Market Trends of Agriculture In Tunisia
Growing Preference For Organic Farming
Tunisia has become a significant player in organic agriculture within Africa, despite its relatively small size. According to the Research Institute of Organic Agriculture (FIBL), Tunisia had 227,581 hectares under organic cultivation in 2022, compared to Algeria's 1,071 hectares in the same year. This growth is supported by government policies promoting organic farming. The Technical Centre of Organic Agriculture (CTAB) provides technical assistance and training to farmers on organic production methods. The expansion of organic agriculture in Tunisia is driven by increasing European market demand for organic products and growing awareness of sustainable agricultural practices.
Olive and date cultivation dominate Tunisia's organic agricultural landscape. According to a report by the European Journal of Agriculture and Food Sciences (EJFOOD), in 2022, organic olive farming accounted for about 93% of the total organic-certified area, highlighting the country's specialization in this sector. Tunisia has also experienced an increase in organic date cultivation, which grew by about 4% between 2019 and 2022, according to FiBL statistics, indicating diversification within the organic farming sector.
Tunisia has established a robust certification system to maintain the integrity of its organic products and ensure compliance with international standards. As organic farmland expands and regional organic export demand increases, Tunisia's agriculture sector is projected to continue growing during the forecast period, potentially creating new markets and opportunities for Tunisian farmers.
To meet the rising demand for organic certification and enhance their competitiveness in the global market, many Tunisian farmers are obtaining certifications from reputable organizations such as International Master Control (IMC), European Certification of Organic Agriculture (ECOCERT), and British Standards Institution Certification (BCS). These certifications assure consumers and international markets that the products meet organic standards while helping Tunisian farmers access premium markets and potentially command higher prices for their produce.
High Export Potential of Agricultural Products
Tunisia has established itself as a significant exporter of agricultural goods to neighboring countries and European markets. Key exports include tomatoes, olive oil, potatoes, lettuce, and dates. Trade agreements with European Union nations, enabling tax-free trade, have boosted the country's agricultural exports. As a result, Tunisia has experienced a steady increase in agricultural exports in recent years. According to the ITC Trade Map, Tunisia's tomato exports increased by over 88.7% from 2019 to 2023, reaching a value of over USD 67.5 million in 2023.
The Tunisian government is actively promoting its agricultural products globally through several initiatives. One such effort is the PAMPAT 2 (Project for Market Access of Typical Agrofood Products), launched in January 2020. This project focuses on enhancing the visibility and marketability of local food products, including prickly pear, dried tomatoes, processed dates, and pomegranates. These efforts have yielded significant results, with nearly 90% of the dried tomatoes produced in Tunisia now exported globally. This outcome reflects strong government support and high export demand. The strategic focus on enhancing export capabilities and market access is positioning Tunisia as a key player in regional and global agricultural markets.
