Agricultural Commission President: Meeting with President and Ministers Addresses Farmers' Demands
The President of the Agricultural Commission within the People's Representative Assembly (ARP), Bilel Mechri, stated in a radio interview on Diwan FM that the meeting between the President of the Republic, the Head of Government, and the Minister of Agriculture has responded to the demands of farmers. However, he emphasized that the resulting decisions still await concrete implementation on the ground.
Mr. Mechri specified that the main demands of farmers concern the establishment of a reference price for olive oil and the provision of necessary financing for small producers. He also highlighted the importance of reorienting current subsidies allocated to vegetable oils towards olive oil, in order to support national production.
The President of the Agricultural Commission called for the issuance of a joint decree between the Ministries of Agriculture and Trade. This official act would translate the conclusions of the meeting held by the Head of State, particularly with regard to determining the reference price and making funds available, thus ensuring the protection of farmers and the stability of the sector.
A Price of 15 Dinars: A Necessary Balance
Bilel Mechri insisted that setting the price of olive oil at around 15 dinars per liter would not harm consumers. According to him, the current price drop is the result of a maneuver orchestrated by certain exporters and foreign parties.
Finally, he emphasized that the situation requires direct state intervention to protect this national wealth, farmers, and all actors in the sector. This action, he believes, falls within the framework of national duty and support for one of the major pillars of Tunisia's agricultural economy.
