Tunisia’s olive harvesting season has reached an estimated completion rate of between 60% and 70%, according to Midani Dhaoui, President of the Tunisian Farmers’ Union. Speaking to Tunisie Numérique on Monday, February 2, 2026, Dhaoui stressed the importance of assessing not only the progress of the campaign but also its overall outcomes for producers.
He described this year’s season as “atypical,” marked by repeated hesitation in decision-making related to harvesting, as well as challenging natural conditions. Dhaoui noted that a combination of factors has worked against the current olive harvest, contributing to delays across several production areas.
Weather conditions, in particular, have led to the loss of part of the crop. Strong winds damaged a significant number of olives, resulting in a portion of the harvest being lost and negatively affecting overall yields.
The union leader emphasized the need to adhere to a defined harvesting schedule to prevent such difficulties, which can impact not only the size of the crop but also the quality of the oil and even the prospects for next year’s production.
Labor shortages remain one of the most pressing challenges facing Tunisia’s agricultural sector, Dhaoui added, noting that the lack of workers has been a key factor behind the delayed harvest. He warned that the situation could worsen with the approach of Ramadan, when the availability of agricultural labor typically declines.
Dhaoui also cautioned that the recent rainfall may influence olive oil quality. Olives saturated with rainwater become heavier and more likely to fall, especially when accompanied by strong winds, potentially affecting both the quantity and quality of Tunisia’s olive oil production.
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