Tunisian Confederation of Citizen Enterprises Calls for Reliable Legal Framework for Farmers
The Confederation of Citizen Enterprises of Tunisia (CONECT) has urged the government to establish a clear legal framework for the agricultural profession, defining the rights and duties of farmers. This move is expected to provide better protection for farmers, reassuring and encouraging them to continue their efforts in an increasingly challenging environment.
Background
The idea emerged during a working session between the agricultural group of the employers' organization and representatives of the Ministry of Agriculture, Water Resources, and Fisheries at the CONECT headquarters in Tunis.
Key Demands
The CONECT has made several key demands, including:
- Exempting agricultural inputs from Value-Added Tax (VAT) to alleviate the tax burden on farmers
- Modernizing equipment to increase productivity and competitiveness
- Renovating storage infrastructure for the olive oil sector to ensure product quality throughout the supply chain
- Developing a regulatory framework for rural guesthouses and farms with educational purposes
- Allowing the use of treated wastewater for irrigation in certain crops
Addressing Sectoral Challenges
The discussions between the two parties, led by the director of the minister's office, the president of CONECT, Aslan Berrajeb, and Mohamed Taher Nabbi, in charge of the agricultural group within CONECT, covered several pressing sectoral issues, including:
- Restructuring the dairy and meat sectors
- Relaunching genetic selection programs for livestock
- Improving the organization of livestock sales circuits and slaughterhouse operations
- Combating clandestine slaughter and addressing challenges faced by poultry farmers
A Stable Framework for Investment
A clear legal framework for the agricultural profession and the removal of VAT on agricultural inputs would encourage investment in the Tunisian agricultural sector. These two factors directly impact an investor's calculation of profitability in the sector.
Next Steps
The Ministry has indicated its intention to continue discussions and carefully examine these proposals to consolidate the role of agriculture in ensuring the country's food security.
