Latest news with #ONAGRI
African Manager
04-08-2025
- Business
- African Manager
Germany, top destination for Tunisian organic dates
Tunisian dates are the best in the world, renowned for their sweetness and sugary flavor. They are often eaten raw and are an excellent source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Additionally, Deglet Nour dates are rich in antioxidants and essential fatty acids, making them beneficial in preventing heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. However, Tunisian date export revenues from the beginning of the season in October 2024 to the end of June 2025 decreased by 3.8% to 771.7 million dinars compared to the same period in the previous season, according to data published by the National Observatory of Agriculture (ONAGRI). The average price during the first nine months of the current season was 6.35 dinars per kg, with the 'Deglet Nour' variety priced at 7.05 dinars per kg. In June 2025, the average price of dates reached 5.97 dinars per kg, marking a slight decline of 0.5% compared to June 2024. Monitoring of Tunisian date exports during the first nine months of the 2024/2025 season also revealed a 5.7% drop in exported quantities to 121,500 tons. The 'Deglet Nour' variety alone accounted for 84.2% of total export volume. In terms of destination, the European Union imported the largest share (43.4% of export volume), followed by Africa (24.2%) and Asia (20.7%). Morocco was the top importer of Tunisian dates, accounting for 19.2% of exports in the first nine months of the 2024/2025 season, followed by Italy (11.8%) and France (8%). By the end of June 2025, around 6,700 tons of organic dates had been exported, valued at approximately 59.5 million dinars, a decline of 8.1% in volume and 26.4% in value. Organic dates accounted for no more than 5.5% of total date exports (all types combined). The average price of organic dates was 8.90 dinars per kg, varying by variety: 7.89 dinars/kg for conventional organic dates, 9.93 dinars/kg for organic date byproducts and 2.94 dinars/kg for industrial-grade organic dates Germany remains the top destination for organic dates, representing 30% of export volume, followed by the Netherlands (12%) and Belgium (12%). Setting reference prices for date exports In this context, the Tunisian Union of Agriculture, Water Resources, and Fisheries (UTAP) and the Tunisian Confederation of Industry, Trade, and Handicrafts (UTICA), represented by the National Chamber of Fruit, Vegetable, and Date Exporters, agreed to set reference prices for date purchases by exporters for the 2024/2025 season. The Interprofessional Date Group under the Ministry of Agriculture, Water Resources, and Fisheries emphasized during a working session the importance of Tunisian dates meeting export quality standards. The prices were set as follows: 'Deglet Nour Chamroukh Quality' dates (large sizes): 5.200 dinars/kg (a 4% increase from the previous season), provided that bulk rates do not exceed 10% and date moth infestation remains below 5%. 'Deglet Nour Chamroukh Quality, Category 1' dates (medium sizes): 4.500 dinars/kg (a 2.27% increase from the previous season), with the same conditions on bulk rates and infestation.
African Manager
24-07-2025
- Business
- African Manager
Organic exports: Olive oil and dates top the list
Tunisia exported 39,745 tons of organic agricultural products between January 1 and June 30, 2025, generating revenue of 489.03 million dinars, according to the National Agricultural Observatory (ONAGRI). Organic olive oil and organic dates largely dominated the export sector, accounting for 86.8% and 22.7% of the total volume, respectively. Organic olive oil alone accounted for 45,000 tons, valued at 620.8 million dinars, representing 20% of the volume and 20.2% of the total value of the country's olive oil exports. Italy became the top importer, absorbing 52.7% of organic olive oil exports, followed by the United States and Spain. Organic dates also recorded strong performance during the first nine months of the 2024/2025 season, with exports reaching 6,686.5 tons and generating 59.5 million dinars at an average price of 8.90 dinars per kilogram. These figures represent 5.5% of Tunisia's total date export volume and 7.7% of the value. Germany was the top destination for Tunisian organic dates, importing 30% of the total volume, closely followed by the Netherlands and Belgium at 22% each. The sustained demand from European markets highlights Tunisia's growing reputation as a reliable supplier of high-quality organic products. A Bright Future for Organics! Tunisia is examining the potential of organic agriculture as part of a groundbreaking study, the results of which were unveiled during a presentation to key national partners working in this sector, which is emerging as a strategic hub for the country's sustainable economic development. At least, this is the assessment of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). According to the FAO, the top priority is to develop and strengthen the organic agriculture sector by adopting a territorial approach that selects, based on bioclimatic zones, reference organic production systems as well as the most suitable farms to transition to this sustainable and integrated production model. The goal is to define a reference model for organic agriculture tailored to each bioclimatic zone, especially since Tunisia has resilient organic production systems. It is worth noting that 750 surveys were conducted across Tunisia, clearly distinguishing statistics related to conventional farming systems from those linked to organic agriculture. This mapping provided unprecedented statistics on geographical distributions, structures, involved professional organizations, and selected production types. Currently, Tunisia's organic agriculture sector includes nearly 7,200 stakeholders, including farmers, processors, traders, and others, of whom 6,669 are producers. These stakeholders are actively seeking support and guidance to enhance their competitiveness and comply with the ever-evolving requirements of the international market, which is subject to dynamic organic regulations.
African Manager
05-07-2025
- Climate
- African Manager
Dams: Water stocks improving but still below average
Water reserves in all Tunisian dams saw a significant 28% increase, reaching 880 million m³ as of July 3, 2025, compared to 688 million m³ on the same date in 2024, according to data from the National Observatory of Agriculture (ONAGRI). However, this rise remains modest, only 6.1%, when compared to the three-year average of 829.1 million m³. The overall dam filling rate stood at 37.2% on July 3, 2025. Northern dams, which hold 91.8% of the country's total water reserves, recorded a higher filling rate of 43.5%, marking a 25.3% increase compared to the same period last year. In contrast, dams in the Central and Cap Bon regions reported much lower filling rates: 12.4% (56 million m³) and 27.2% (16.8 million m³), respectively. Water inflows: Mixed trends Cumulative water inflows from the current season (Sept 1, 2024 – July 3, 2025) reached 959.6 million m³, a 48.5% increase compared to last season (646.2 million m³). However, these inflows dropped by 45.5% compared to the multi-year average of 1.76 billion m³. Helpful But Insufficient Rainfall Despite recent rainfall, its impact on dam levels remains limited. Safa Slama, head of water resources at the Agricultural Development Commission in Siliana, told TAP news agency that while the rain was beneficial for many crops, it wasn't enough to significantly raise dam levels. In August, Siliana saw six rainy days, with the heaviest rainfall in Kesra (49 mm), Sidi Bourouis (38 mm), and Makther and Rouhia (30 mm). In early September, the highest rainfall was recorded in El Krib (41 mm), Gaâfour (28 mm), and Laroussa (25 mm). Water reserves at local dams stood at 17% (Siliana Dam), 21% (Ermil Dam), and 2.2% (Lakhmes Dam), with respective storage capacities of 29 million m³, 1.8 million m³, and 6 million m³. Persistent drought and future strategy Tunisia has been facing drought conditions for five consecutive years. Studies confirm the ongoing drought and a noticeable decrease in rainfall, affecting both drinking water and irrigation supplies. The government has identified water management as a key priority going forward, focusing on rationalizing water consumption across all sectors, reducing demand and increasing use of non-traditional sources, such as seawater desalination and treated wastewater reuse.
African Manager
23-05-2025
- Business
- African Manager
Tunisia: Olive Oil exports rise while revenue falls by 28.9%
The Tunisian olive oil export receipts during the first six months of the 2024/25 campaign (November 2024 – April 2025) dropped by 28.9% to 2,442.4 million dinars (MD) compared to the same period of the previous campaign, according to data published on Wednesday by ONAGRI. Only 17.7% of revenue comes from exports of packaged olive oil. The average price of olive oil in April 2025 fell by 48.9% compared to the same month in the previous campaign, ranging from 7.1 to TND 18/kg depending on the category. The European market (EU) accounts for the largest share of exports, at 59.5%, followed by North America (24.9%) and Africa (9.6%). Quantities exported from the start of the campaign to the end of April 2025 reached 180.2 thousand tons, marking a 40.1% increase compared to the same period of the previous campaign. Packaged olive oil represented only 11.9% of the exported quantities, with the rest being exported in bulk (88.1%). The extra virgin category alone accounted for 82.5% of the total volume exported. Italy is the leading importer of Tunisian olive oil, accounting for 29% of exports during the first six months of the 2024/25 campaign. Spain and the United States follow with 26% and 19.6% respectively. Regarding organic olive oil, exports reached 34.3 thousand tons, valued at around 469.1 MD, by the end of April 2025. However, the proportion of packaged organic olive oil did not exceed 5% of the total exported organic olive oil. The average price of organic olive oil is TND 13.68/kg, ranging from TND 13.47/kg for bulk oil to TND 17.65/kg for packaged oil. Tunisian organic olive oil is mainly exported to Italy, accounting for 58% of exports, followed by Spain (21%) and the United States (11%).
African Manager
17-04-2025
- Business
- African Manager
Tunisia: olive oil secures global spotlight as fourth-largest exporter
Tunisia is poised to promote sustainable economic development, drive agricultural innovation, and solidify its position as a leading global supplier of premium olive-derived products. The future of Tunisian olive oil appears brighter than ever, according to recent statements by Tunisian officials. Trade and Export Development Minister Samir Abid announced that Tunisia now ranks as the fourth-largest global exporter of olive oil, holding a 10% share of worldwide exports. Over the past five years, overseas sales have shown a consistent upward trend. 'Tunisian olive oil, renowned for its nutritional benefits, continues to stand out for its exceptional quality. Thanks to the relentless efforts of our producers and targeted promotional initiatives, it has cemented its place in international markets and shone at top global competitions, earning a record number of awards and medals, Abid stated. In 2024, Tunisia exported olive oil worth 4.8 billion dinars to 64 destinations, up from 55 markets in 2023. Key European buyers include Italy, Spain, France, Portugal, and Belgium. Abid highlighted that packaged olive oil exports now account for 21% of total exports, marking a 92% surge in 2024. He emphasized the sector's critical role in the national economy and its 'exceptional quality,' which positions it for significant growth in the EU and global markets. 'We are witnessing stronger export opportunities and direct partnerships between Tunisian businesses and European market players,' he added. New national program to boost global presence An ambitious 2025 National Program to promote Tunisian olive oil has been launched, featuring 20 promotional initiatives aimed at strengthening its foothold in traditional markets while exploring new opportunities. Developed in collaboration with key stakeholders—including the Export Promotion Center (CEPEX), PACKTEC, the National Olive Oil Office (ONH), the Tunisian Confederation of Industry, Trade, and Handicrafts (UTICA), and olive heritage institutions—the program will focus on participation in international trade fairs, B2B meetings, overseas commercial days, and hosting potential buyers in Tunisia. 'These efforts will enhance global awareness and visibility of Tunisian olive oil in competitive markets,' Abid affirmed. Export revenue declines despite volume growth Despite rising export volumes, olive oil revenue for the first five months of the 2024/2025 campaign (ending March 2025) fell by 25.8% year-on-year to 2.126 billion dinars, according to the National Observatory of Agriculture (ONAGRI). The average price of olive oil dropped by 54% in March 2025 compared to the same month last year, ranging between 8 to 18.4 dinars per kilogram depending on grade. Export volumes, however, surged by 46.3% to 157,200 tons, with packaged oil representing just 10.2% of total exports. ONAGRI noted a stagnation in packaged oil exports compared to the previous campaign. Extra virgin olive oil dominated exports, making up 82.7% of total volume, while packaged oil contributed only 15.8% of revenue. Market distribution highlights EU dominance The EU remains the largest market for Tunisian olive oil, absorbing 60.8% of exports, followed by North America (23.2%) and Africa (9.8%). Italy leads as the top importer (29.8%), trailed by Spain (26.9%) and the United States (18.6%).
