It was a record production year for Tunisia as they produced 50% more citrus fruits in 2016 than they did the previous year. Whilst the increase shows a healthy sector, it is becoming increasingly complicated to find buyers for all the fruit- half of this winters fruit may even end up in the bin…
The increase in production is thanks to many factors. Firstly, citrus trees never produce the same amount of fruits year after year. If one year harvest is extremely high, chances are next season will be the opposite. This was the case this year, as well as good weather conditions. The increase in planted trees and trees beginning to produce fruit has also increased this year.
Some of Tunisia’s citrus producers are now in a difficult situation. Buyers have stared to pay for the oranges but are finding it impossible to sell them. Production is expected to reach almost 600,000 tons but the local market only consumes about 350-400,000 tons. Producers are worried they will not receive their latest orange payments and be even more in debt.
Arborists and authorities are trying to find solutions to sell stocks. The first is through export. For the time being, only 10% of production is destined for export, mainly to France. The country is now aiming at new markets such as Russia. However, competition is high and it takes time and money to set up transport, distribution and sales.
Tunisian fruit producers are also thinking of processing the citrus fruits. However, to make fruit juice or jams, they need factories and it is not possible this year. The Farmers syndicate is worried about the next harvests. New trees will begin to give fruit over the next few years and production will surely continue to increase.