SICAM’s ZRP program marks a major turning point in Tunisian agriculture. It makes SICAM:
- The first and only company in Tunisia’s tomato sector to implement such a transformation,
- The first in the Arab and African regions to pursue this goal,
- And the third in Europe to roll out a structured plan aiming for 100% ZRP-certified fresh tomato supply by 2030.
Launched in 2023 without regulatory pressure, the ZRP initiative stems from SICAM’s long-standing values of:
- Protecting consumer health,
- Acting as a responsible corporate citizen,
- Promoting sustainable and competitive farming,
- Strengthening trust with Tunisian families.
“Our commitment is deeply rooted in our belief that the future of the agri-food sector lies in responsible, transparent, and cooperative engagement with agriculture,” said Jaloul Kribi, General Manager of SICAM Agri, during the event.
Responding to Public Health Concerns
The ZRP program directly addresses a growing concern among Tunisians: pesticide exposure. According to the 2025 Responsible Consumption Barometer, published by Lab’ess with EU support, 96% of Tunisians are concerned or very concerned about the health impact of pesticides.
To meet this concern head-on, SICAM’s ZRP approach includes:
- Ongoing technical support for participating farmers,
- Strict reduction in chemical inputs,
- Independent analysis of up to 600 chemical compounds,
- Full traceability from seed to harvest.
2025: From Pilot to Industrial Rollout
Following successful R&D in 2023 and a trial campaign in 2024, the year 2025 marks the full-scale operational launch of the ZRP program. So far:
- 74% of partner farmers have voluntarily adopted ZRP standards,
- ZRP tomato volumes delivered to SICAM’s factory continue to increase with each campaign.
The goal: by 2030, 100% of SICAM’s fresh tomato supply will meet ZRP certification standards.
A Tunisian Third Way: Between Conventional and Organic
Unlike organic (BIO) certification—which can be cost-prohibitive for producers and consumers alike (a 400g jar of organic tomato paste can cost 10.900 DT, or 27.250 DT/kg)—the ZRP program offers a more accessible and scalable alternative:
- It significantly reduces chemical residues,
- Keeps production economically viable for farmers,
- Offers healthy, affordable food options for consumers.
This “third way” reflects a uniquely Tunisian model of agricultural excellence: inclusive, pragmatic, and committed to health and environmental sustainability.
Advancing Public Health and Food Sovereignty
Through the ZRP initiative, SICAM is positioning itself as a national leader in responsible agriculture—advocating for a vision that aligns:
- Public health priorities,
- Environmental protection,
- Fair rural development,
- And greater national food sovereignty.
“Our ambition is to chart a new path—Tunisian, credible, and accessible—grounded in science and ethics, and capable of reinforcing our pioneering role in the sector,” said Malek Bayahi, SICAM’s Supply Chain Director.
