Tunisia: Barley production drops by 30% in 2008

According to USDA data, barley production in Tunisia totalled just 360 thousand tonnes, which is 30% less than in 2007, APK – Inform reported on August 18.

The crop capacity rate fell to 0.7 tonnes/ha – almost one third lower than last season’s rate.

Thus, despite the state’s effort to expand grain production (tax preferences, high purchasing prices for grain), Tunisia decreased considerably production of barley and wheat in 2008/2009, as a result of dry weather conditions.

At the same time, the question of Tunisia increasing barley import remains open – last year’s high prices for barley led to a significant growth of maize import (especially from the US).

19 August, 2008