Tunisia continues to give a special interest to organic farming, promoting the sector thanks to the taking over the past 11 years of a number of key decisions.

In 1999, a technical center specializing in organic farming was created, to serve as a central mechanism and reference material.
In October 13, 2000 an awareness program on organic agriculture was developed to enhance the incentives and mechanisms set up in this sector.
A strategy of organic farming through the promotion of a sustainable program was set up in May 12, 2005. In 2006, a study was conducting aiming at identifying pilot areas specializing in organic farming.

In 2010, the maximum annual grant on the control and certification for producers members of development groups, cooperatives and professional groups increase from 5000 to reach 10,000 dinars per year.

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In recent years, Tunisia achieved an increase in the harvest volume of vegetables to reach an agricultural production of 50% since 1987 contributing to 10% of the country’s GDP, 10 % of exports and 18% in employment sector.

With a view to reduce financing costs encouraging farmers to more production, President Ben Ali ordered “to extend the measures adopted for seasonal credits related to large-scale farming so that they cover the other agricultural activities, by applying the monetary market rate plus one point (TMM+1) to farmers who pay back their debts in due time”, while “extending the period of application of this measure from 2011 till 2014”.

He also ordered “to increase by 50% the ceiling of investments for agricultural projects, and also for revising the criteria for granting loans and allowances to small and medium farmers, and updating them according to the cost”.

Besides, President Ben Ali ordered the opportunity to “consolidate the pilot experience currently conducted in the cereals jointly by the agricultural organization and the national institute for agricultural research, in coordination with the national institute for large-scale farming”.

FROM: tunisiaonlinenews.com

Tunis — In light of Tunisia’s interest in organic farming, the governorate of Tozeur currently counts 292 large and medium farmers, four companies of agricultural development (SMVDA), a private company, in addition to a vocational training center in the delegation of “Degache”.

Actions were taken to further boost organic farming in the region.

During the 2008-2009, the production of organic dates reached 5,000 tonnes, 3,000 tonnes of which were exported providing source of income and revenues estimated 12 million dinars.

The organic oases occupy 10% of the total area of “Chot el Djerid”. Three packaging and exporting units of biological dates are also operational in the delegations of “Hezoua” and “Degache”.

Accordingly, a farming unit was set up with a view to sensitize farmers to the potential offered by organic farming. Efforts to raise awareness among farmers are being made by encouraging farmers to use organic agriculture and exporters to build partnerships with investors.

In 2004, the governorate of Tozeur was awarded the Presidential prize for the promotion of organic farming.
FROM: Tunisia Online News

Tunis — Held under the Patronage of the President of the Republic, the 10th International Agricultural and Farming and Fisheries Mechanization Exhibition (SIAMAP 2009) was inaugurated on Wednesday by Mr. Mohamed Ghannouchi, Prime Minister, accompanied by Secretary of State in Charge of Fisheries Mr. Abderrazak Daaloul and Mr. Mabrouk el Bahri the President of the Tunisian agriculture and fisheries union (UTAP).

The exhibition which will run through November 22, 2009, is organized at the initiative of the Tunisian Agriculture and Fisheries Union (UTAP), and is attended by nearly 285 Tunisian and foreign enterprises from 17 countries, namely France, Italy, Germany, Spain, England, Portugal, Belgium, Norway, the United States, Serbia, Ireland, Libya, Morocco, Algeria, Mauritania, Egypt and Syria.

Around 285 Tunisian and foreign companies will showcase their latest agricultural innovations over the surface of 15,000 square meters including animal husbandry, crop production, agro-tourism, agricultural machinery and farming. The event is expected to attract some 10,000 visitors per day.

The Prime Minister toured the various stands of the fair, discussing with national and foreign exhibitors.

44 international events are scheduled to be held during the exhibition, including a competition of the best technological innovation.

From: Tunisia Online News