Ministers of Agriculture and Trade Approve Launch of Olive Oil Promotion Program
The Ministers of Agriculture and Trade, Ezzedine Bencheikh and Samir Abid, have given their approval for the National Olive Oil Office to launch a program promoting packaged olive oil on the domestic market. They have also approved the implementation of an olive oil storage program decided upon during a restricted ministerial council meeting held on October 25, 2025, which focused on preparations for the 2025-2026 olive oil campaign.
Key Decisions and Context
These decisions were made following a joint working session between the two ministries, dedicated to monitoring the olive oil season and focusing on the progress of purchase, storage, and export operations for the current campaign. The meeting took place in a context marked by a continuous increase in stocks, as reported by representatives of mill owners, a situation that requires urgent solutions to ensure the continuity of transformation operations, especially since the coming weeks correspond to the peak of production.
Coordination with the Banking Sector
In this context, the two ministers called for strengthened coordination with the banking sector to examine financing mechanisms for olive oil volumes stored at mill level. They also emphasized the need to preserve the reputation and value of Tunisian olive oil on export markets, according to a statement from the Ministry of Agriculture.
Preserving National Interest and Supporting Farmers
The ministers also stressed the imperative of preserving the national interest, guaranteeing farmers' rights, particularly those of small producers, and lifting the difficulties faced by transformation units. This is necessary to ensure the smooth running of the campaign under optimal conditions.
Banking Sector Commitment
For their part, representatives of the banking sector reaffirmed their commitment to supporting farmers, transformers, and exporters. They plan to do this by setting up financial facilities dedicated to the olive and olive oil sector, with the aim of supporting the smooth running of the season.
Exporters' Appreciation
Exporters welcomed the intervention of the National Olive Oil Office in purchasing oil from mills and farmers. This is part of a record production campaign that requires increased regulatory intervention by the state through the Office.
Current Progress
To date, harvesting operations have reached a progress rate of 25%.
