Brussels, 17/02/2016 (Agence Europe) - Tunisia has reaffirmed its commitment to the EU for greater agricultural cooperation, which may improve the competitiveness of its products and diversify its outlets in Europe. The country gives assurances that it will make the maximum provisions for this.
This is what emerges from the operational conclusions published by the EU Delegation in Tunis on 15 February, reporting on the work of the sixth Agriculture and Fisheries sub-committee. This rather technical meeting took place in Brussels on 4 February. The operational conclusions also contain the conclusions of the earlier consultation conducted with Tunisian society by Tunisia and the European Commission at the end of 2015.
Tunisia presented the outlines of its national strategy at this meeting. This included its regulation of organic products, and it calls for “triangular recognition” on this - valid for the regulation of organic products between the EU, the USA and Tunisia. Overall, Tunisia seeks further assistance for the agricultural sector on standards, for example, on commercialisation, on the assessment of health risks, and the management of fish stocks. The EU agrees to this support but to the extent its resources will allow. Tunisia also observed differences on the statistical data, and calls for joint work on this.
The civil society taking part in the consultations noted the need for an assessment of the EU-Tunisia association agreement. The upgrade of the sector would be a pre-condition for opening any negotiation, particularly on the deep and comprehensive free trade agreement (DCFTA), which would be an opportunity to upgrade the agricultural sector. This, civil society says, underlines the need for support to farmers - particularly through Tunisia's access to the European structural funds or specific funds. Support to the key area of olive oil is requested, and in addition, particular effort in the area of technical and agricultural teaching is solicited. (Original version in French by Fathi B'Chir)