Tunisia is celebrating the beginning of its olive harvest season with optimism, as farmers and industry stakeholders eagerly anticipate an exceptional yield this year.
Your go-to source for in-depth coverage of political developments, economic trends, social affairs, and vibrant cultural stories from across the continent.
Following favorable weather conditions, including significant rainfall across the country, prospects for a bountiful harvest have strengthened.
The Ministry of Agriculture has expressed confidence that the country will surpass expected production levels, which could have a positive impact on Tunisia’s economy.
In a statement, the ministry emphasized the critical role olives and their by-products play in enhancing food security and supporting rural households.
Olive cultivation is a key sector in Tunisia, contributing significantly to both the agricultural landscape and the broader national economy.
According to projections, the country’s olive production is expected to reach approximately 340,000 tons of olive oil, marking a 55% increase over last year’s yield.
This surge is a welcome sign for Tunisia’s agricultural sector, which has been steadily recovering from the effects of global price fluctuations and environmental challenges.
Moez Ben Omar, the Commercial Director of the National Oil Office, shared insights into pricing expectations, noting that the cost of olive oil is anticipated to range between 15 and 25 dinars per liter.
This price rise comes after a global dip in olive oil production, with prices steadily increasing since November 2022.
Despite the positive outlook, Tunisia faces challenges in managing the growing production levels.
The local market remains influenced by global price shifts, and concerns persist regarding the storage capacity for the abundant olive oil yield, especially with the early start to the harvest season.
The government is working to address these issues to ensure a smooth and profitable harvest.
This year’s harvest holds the promise of significant economic benefits, with both domestic and international markets keenly observing Tunisia’s performance in olive oil production.
As the harvest progresses, the country’s agricultural sector is poised to showcase its resilience and importance in the global agricultural arena.