Tunisian Union Demands Higher Cereal Prices Amidst Rising Costs

The Union Tunisienne de l'Agriculture et de la Pêche (UTAP) is sounding the alarm over the precarious financial situation of farmers and fishermen, demanding urgent government action to address escalating costs and market volatility.

In a recent statement following an expanded executive bureau meeting, UTAP officially called for a significant upward revision of cereal purchase prices. This demand stems directly from the "explosion" in production costs and the sharp rise in global commodity prices, which are squeezing farmers' margins. The union stresses that this price adjustment is crucial to ensure a "minimal financial balance" for agricultural producers, particularly as they gear up for the upcoming harvest season.

Beyond pricing, UTAP is pushing for greater flexibility in the "adjustment scale" for agricultural inputs. The union points to a severe shortage of ammonium nitrate fertilizer, which risks compromising crop quality and increasing the issue of "mitadinage" (a term likely referring to grain quality issues or partial spoilage). Furthermore, UTAP advocates for extending the "fast delivery bonus" deadlines for barley and durum wheat to give farmers more time to deliver their crops, anticipating potential harvest delays due to late rains and humidity.

The union also raised critical issues concerning rural security, urging stronger measures to prevent fires along roadsides and intensified security campaigns against livestock theft, a growing problem plaguing breeders in several regions. For maritime fishing professionals, UTAP expressed deep concern over deteriorating socio-economic conditions, criticizing "unilateral approaches" in decision-making and the exclusion of professional input. They are calling for comprehensive social security coverage, including fair retirement pensions, and a simplification of administrative procedures that currently hinder the sector's sustainability. UTAP emphasizes the need for a participatory approach, grounded in reality, to bolster the resilience of the agri-food sector and ensure national food sovereignty.