Tunisia Confirms its Position as the World's Leading Exporter of Dates and Second Largest Exporter of Olives
Tunisia has reaffirmed its position as the world's leading exporter of dates and the second largest exporter of olives, thanks to promising agricultural seasons and optimal preparations. According to Heykal Hachelaf, President of the Minister of Agriculture's office, the current agricultural campaign is progressing at a sustained pace, with the 2024-2025 cereal harvest estimated at around 12 million quintals. This has contributed to reducing imports and alleviating pressure on the national currency.
Favorable Agricultural Conditions
Hachelaf noted that early and abundant rainfall has enabled the doubling of high-quality seed quantities provided to farmers, in response to expressed demands and with the active support of the private sector. This dynamic is expected to improve the quality of harvests this year.
Agricultural Inputs and Olive Sector
The distribution of fertilizers is being regularized, ensuring that farmers have uninterrupted access to these essential inputs. The olive sector is expected to be particularly favorable, with all public structures mobilized for the collection and valorization of olives. The National Oil Office (ONH) will play a central role in sorting and storing the harvested quantities, while the Office of State Lands will also contribute to managing its own harvests, demonstrating rigorous organization and preparation.
Date Harvest and International Markets
The date season is also expected to be favorable, with all measures taken to protect the harvest, which is expected to begin soon. Hachelaf emphasized the importance of maintaining international markets, which place Tunisia at the top of global date exporters and in second place for olives, behind the European Union.
National Programs and Initiatives
During a ceremony held in Nabeul on the occasion of World Rabies Day and Animal Vaccination, Hachelaf also discussed national programs aimed at storing olive oil production and providing subsidies for storage. These initiatives aim to overcome the period of overproduction, stabilize prices, and strengthen Tunisia's position in the international agricultural market.
