Tunisian and Italian officials have concluded the first phase of a project aimed at conducting a study for the establishment of model organic zones in Al-Hawariya, Hazoua, Majel Bel Abbes, Sejnane, and Kesra, which will directly benefit around 2,200 individuals.
The event marking the completion of this initial study phase was attended by Hammadi Habib, the Tunisian Secretary of State for Water Resources, Alessandro Brunas, the Italian Ambassador to Tunisia, along with the director of the International Center for Advanced Mediterranean Agronomic Studies in Bari, and the director of the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements in Europe.
This first phase involved studying and diagnosing the targeted areas prior to the launch of the second phase scheduled for early 2025. During this next phase, approximately 2,200 direct beneficiaries will receive material support and knowledge to strengthen the organic agriculture sector and enhance related supply chains, aiming to develop these regions and officially recognize them as organic production zones.
Secretary of State Hammadi Al-Habib highlighted the significant role of organic agriculture in the economic cycle and in boosting exports, noting that Tunisia is among the leading global exporters of organic agricultural products. He mentioned that Tunisia is the only African and Arab country recognized as an exporter of organic products to the European Union (since 2009), Switzerland (since 2011), and the United Kingdom (since 2020), due to the credibility of its organic label and the effectiveness of its control and export systems.
Mr. Al-Habib also emphasized the importance of the cooperative relationship and partnership between Tunisia and Italy in supporting agriculture in general and organic farming specifically.
