The Tunisian Farmers' Union (Union Tunisienne de l'Agriculture et de la Pêche Maritime) has called on the legislative and executive authorities to provide more support to farmers and fishermen, and to adopt measures to protect national production systems. In a statement released after its national executive meeting, the union emphasized the need for concerted efforts to ensure a successful 2026-2027 crop season and to secure production inputs, particularly seeds and fertilizers.
The union stressed the importance of guaranteeing the availability of inputs and their distribution to beneficiaries within a reasonable timeframe, to prevent monopolies and speculation, and to create favorable conditions for a successful season. It also renewed its call for an increase in the reference price for grain purchases, to provide farmers with a clear vision and encourage them to expand cultivated areas and support national production.
Regarding the date palm sector, the union emphasized the need for early coordination between stakeholders and the adoption of measures to secure the necessary financial resources for storage, marketing, and export operations. This, it said, would help to manage the harvest effectively, achieve a balance between supply and demand, support price stability, and ensure the sustainability of the sector.
The union also expressed its rejection of unregulated imports of fruits and vegetables, citing the potential negative impact on national production systems and farmers' interests. It called for a review of the import approach, to take into account market needs without harming local production, and to protect farmers from unfair competition.
In the olive oil sector, the union said it was monitoring global market trends in production and prices, and urged producers to be cautious when harvesting and marketing their products. It also called on the Office National de l'Huile d'Olive (ONH) to play its national role in monitoring market developments and taking necessary measures to contribute to price stability and protect producers' interests.
The union also expressed its disapproval of the exclusion of sector professionals from technical committees related to maritime affairs, stressing that their participation was essential to ensure the effectiveness and relevance of decisions related to the sector. It reaffirmed its commitment to dialogue and consultation, and called for a participatory approach to addressing sectoral issues.
The union's statement concluded with a call for greater support for farmers and fishermen, and for the adoption of measures to protect national production systems and promote the country's food sovereignty. The union's proposals aim to support the national economy and protect the interests of producers.
Key points
- Tunisian Farmers' Union calls for protection of national production systems
- Union urges government to support farmers, fishermen
- Proposal aims to promote food sovereignty, support national economy
