Joint Working Meeting Focuses on Olive Oil Storage and Export
A joint working meeting was held on Friday to monitor the progress of olive oil storage and export for the current season. On this occasion, the two ministers of Agriculture and Trade, Ezzeddine Ben Cheikh and Samir Abid, respectively, authorized the launch of the olive oil storage program, in accordance with the restricted ministerial council held on October 25, 2025, regarding preparations for the 2025/2026 olive season.
The two ministers also approved the launch of the implementation by the National Oil Board (ONH) of the program aimed at promoting packaged olive oil on the domestic market, as well as coordination with the banking sector to consider financing mechanisms for the quantities of olive oil supplied by oil mills and preserving the value of Tunisian olive oil during export.
Meeting Attendees and Discussions
The meeting was attended by representatives from the Central Bank, BANA, BH, and STB, as well as olive oil exporters. Indicators of the current season were presented during the meeting, including:
- The progress of harvesting operations (reaching 25%)
- The monitoring of internal and external demand levels
- The volume of available stock in oil mills
- The evolution of prices exchanged on national and international markets
Key Points and Solutions
Representatives of oil mill owners emphasized that the oil stock is experiencing a continuous increase, which requires urgent solutions to continue the transformation process, particularly with the acceleration of production pace over the next few weeks, representing the peak of the season.
Representatives of the banking sector expressed their willingness to support farmers, transformers, and exporters by mobilizing financial facilities dedicated to the olive and olive oil sector and promoting conditions for the smooth running of the season.
Next Steps
The meeting marked an important step towards addressing the challenges facing the olive oil sector in Tunisia, with a focus on finding solutions to ensure the continued growth and development of the industry. The implementation of the olive oil storage program and the promotion of packaged olive oil on the domestic market are expected to have a positive impact on the sector, and the coordination with the banking sector is expected to provide the necessary financial support to farmers, transformers, and exporters.
