Carthage:President of the Republic Kaïs Saïed met with Minister of Agriculture, Water Resources and Fisheries Ezzedine Ben Cheikh on Wednesday, as reported by the Presidency. During the meeting, President Saïed underscored the significance of agriculture as a cornerstone of national security and sovereignty for Tunisia.

According to Agence Tunis Afrique Presse – English, President Saïed highlighted Tunisia's rich agricultural heritage, traditions, and expertise, which are vital for achieving self-sufficiency. He emphasized the importance of leveraging the expertise of agro-institutes established over a century ago, which play a significant role on the African continent.

The President also stressed the need to utilize scientific research and academic theses that have gained international recognition. In relation to the olive oil sector, he called for support for smallholder farmers through favorable loans, new funding opportunities, and a reference price to protect their rights. Additionally, he recommended enhancing the storage capacity of the National Oil Office (ONH) and promoting Tunisian olive oil in global markets.

Furthermore, President Saïed addressed the challenges faced by date producers, criticizing the practices of intermediaries who intentionally lower crop purchase prices. He urged for immediate action to address these issues, similar to the approach needed in other agricultural sectors.