The Tunisian Farmers' Union has called on the legislative and executive authorities to provide more support to farmers and fishermen, and to take measures to protect national production systems. In a statement released after its regular meeting, the union emphasized the need for concerted efforts to ensure a successful 2026-2027 crop season and to secure production inputs such as seeds and fertilizers.
The union stressed the importance of providing a clear vision for farmers, including a reference price for grain purchases, to encourage them to expand cultivated areas and support national production. This, it said, would promote self-sufficiency and reduce reliance on imports. The union also renewed its call for an increase in the reference price for grain purchases to be announced at the start of the season.
Regarding the date palm sector, the union emphasized the need for early coordination between stakeholders to ensure the availability of financial resources for storage, marketing, and export operations. This, it said, would help to manage the harvest effectively, balance supply and demand, and stabilize prices. The union also stressed the importance of maintaining the sector's stability and its role in the national economy.
The union expressed its rejection of unplanned imports of fruits and vegetables, citing the potential negative impact on national production systems and the interests of producers. Instead, it called for a review of the import approach to take into account market needs without harming local production or protecting farmers from unfair competition.
In the olive oil sector, the union said it was monitoring global market trends and advised producers to delay harvesting and marketing operations. It also urged the Office of Olive Oil to play its national role in monitoring market developments and taking necessary measures to maintain price stability and protect producers' interests.
The union also addressed the fishing sector, expressing its disapproval of the exclusion of sector professionals from technical committees dealing with maritime affairs. It emphasized the importance of involving professionals and their representatives in decision-making processes to ensure that decisions are effective and relevant to the sector.
Finally, the union reiterated its commitment to dialogue and consultation, and its rejection of unilateral decisions that could harm the public maritime service or the interests of professionals.
Key points
- The Tunisian Farmers' Union calls for support to farmers and fishermen and protection of national production systems.
- The union urges authorities to provide a clear vision for farmers, including a reference price for grain purchases.
- The union rejects unplanned imports of fruits and vegetables, citing potential negative impacts on national production systems.
