Workshop on Sustainable Agricultural Production Systems: Results and Perspectives ============================================================
The Institution of Higher Education and Research in Agriculture (IRESA) in partnership with the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS), organized a restitution meeting to present the results of the Desk Reviews conducted under the European Union's ADAPT) program, which aims to support sustainable agriculture and artisanal fisheries in Tunisia.
Key Stakeholders Gathered to Discuss Sustainable Agriculture ------------------------------------------------
This event brought together key stakeholders from the agricultural, fisheries, and aquaculture sectors in Tunisia, including representatives from research, development, professional organizations, financial institutions, and international organizations. The meeting aimed to present and discuss the results of research on six production systems: mixed farming and large-scale crops, oasis, olive, agro-industrial, agro-silvo-pastoral, and fisheries and aquaculture.
Addressing the Challenges of Climate Change and Environmental Degradation ----------------------------------------------------------------
In the face of climate change, soil degradation, water crisis, and vulnerability of Tunisian agri-food systems, this initiative responds to an urgent need for transition towards more resilient systems. Through this workshop, IRESA and AICS sought to share knowledge on the current performance and sustainability indicators of the main Tunisian production systems, guide private sector operators (investors, financial institutions, consulting firms, etc.) towards more sustainable and resilient models, and raise awareness among stakeholders about the strategic role of the ADAPT-Invest Fund in supporting the ecological transition of the agricultural sector.
Opening Remarks: Emphasis on Scientific Research and Sustainability ------------------------------------------------------------
IRESA's General Director, Salwa BORNAZ, highlighted the importance of mobilizing scientific research and innovation to serve sustainability. She emphasized that "This project aligns well with IRESA's strategy oriented towards research projects with an impact on the development of the food system." The representative of the European Union Delegation in Tunisia, Stéphane BROSSARD, Cooperation Attaché, welcomed the dynamic established by ADAPT, stating that "The program reflects the European Union's commitment to supporting Tunisia's ecological transition. Through the ADAPT-Invest Fund, the EU supports economic operators willing to engage in this sustainable path and accompanies institutions that will drive forward towards more sustainability."
Workshop Structure and Outcomes --------------------------------
The day was organized around a plenary session presenting the results of documentary analyses per production system, followed by group sessions allowing for in-depth discussions among stakeholders. These exchanges enabled the validation of proposed indicators and the elaboration of concrete recommendations for application within the framework of the ADAPT-Invest Fund.
**Conclusion: Towards Sustainable and Inclusive Agri-Food Systems
Dr. Fatma Trabelsi, National Coordinator of the IRESA steering unit, concluded the day by emphasizing: "The environmental, and territorial sustainability indicators we validated today will constitute essential tools to guide investments towards truly inclusive agri-food systems."
