A Japanese development project underway in Tunisia aims to support the development of olive oil products and promote the export of Tunisian olive oil.
Partnership for Sustainable Development (SATREPS), a collaboration of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Japan Science and Technology Agency was launched in 2009 under the project title “Valorization of Bio-resources in Semi Arid and Arid Land for Regional Development: Harnessing the Power of Desert Plants.”
On April 27, 2015, the outcomes and future steps of the cooperation project were presented to Tunisian prime minister Habib Essid by a Japanese delegation including Hiroko Isoda, the head of the Japanese project team, and Jouichi Takhara, Japanese ambassador to Tunisia.
A 2‑year $6 million project funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JIST) includes a study focussing on the valorization of olive oil products, improving olive oil quality, and the recycling of waste from oil production conducted by five Tunisian research institutions and a team of Japanese researchers from the University of Tsukuba.
According to JICA, despite the quality of Tunisian olive oil, Tunisia has not been unable to brand it and the majority is exported to Europe where it is mixed with other olive oils before being sold as Italian or Spanish olive oil.
The meeting with the Tunisian prime minister was followed by a symposium on April 29 in Tunis where Atsushi Asano, a representative of JICA, announced that Tunisian olive oil will be introduced to Japanese consumers, while the Japanese ambassador revealed that Japanese companies will be conducting studies on sustainable olive production.
Olive oil production in Tunisia increased fourfold during the last harvest, Tunisia second largest olive oil producer as the largest olive oil producer after Spain. 60 to 70 percent of Tunisia’s olive oil is exported to the EU, mostly to Spain and Italy.
Related Articles
Feb. 19, 2024
Quality Is Key in El Mistol’s Drive to Grow in Argentina, Expand Exports
The producer hopes the new government’s policy agenda and the company’s investments to expand production will improve profitability and grow the local consumer base.
Aug. 10, 2023
Asphalt Made with Olive Oil Byproducts Used to Pave a Highway in Spain
Local officials said the experimental asphalt is more environmentally friendly to manufacture, safer for workers and could provide new revenue for producers.
Aug. 18, 2023
Citing Rising Prices and Low Margins, Turkey Bans Bulk Olive Oil Exports
The trade ministry wants to promote the country's packaged olive oil exports while limiting further price rises for domestic consumers.
Feb. 22, 2024
Experts Back Olives in a Hotter, Drier World
Olive farming may play a critical role in the future of agriculture. Researchers have suggestions for doing it right.
Dec. 18, 2023
Tunisia Takes Measures to Lower Olive Oil Prices at Home as Export Revenues Fall
Low fixed prices for Tunisian bulk exports to Europe mean Tunisian farmers are not benefiting from the surge in global olive oil prices.
Jul. 31, 2023
Despite Drought, Uruguay Anticipates Record Harvest
Official statistics have not been published yet, but a preliminary estimate puts the harvest at a record-high 3,000 tons.
Jul. 25, 2023
Olive Oil Producer Raises €500K Through Crypto Bonds
Lamar Olive Oil raised the money by issuing blockchain-based bonds denominated in the EUROe stablecoin, which is backed by the Finnish Financial Supervisory Authority.
Oct. 17, 2023
California Olive Farmers Create Pollinator Habitats to Boost Biodiversity
Farmers are cultivating native plants to reverse the effects of climate change on beneficial insect and pollinator habitats.