Béja’s Olive Harvest Expected to Reach 60,000 Tons in 2025, but Market Uncertainty Looms. 

BÉJA, Tunisia — September 24, 2025 — The northern governorate of Béja is preparing for a promising olive season, with early estimates placing this year’s harvest at around 60,000 tons, according to the head of the Regional Union of Agriculture and Fisheries, Chokri Dejbi.

Speaking on Wednesday, Dejbi noted that the outlook for 2025 is markedly better than in previous years, with both production volume and crop quality showing encouraging signs. “Compared to several past seasons, this year’s projections are positive,” he said, highlighting the potential for a strong harvest.

Optimism on Output, Caution on Sales

Despite the favorable production forecast, farmers in Béja remain cautious. Dejbi emphasized that demand for olive purchases has yet to materialize in any significant way, raising concerns over how quickly the crop can be absorbed by the market.

“The quality of the olives looks promising, but the visibility on prices and commercialization is still unclear,” he explained. “This uncertainty is creating anxiety among producers who depend heavily on olive revenues.”

Authorities Monitoring the Season Closely

To ensure the smooth running of the harvest and processing stages, local authorities and the Regional Union have pledged to remain vigilant, particularly regarding potential issues in oil mills. Dejbi confirmed that both institutions are prepared to intervene if problems arise, underlining their commitment to supporting farmers through the critical months ahead.

“We are working hand in hand with all stakeholders to prevent disruptions,” he said. “The aim is to guarantee a campaign that benefits both producers and the wider community.”

Call for Market Clarity

Looking beyond production, Dejbi urged national authorities to provide clearer guidance on pricing and market outlook. Farmers, he warned, could face financial pressures if commercial pathways for olives and olive oil remain uncertain.

“A strong harvest does not automatically mean strong revenues,” he cautioned. “We hope that the season will be a success in terms of output, but income levels may not reflect the same optimism unless the market situation becomes clearer soon.”

Strategic Sector for Tunisia

Olive cultivation remains a cornerstone of Tunisia’s agricultural economy, both for domestic consumption and for export. Regions such as Béja play a critical role in supplying the national olive oil industry, which is among the country’s most important foreign currency earners.

As the 2025 harvest season begins, farmers in Béja are balancing optimism about quantity and quality with concern over sales and income … a reminder that in agriculture, production is only part of the story.