Ministry of Agriculture Announces Promising Olive Oil Harvest
The Minister of Agriculture, Water Resources, and Fisheries, Ezzedine Ben Cheikh, announced that the current campaign is expected to yield a good olive oil harvest, prepared since May 2025 as part of a national integrated plan to support the sector and strengthen its export capabilities.
Preparations and Infrastructure
During a general dialogue session at the National Council of Governorates and Districts, the minister specified that the ministry held a series of coordination meetings with the ministries and structures involved in the sector to ensure optimal preparation. Work was also carried out to maintain and improve the storage infrastructure of the National Oil Office, allowing producers to store their production under suitable conditions.
Financing and Support
The minister highlighted that the ministry facilitated access to financing for all actors, particularly small farmers, through an agreement with the Tunisian Solidarity Bank, allowing for the granting of advantageous loans totaling 40 million dinars. He also called on the Central Bank and Tunisian banks to support all stages of the olive oil sector, from production to marketing, and to encourage domestic consumption and the opening of new export markets, especially for organic and packaged olive oil.
Record Seed Production and Fertilizer Supply Regulation
The minister indicated that the production of quality seeds this season is record-breaking, doubling compared to the previous season. 351,000 quintals of seeds were mobilized, with 225,000 already distributed to governorates, and distribution is ongoing.
Regarding fertilizers, Ben Cheikh acknowledged an initial delay in supply but assured that the shortage has been filled and distribution is proceeding normally. He called on farmers to report any price manipulation to the competent services for immediate intervention. Priority is given to grain collection centers and cooperatives to ensure equitable distribution and optimal productivity.
Subsidized Animal Feed and Pest Control
For subsidized animal feed, distribution is framed by a specification and authorization from regional committees under the supervision of governors, with sufficient supply of barley, while quantities of alfalfa remain limited.
Regarding the red cochineal, which threatens the cultivation of prickly pear, the ministry is implementing resistant varieties and necessary financing to treat the Zelfan region (Tala delegation, Kasserine). Actions include uprooting and treating over 60 km of infested areas, pruning 1,900 hectares of prickly pear trees, and dispersing over 27,000 predatory coccinellids for effective biological control.
