The olive harvest in Tunisia's Sousse region is expected to decline by 10% compared to last year due to a heatwave, according to Manal Ben Slaimiya, head of the plant production department at the Sousse Regional Agricultural Office. The estimated production for the current season is around 90,000 tons of olives, which translates to approximately 18,000 tons of oil. This decline is attributed to the adverse effects of the heatwave on crop yields.
The Sousse region is also expecting to produce 2,500 tons of organic olives, equivalent to 500 tons of oil. To facilitate the harvest, the authorities have proposed November 6 as the start date for the olive picking season. A workforce of around 9,000 laborers will be required, and there are 13 olive presses in the region, including 11 organic ones, with a combined processing capacity of 6,691 tons per day.
The olive presses in Sousse have a total storage capacity of 15,235 tons, and the National Olive Oil Office has a storage capacity of 20 tons. In terms of new olive tree plantings, 20 hectares have been allocated for private properties, and 70 hectares are part of a program to conserve water and soil, which includes 3,500 olive tree seedlings.
The proposed prices for olive purchases are around 450 millimes per kilogram, with an additional charge for cleaning and sorting. For olive pressing, the prices range from 190 to 230 millimes per kilogram, depending on the type of press and services offered. These prices are considered reference prices, and the actual prices may vary based on market forces.
According to Ben Slaimiya, the prices are subject to the principles of supply and demand, and the service providers have the freedom to set their prices. The authorities aim to ensure a smooth and efficient olive harvest, and the proposed prices are intended to balance the interests of farmers and buyers.
The decline in olive production in Sousse is a concern for the region's farmers and the national economy. Tunisia is a significant producer of olive oil, and any decline in production can have implications for the country's exports and economy. The authorities are working to support farmers and ensure that the olive harvest is carried out efficiently.
The olive harvest in Sousse is expected to begin on November 6, and the authorities are preparing for a successful season. With a workforce of 9,000 laborers and 13 olive presses, the region is well-equipped to handle the harvest. However, the decline in production due to the heatwave is a reminder of the challenges faced by farmers in the region.
Key points
- The olive harvest in Sousse is expected to decline by 10% due to a heatwave.
- The estimated production for the current season is around 90,000 tons of olives and 18,000 tons of oil.
- The authorities have proposed November 6 as the start date for the olive picking season.
