Jendouba to optimize its cork industry
TUNISIAONLINENEWS- In order to boost the cork industry in the governorate of Jendouba, Tunisia has mobilized funds to cover an area of 60, 000 hectares totaling 50% of the region’s woodlands.
Among the measures taken to develop the production of the cork industry is the association of private sector and industrial companies, as well as the development of the study on the progress of cork produced with the assistance of the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
A training program for the collection of cork is currently underway in the region.
Jendouba’s cork forest strongly contributes to the country’s economy with an annual production of 70, 000 quintals, accounting for 90% of the country’s production.
90 % of the product is exported including 70% to the European market such as Portugal (59%) and Italy (11%).
Cork oak forests are also useful for livestock grazing, fuel-wood, acorns, aromatic and medicinal plants, mushrooms, honey; apart from providing seasonal employment, they also play a considerable role in preventing soil erosion and dam sedimentation, especially that Tunisia’s main water reservoirs are located in the heart of the cork oak region.
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