Tunisia-Leith Ben Becher predicts higher vegetable prices

Speaking to Tunisie Numérique, Tunisian Farmers Union Vice-President Leith Ben Becher talked about the challenges in the sector. He said he anticipates an increase in the prices of grains and vegetables including tomatoes and potatoes for many reasons including sea-level rise, increased cost of production, fuel and fertilizers as well as difficult climatic circumstances.

Ben Becher added that no one is against lower prices however at the same time no party has a magic wand. He, therefore, emphasised that we should not give promises to consumers. According to Becher, the President of the Republic Kais Saied is able to lower the prices through measures similar to subsidizing farmers, the state bearing part of the subsidy, or a decrease in the prices of fodder, fuel, water and electricity, remarking that this may harm some related public facilities because the production of electricity and gas, for example, has high costs not only to Tunisia but also to the global market.

He further said that the Tunisian Union of farmers had requested the President of the Republic to listen to and consult with it about the concerns of the agricultural sector and to talk about the difficulties they encounter and possible solutions.