The Monastir governorate in Tunisia has started its olive harvest season, with a visit by local authorities to various agricultural and industrial facilities in the region. The visit aimed to assess the start of the harvest and the readiness of olive oil production, transformation, and packaging facilities. According to initial estimates, the current season's harvest is expected to reach 77,000 tons of olives, equivalent to around 15,500 tons of olive oil.
The visit included stops at several farms and olive oil production facilities in the cities of Ksar and Jammal. Authorities inspected the conditions of olive harvesting and explored the use of pomace, a byproduct of olive oil production, as a soil fertilizer. They also examined the readiness of production facilities and equipment to ensure a smooth harvest season.
The Monastir governorate plays a significant role in Tunisia's national olive oil production, with around 64,500 hectares dedicated to olive cultivation, accounting for 74% of the region's total agricultural area. The region is home to 126 olive oil production facilities, with a daily production capacity of approximately 5,800 tons.
The governorate's olive oil production infrastructure includes 17 biological production facilities and a total storage capacity of around 25,500 tons. These facilities are crucial in supporting the region's olive oil production and export capabilities. The authorities also discussed issues related to waste management and road maintenance with local farmers and business owners.
The olive harvest season in Monastir is expected to exceed the region's average production of 50,000 tons of olives. The authorities emphasized the importance of collaboration among stakeholders to ensure a successful harvest season, focusing on maintaining product quality and adhering to required standards.
The regional authorities and agricultural experts are working together to support farmers and sector professionals, monitoring the activity of production facilities and transformation units. Their efforts aim to address challenges, improve product quality, and enhance competitiveness in the market.
Developing the packaging and export system is a key objective, as it can increase the value-added of Tunisian olive oil, strengthen its presence in domestic and international markets, and generate additional revenue for the national economy. This aligns with the strategic importance of olive oil in Tunisia's agricultural and export sectors.
Key points
- The Monastir governorate expects an olive harvest of 77,000 tons this season.
- The region has 126 olive oil production facilities with a daily capacity of 5,800 tons.
- Olive oil production in Monastir is a significant contributor to Tunisia's agricultural and export sectors.
