2025-2026 Olive Oil Campaign Expected to be Highly Favorable in Tunisia
According to Midani Dhaoui, president of the Tunisian Farmers' Union (Synagri), the olive harvest season is set to begin on October 15 and is expected to see a production increase of at least 30% compared to the previous year. "The figures are very encouraging. We expect a respectable, if not exceptional, harvest," Dhaoui stated on Friday, October 10, 2025, on Express FM.
Lessons Learned from a Difficult Year
Despite this positive outlook, several challenges are hindering the sector. The union leader mentioned export, valorization, and financing difficulties, calling for concrete state support. He recalled that the union had already requested financial support, a demand to which the country's highest authorities responded positively: "The President of the Republic instructed the Minister of Agriculture to make urgent decisions, and the Governor of the Central Bank asked banks to ensure good financing for the olive oil campaign," he added.
The previous season was marked by very low prices and great disappointment for producers. Dhaoui therefore emphasizes the need to seriously prepare for the upcoming harvest, recalling that 95% of Tunisian olive groves are irrigated, a factor that increases costs for farmers. "We must think about preserving the olive forest, as it is a national treasure. These crops require constant monitoring and investment," he affirmed.
Rethinking Local Consumption
According to Dhaoui, Tunisia must better valorize its olive oil, often exported in bulk before being reconditioned and resold at a high price by foreign competitors. "We produce the oil, but others package and extract the added value," he regretted.
He welcomed the state's responsiveness while calling for effective implementation of decisions on the ground. The union leader insists on the need to strengthen economic diplomacy and diversify export markets, particularly towards Africa and Asia.
Despite its worldwide reputation, olive oil consumption in Tunisia remains low. Dhaoui points to the limited purchasing power of households, which leads them to turn to subsidized vegetable oils. "We have proposed redirecting part of the subsidies for soybean oil and vegetable oils towards olive oil. This would benefit both the producer and the consumer," he assured.
Financing, Climate, and Legislation: Other Urgent Matters
The union president also mentioned the financial difficulties faced by farmers, exacerbated by successive droughts, climate change, and increasing debt. He highlighted that many producers contribute to the Natural Disaster Fund, but financing procedures remain inadequate. "We must deeply reform the agricultural legislative framework. The sector's recovery depends on more modern laws and genuine support for producers," he affirmed.
For Dhaoui, the success of this campaign relies on a joint mobilization of the state, financial institutions, and exporters. "If this harvest promises to be exceptional, it must be accompanied on all levels – economic, logistical, and diplomatic – to fully capitalize on it," he indicated.
As the first olives are about to be harvested, the Tunisian olive oil sector is entering a decisive phase: transforming a promising year into a lasting success, capable of strengthening Tunisia's position among the world's top olive oil producers.
