The setting of a reference price of 10 dinars per kilo for olive oil at the oil mill level triggers a strong protest among producers. The Tunisian Farmers’ Union denounces a decision that it considers disconnected from real costs and warns of serious risks for the future of the olive sector.
The joint decision of the Ministries of Agriculture and Commerce to establish a moving reference price for olive oil continues to provoke strong reactions. Today, on Express FM, the president of the Tunisian Farmers’ Union (Synagri), Midani Dhaoui, publicly criticized this measure, believing that it accentuates tensions within the sector. According to him, the price set reflects neither the reality of production costs nor the economic balance of the sector.
A decision that fractures the sector
For Synagri, setting the price at 10 dinars per kilo at the oil mill level has created an unprecedented climate of tension between farmers and oil mill owners. Midani Dhaoui affirms that this situation has led certain processing units to refuse to receive olives, partially paralyzing the olive growing campaign in several regions. He denounces an “improvised” measure which was not the subject of comprehensive consultation with all the stakeholders concerned.
The heart of the disagreement lies in the gap between the set reference price and the real costs borne by farmers. The union president points out that the majority of current production now comes from irrigated crops, which are significantly more expensive due to increased inputs, energy and labor.
Under these conditions, the announced price would not cover the costs incurred, placing most of the financial effort on the producer alone. He estimates that the real price should be at no less than 14 dinars per kilogram, in order to absorb the costs of production, processing and marketing.
Concerns about the future of the Tunisian olive grove
Midani Dhaoui also pointed out the low valuation of Tunisian olive oil on international markets. Despite quality recognized among the best in the world, the Tunisian product remains, according to him, sold at prices lower than those of many competitors. He attributes this situation to short-term policies and decisions taken urgently, without a long-term strategic vision.
Beyond the current situation, the union is concerned about the sustainability of an agricultural heritage estimated at nearly 120 million olive trees. In the absence of proactive policies guaranteeing fair remuneration for producers, Midani Dhaoui fears a gradual disengagement of farmers and a lasting weakening of the sector, although it is central to the national economy and exports.
Call for a price review
Faced with this situation, the president of Synagri calls on the authorities to review their approach and set “real” prices, aligned with production costs. He believes that ensuring decent incomes for farmers is an essential condition for preserving the sector, easing tensions with oil mills and maintaining the competitiveness of Tunisian olive oil on international markets.
The Ministries of Agriculture and Commerce jointly announced, Tuesday December 23, 2025, the establishment of a moving reference price for olive oil at the oil mill level. This price is set at 10 dinars per kilogram for the 2025–2026 agricultural season.
According to this press release, this measure aims to regulate the olive oil market and guarantee the smooth running of the olive harvesting and processing process. It also seeks to preserve the balance of the sector and protect the interests of all stakeholders, in particular small producers.
