Tristeza virus, with a five-year transition period for complete adoption of this model. A financing line will also be established to support uprooting and replanting operations in affected areas.

A Matter of Agricultural Security

The minister emphasized that this workshop is an important step in coordinating between different stakeholders to address the biological diseases and pests threatening Tunisia's agricultural production systems.

The themes discussed, including the Tristeza virus in citrus, herbicide-resistant weeds in cereal crops, Xylella fastidiosa, and the cochineal pest of the Barbarie fig tree, illustrate the gravity of these threats to strategic sectors such as olive trees, cereals, and citrus, highlighting the significant economic and environmental losses recorded in recent years.