Analysis of Agri-Food Trade Structures
To Promote Agri-Food Trade Networks
In the Islamic Countries
118
 Financial bonuses (investments allowing an upgrade in value-added and
competitiveness, regional development, employment) 109
 Fiscal advantages110
 Access to finance111
In addition to these incentives, farmers benefit from support in the form of subsidies, and access
to inputs.
In addition to the opportunities given by trade agreements, exporters benefit from trade
facilitation (support to reduce the cost of and the time to export agricultural products) as well
as export promotion incentives (export premiums and export promotion programs). These
incentives aim to overcome the costs of logistics (mainly for exports to African markets).
Research and development is important pillar of the agricultural policy. 10 research institutions
ensure a dynamism of this important activity.
Agricultural Certification and Labelling
Local and Regional Quality Labelling Schemes
According to Tunisian officials, the potential for exports is huge because of existing demand not
only in OIC countries, but also in Europe and North Africa. About 100 firms asked to be certified,
but only 50 could finish the process and get the label. This number is relatively small because of
the lack of financial and human resources necessary to communicate efficiently with firms that
need to be aware about the opportunities that the label generates.
As for the certification of the organic products, the regulations have been set in the late 1990.
The sector is relatively developed: the areas of organic farming grew significantly and reached
240 100 hectares in 2016 (18 600 hectares in 2002 and 300 hectares in 1997). As for the number
of certifying operators, it increased from 481 in 2002 to 3690 in 2016. Several private firms
operate as certifiers, in addition to INNORPI. It is also considered as a potentially important
niche, especially to increase the value added of the exports.
In the area of technical barriers to trade, the Tunisian government has concluded Mutual
Recognition Agreements (MRAs) of product conformity certificates with the governments of
Libya, Syria, Egypt and Morocco and Jordan. Such agreements are important to develop trade
relations between Tunisia and partners from the region.
Halal
The main barrier to the development of exports of Tunisian products to the region is the lack of
the Halal label. Tunisian regulations in this area are new, incomplete and not really suited to
their purpose. Indeed, in 2013 the National Institute for Standardization and Industrial Property
(INNORPI), which is a public government institution, adopted the label Halal o The label
is voluntary, and includes health and safety aspects (in order to have the label Halal, firms need
to comply with the ISO 22000) in addition to religious criteria. Subsequently, a Decree on
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