The Tunisian Union of Agriculture and Fisheries (UTAP) recently hosted a national conference in Kairouan to discuss the cereal sector's response to climate change. The event brought together various stakeholders, including farmers, researchers, and policymakers. The conference focused on developing the sector and its ability to adapt to climate change through the development of resistant crop varieties and strengthening the link between scientific research and farmers' needs.
UTAP President Moez Ben Zaghdane emphasized that climate change has a direct impact on crop yields and production stability. He called for increased support for research, development of adapted crop varieties, and timely availability of inputs. Ben Zaghdane also stressed the need to translate research results into concrete technical solutions that address the realities on the ground. The UTAP will continue to represent farmers' concerns to all relevant parties.
The conference included scientific interventions on evaluating the 2025-2026 large crop season, adapted varieties for irrigated areas, and the effects of climate change on the cereal sector. Professionals from the sector also shared their experiences. Omar Ben Ammar, head of the agriculture committee in the Assembly of People's Representatives (ARP), attended the conference to understand farmers' concerns and identify issues requiring legislative intervention.
Ben Ammar stated that the parliamentary committee will follow up on the questions raised, including those related to seeds, fertilizers, and phytosanitary products, in coordination with the Ministry of Agriculture. The conference brought together parliamentarians, regional agricultural development commissioners, UTAP officials, researchers, technicians, administration representatives, and farmers.
The conference concluded that a comprehensive strategic vision is needed to develop the cereal sector and ensure the country's food sovereignty. This vision should be developed jointly by the UTAP, the Ministry of Agriculture, and research institutions. The sector's development is crucial for Tunisia's agricultural sector and food security.
The UTAP's efforts to address climate change in the cereal sector are critical, given the sector's importance to Tunisia's economy and food security. Climate change poses significant challenges to the sector, and a coordinated approach is necessary to mitigate its impacts. The conference provided a platform for stakeholders to discuss and identify solutions to these challenges.
The conference's outcomes will inform policy decisions and guide the development of the cereal sector in Tunisia. The UTAP's commitment to representing farmers' concerns and advocating for their needs is essential for ensuring that the sector's development aligns with the needs of farmers and the country's food security goals. Key stakeholders will continue to work together to address the challenges facing the cereal sector.
Key points
- The UTAP conference highlighted the need for a strategic vision to develop Tunisia's cereal sector amid climate change.
- Climate change has a direct impact on crop yields and production stability in Tunisia's cereal sector.
- The UTAP will continue to advocate for farmers' needs and concerns to ensure the sector's development aligns with their requirements.
