2026 Cereal Harvest Campaign Enters Final Stretch
As of July 13, the national harvest has reached 10.08 million quintals, accounting for 86% of the harvest target, according to the latest data published by the Grain Office.
Key Figures
- 10.08 million quintals collected nationwide
- 86% of the harvest target achieved
- 9.5 million quintals destined for consumption
- 588,000 quintals allocated for selected seeds, essential for preparing the next agricultural campaign
Acceleration of Stock Constitution
This milestone marks the acceleration of constituting stocks for the national market's supply. Nearly 4 million quintals have already been transferred to the Grain Office's silos and mills, a crucial operation to secure the supply of transformation channels in the coming months. The distribution of local and imported cereals is one of the central missions of the Grain Office, which is also responsible for managing the country's strategic stocks.
Regional Breakdown
The Northwest region confirms its status as the country's primary cereal basin. Beja dominates the harvest with 2.24 million quintals, accounting for over 22% of the national volume. The top five regions, including Bizerte (1.39 million), Siliana (1.37 million), Le Kef (1.36 million), and Jendouba (1.02 million), account for nearly three-quarters of the national harvest, illustrating the strategic importance of this region in Tunisian cereal production.
Economic Stakes
These results come as the campaign has significantly accelerated in recent days. A week earlier, on July 7, the collected volumes stood at 9.1 million quintals, representing an increase of nearly one million quintals in just a few days. The challenge is not only agricultural but also economic, as cereals are among the most sensitive products for Tunisia's food balance. Despite local harvests, the country continues to rely on international markets to cover a significant portion of its needs, particularly for soft wheat. The Grain Office retains the monopoly on imports to ensure the continuity of national supply.
Ongoing Challenges
The success of the harvest does not mark the end of the challenges facing the sector. The speed of transfers to storage centers, the quality of grain conservation, and the constitution of seed reserves remain critical steps before the campaign's final closure. Technical commissions are continuing the selection of barley for future controlled seed stocks.
