Advertise
Dhaoui Midani, President of the Tunisian Farmers Union, has highlighted that while a projected decline in Tunisia's olive production might impact the local market, pricing remains contingent on global market dynamics rather than local supply alone. He noted that production levels in major competing nations, particularly Spain, play a decisive role in setting price benchmarks.
Speaking on the 'Sabah El Ward' program, Midani indicated that some regions in Tunisia could see a production drop of up to 50% according to current estimates. This decline raises concerns regarding the season's outlook and Tunisia's competitive position in the global olive oil trade and export availability.
The union head clarified that a lower Tunisian harvest does not automatically trigger a price hike. He explained that a production surplus in other key regions, specifically Spain, can stabilize international market balances, thereby influencing the export prices of Tunisian olive oil in the global arena.
Midani also addressed the threat of 'Olive Knot' disease (olive tuberculosis), which has been present in Tunisian groves for years, with recent infections reported in specific areas. He emphasized the need for heightened vigilance and preventative measures, as the disease can spread via harvesting and pruning tools. He called for increased farmer awareness and early intervention to protect the national olive heritage.
Furthermore, the President of the Farmers Union stressed the importance of adhering to optimal harvesting schedules and proper tree maintenance. He urged for unified efforts between farmers and specialized bodies to curb the spread of agricultural diseases. Ultimately, global and local production developments will define market directions, making it premature to confirm any price increases at this stage.
Source: Tuniscope