The Tunisian Union of Agriculture and Fisheries is organizing the first national conference on dates in Tozeur on October 8, 2026. The event aims to address the concerns of date producers and support efforts to develop the agricultural sector. The conference will provide a platform for dialogue and consultation among stakeholders to discuss the challenges facing the sector, including high production costs and marketing issues.
The date sector in Tunisia has shown positive indicators during the 2025-2026 season, with national production reaching a record level of nearly 404,000 tons, including 347,000 tons of the excellent "Deglet Noor" variety. The financial returns from exports exceeded 1,000 million dinars, with continued expansion into European and Asian markets. Despite this performance, the sector faces several structural and logistical challenges.
The challenges facing the date sector include high costs of inputs and maintenance, transportation and storage difficulties, and the impact of climate change. The conference aims to address these issues by formulating practical proposals to ensure the sustainability and competitiveness of the sector. The total area planted with palm trees in Tunisia is estimated at around 60.8 thousand hectares, mainly located in the governorates of Kebili, Tozeur, Gafsa, and Gabes.
The conference will bring together various stakeholders in the sector to discuss ways to overcome the challenges facing the date sector. The event is expected to provide a platform for the exchange of ideas and experiences, with the aim of developing the sector and improving its competitiveness. The Tunisian Union of Agriculture and Fisheries is organizing the event to support the development of the agricultural sector.
The date sector is a significant contributor to Tunisia's economy, and efforts to develop the sector are crucial for the country's economic growth. The conference will focus on finding solutions to the challenges facing the sector, including high production costs and marketing issues. The event is expected to attract a large number of participants from various backgrounds.
The Tunisian government has been working to support the development of the agricultural sector, including the date sector. The government has implemented several initiatives aimed at improving the competitiveness of the sector and increasing its exports. The conference will provide a platform for stakeholders to discuss the effectiveness of these initiatives and identify areas for improvement.
The first national conference on dates in Tozeur is expected to conclude with recommendations and proposals for the development of the sector. The event will provide a platform for stakeholders to discuss the challenges facing the sector and identify solutions to overcome them. The conference will contribute to the development of the date sector and improve its competitiveness in the global market.
Key points
- Tunisia's date sector achieved a record production of nearly 404,000 tons during the 2025-2026 season.
- The sector faces several challenges, including high production costs and logistical issues.
- The conference aims to address these challenges and develop the sector.
