Driven by the effects of climate change, geopolitical upheavals, and the ripple of the Covid-19 pandemic, organic farming is establishing itself in Tunisia as a strategic sector with high potential.
Since 2019, global demand for organic products has continued to rise, reinforcing producers’ shift toward more sustainable and high value-added supply chains.
In this context, Tunisia has a clear ambition: to broaden the base of organic production beyond the historical sectors of olive oil and dates. Building on solid export performance and a notable impact in job creation, particularly for young entrepreneurs and agriculture project holders, the sector benefits from increased public support.
The stated objective is ambitious: to reach 2 million hectares of certified organic land by 2030, as part of a national strategy focused on sustainable development and environmental protection.
International Showcase in Nuremberg
In this momentum, Tunisia’s participation in the international trade fair for organic and natural products, held in Nuremberg from February 10 to 13, 2026, represents a major visibility lever.
Coordinated by the Agency for the Promotion of Agricultural Investments, the Tunisian delegation brings together eight private companies, alongside representatives of the General Directorate of Organic Agriculture. Exhibitors present a varied range of fresh and processed products: dates, olive oil, medicinal and aromatic plants, essential oils, date derivatives and prickly pear. Tasting sessions are also organized to showcase national know-how.
This gathering, among the world’s most important in the organic ecosystem, brings together producers, processors, certification bodies, control bodies, training institutions and research centers. For Tunisia, the challenge is twofold: to draw inspiration from best international practices and to identify new export outlets, while forging foreign partnerships.
A Growing Weight in Agricultural Exports
According to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the Tunisian organic sector currently groups nearly 9,000 operators, including farmers, manufacturers and traders, mostly integrated into production chains.
According to data from the General Directorate of Organic Agriculture, certified areas vary between 235,000 and 400,000 hectares in 2024, or about 2% of total agricultural area. The sector accounts for between 14% and 17.7% of Tunisian agricultural exports, for a value exceeding 1.13 billion dollars in 2024.
Tunisia thus ranks first in Africa in terms of areas dedicated to organic farming and occupies 23rd place worldwide. The country is also among the leading exporters of organic olive oil on the international stage.
Structural Challenges to Overcome
Despite these achievements, the sector continues to face several constraints: rising costs of inputs and equipment, complexity and cost of certifications, difficulties in market access, and increased competitive pressure.
Industry players are calling for more support, including exemptions from customs duties and subsidies dedicated to organic projects. They also call for greater awareness among Tunisian consumers of the importance of certification and traceability.
The national strategy for 2030 aims to make Tunisian organic agriculture a reference model at the international level. It relies on more effective governance, strengthening the competitiveness of flagship products—olive oil and dates—while also broadening and diversifying the offering.
Among the high-potential segments are oils derived from aromatic plants, the carob tree, organic vegetables, and products derived from prickly pear.
Beyond economic performance, organic farming is part of a sustainability approach: reducing chemical inputs, preserving soils and water resources, maintaining biodiversity, and improving long-term soil fertility. All these strengths position the sector as one of the pillars of Tunisia’s agricultural transition.
