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Thursday July 9, 2026: The engineers Mr. Youssef AMOR and Ms. Faten Ksouri Mansour, carried out an assistance and technical supervision visit to a plot of vegetables crops (tomato and pepper) in conversion to organic farming located in the region of Sejnene Governorate of Bizerte, with the collaboration and cooperation between the Technical Center of Organic Agriculture (CTAB) and the Regional Commissioner for Agricultural Development (CRDA) of Bizerte: Division of Organic Agriculture.
During this day, different crops were inspected and technical and logistical advice was transmitted to the owner of the farm.
In alignment with the objectives of the National Program for Energy Transition in Public Facilities, the Technical Center for Organic Agriculture has installed a solar photovoltaic plant at its headquarters. This marks a significant step towards modernizing our facility and embedding environmental sustainability within the organic agriculture sector.
This initiative aims to boost self-generated electricity by harnessing solar power, following comprehensive technical studies that led to the selection of the plant's optimal location, ensuring maximum efficiency and energy yield.
🎯 Our Strategic Goals:
🌱 Environmental Sustainability: Réduire l'empreinte carbone du Centre et contribuer activement à la protection de l'environnement, en parfaite adéquation avec les principes fondamentaux de l'agriculture biologique.
⚡ Energy Efficiency: Adopting innovative solutions to optimize energy consumption, relying entirely on clean and renewable sources.
🏆 Exemplary Role: Establishing the Technical Center for Organic Agriculture as a role model and a key supporter of the energy and ecological transition in Tunisia, ultimately serving the agricultural sector.
📌Le personnel du centre a également participé à un atelier de formation sur « L'énergie photovoltaïque : de la théorie à la pratique », le 25 mai 2026.
As part of efforts to support the exchange of experiences and develop the skills of technical teams active in the field of organic agriculture, and to promote the adoption of modern technologies to serve the sector, the Technical Center for Organic Agriculture, represented by its Director General, Mr. Mehdi Mabrouk, along with Mr. Aymen Youssef and Ms. Sondos Hebali, took part in a practical session organized by the General Directorate of Organic Agriculture. This initiative, conducted in coordination with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Regional Commissionner for Agricultural Development of Monastir, focused on the use of rapid soil analysis kits.
This event took place on June 19, 2026, at the soil analysis laboratory of the support station in Monastir.
The field day was supervised by Professor and expert Mr. Ali Sahli. Practical demonstrations were presented on how to use and evaluate the effectiveness of the rapid soil analysis kits, thereby contributing to the improvement of soil fertility assessment processes and the promotion of sustainable agricultural practices.
In this regard, it was agreed to continue this approach by organizing additional practical sessions. The Center's Director General expressed the institution's readiness to host these sessions at the laboratory and experimental station located at the Center's headquarters, and to make all its resources available to the various stakeholders.
Friday, July 03, 2026: follow-up of a trial in organic Farm of Mr. Hana Ben Hrise in Tabarka of the Governorate of Jendouba, with the collaboration and cooperation between the Technical Center of Organic Agriculture (CTAB) and the Regional Commissioner of Agricultural Development (CRDA) of Jendouba.
The trial consists of studying the adaptation of the seasonal cherry tomato crop for biodynamic farming.
During this day, the spreading of the preparation 501(2nd application) according the trial protocol was carried out.
Follow-up and supervision realized by:
- Youssef Amor: CTAB.
In collaboration with the Organic Agriculture Division and the Rural Women Support Unit of the Regional Commissionner for Agricultural Development of Medenine, the Technical Center for Organic Agriculture conducted a training session on "The production, processing, valorization, and marketing of organic aromatic and medicinal plants," held on July 02–03, 2026, at the Agricultural Vocational Training Center of Fja, for the benefit of women in rural areas.
This initiative is part of efforts to promote the economic empowerment of rural women, strengthen their role in local development, and improve their living conditions.
The session was facilitated by Engineer Salaheddine Souguir.
To support national efforts in promoting the organic farming sector and upskilling its various stakeholders, and in alignment with the sector's significant developments across multiple fields, the Technical Center for Organic Agriculture (CTAB) organized its second training session on "Composting Techniques in Organic Agriculture." This initiative was carried out in implementation of the partnership agreement between the National Center for Continuing Education and Vocational Promotion and the Regional Union of Agriculture and Fisheries of Sousse. The session took place from June 23 to 25, 2026, at the Center's headquarters. The program covered several essential topics, including compost production techniques, the valorization of crop residues and agricultural by-products, and practical methods for their utilization. The training also provided all participants with the opportunity to immerse themselves in the compost production process through a field visit to the pilot station located at the Center's experimental farm. The session was led by Ms. Hanem Grissa, General Engineer and Director of Training and Studies at the Center. As an expert in the field, she expertly facilitated the workshops and addressed a wide range of technical questions and concerns. The training concluded with a certificate award ceremony for the participants. The event was marked by an atmosphere of great satisfaction and high praise, recognizing both the excellent organization and the rich technical content delivered throughout the session. |
Wednesday June 1st, 2026, the engineers Mr. Youssef AMOR and Ms. Faten Ksouri Mansour, carried out an assistance and technical supervision visit in the organic vegetables (Solanaceae and Cucurbitaceae) plot in the Errissal company in Mornag (Governorate of Ben Arous), with the collaboration and cooperation between the Technical Center of Organic Agriculture (CTAB), the Regional Commissioner for Agricultural Development (CRDA) of Ben Arous: Division of Organic Agriculture and the Interprofessional Vegetable Group (GIL).
During this day, different crops were inspected and technical and logistical advice was transmitted to the representatives of Errissala company.
Friday, June 26, 2026: Follow-up of a trial in organic farm of Ms. Hayet El Melliti in El Alia of the Governorate of Bizerte, with the collaboration and cooperation between the Technical Center of Organic Agriculture (CTAB), the Biotechnology Center of Borj Cedria and the Regional Commissioner of Agricultural Development (CRDA) of Bizerte.
The trial consists on studying the irrigation of organic olive trees (Variety: Chetoui) by using jars.
During this day, the quantity of water consumed was measured and the jars were filled with water as well as soil samples were taken for analysis, according to the experimental protocol.
Follow-up and supervision realized by:
- Youssef Amor and Aymen Youssef: CTAB.
- Najoua Sahbani and Takwa Balti : Division of Organic Agriculture : CRDA of Bizerte.
The Technical Centre for Organic Agriculture (CTAB), represented by Mr. Salaheddine Souguir, Chief Engineer, took part in a training workshop themed "Protecting Beneficial Insects... Protecting the Future of Our Agriculture."This event, organized under the BIOREST project by the FAO, in partnership with the General Directorate of Organic Agriculture and the Technical Centre for Organic Agriculture, was held on June 24 and 25, 2026, at a hotel in Sousse.
Beyond the acquisition of new knowledge, this forum represented an important step towards more sustainable and resilient agriculture. Indeed, recognizing, preserving, and valuing beneficial insects is at the heart of capacity building for the executives and technicians in charge of agricultural extension.
The program featured theoretical presentations, practical workshops, and a field visit to the experimental station of the Technical Centre for Organic Agriculture in Chott Mariem, where the participants were welcomed by Mr. Mehdi Mabrouk, Director General of the Centre.
This visit allowed participants to discover the various activities at the station, familiarize themselves firsthand with the crops and plantations on site, and learn about the techniques employed to preserve beneficial insects, thereby promoting ecological balance.
The recommendations formulated at the conclusion of the workshop pave the way for a better integration of functional biodiversity into production systems. This involves, in particular, reducing pesticide use, diversifying crops, developing infrastructure dedicated to organic agriculture, and gaining a deeper understanding of the role of beneficial insects in the biological control of pests.
As part of the ongoing series of soil analysis activities, initiated some time ago through a collaboration among several Regional Commissariats for Agricultural Development (CRDA), the General Directorate of Organic Agriculture (represented by its Organic Agriculture Divisions - DAB), and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) via the Biorest project, and in coordination with the Technical Center for Organic Agriculture (CTAB), the CTAB organized a practical operation on June 24, 2026. Conducted in coordination with the Soil Department of the Regional Commissariat for Agricultural Development of Sousse, this operation focused on the preparation and analysis of soil samples at the CTAB laboratory.
The samples were collected from the organic farm of Mr. Mourad Jomaa, located in Sidi Said, delegation of Bouficha, Governorate of Sousse. They were sampled on June 23, 2026, as follows:
- First set of samples: at a depth of 0 to 20 cm.
- Second set of samples: at a depth of 20 to 40 cm.
The operation involved the preparation of the samples and their submission to laboratory analyses, as well as the measurement of their physicochemical properties using the rapid measurement device "Kit Paintest SKW 500".
To ensure the accuracy of the technical data, the results from this device were compared with those from conventional laboratory analyses, with a particular focus on the acidity (pH) and electrical conductivity/salinity (EC) indicators. This comparison aims to assess their consistency and enhance the reliability of data regarding soil characteristics.
This initiative falls within the framework of supporting sustainable agricultural practices and providing technical monitoring for organic farms. It aims to ensure better soil management, preserve soil fertility and health, and improve the overall quality of agricultural production.
This practical operation was supervised by the following individuals:
- Ms. Sondes Hebali, Technical Center for Organic Agriculture,
- Ms. Dhouha Delhoumi, Soil Department of the Regional Commissariat for Agricultural Development of Sousse,
- Ms. Sihem Hamdi, Soil Department of the Regional Commissariat for Agricultural Development of Sousse,
- Mr. Ali M'Barki, Organic Agriculture Department of the Regional Commissariat for Agricultural Development of Sousse.
As part of its efforts to develop the organic agriculture sector, promote the transition to this farming model, and implement the partnership agreement signed between the National Center for Continuing Education and Vocational Promotion and the Regional Union of Agriculture and Fisheries of Sousse—aimed at executing a collective training program to organize organic farming sessions for Union members and sector stakeholders—the Technical Center for Organic Agriculture hosted a group of approximately fifteen farmers at its headquarters on June 8, 9, and 10, 2026.
Mr. Hassene Letaief, President of the Regional Union of Agriculture and Fisheries of Sousse and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Technical Center for Organic Agriculture, together with Mr. Mehdi Mabrouk, Director General of the Technical Center, attended the opening of this training session.
The program featured several presentations covering the foundations and principles of organic agriculture, the sector's legal and regulatory framework, monitoring, certification, and conversion to organic farming, along with other related topics. The training sessions were led by a team of multidisciplinary experts from the Center.
This inaugural session provided participants with the opportunity to ask questions and discuss the key issues surrounding the transition to organic farming. The training was overwhelmingly well-received by the beneficiaries, who expressed their strong conviction and determination to commit to the transition to organic agriculture.
Participation of Mr. Youssef AMOR and Mrs. Sondess Hebali and Dalel Melki from the Technical Center for Organic Agriculture in an event organized by the General Directorate of Organic Agriculture in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) on " The organic date palm sector and effective and authorized control methods in organic agriculture to combat the pollution of organic products by chemical pesticide residues" for the benefit of the operators of organic dates and this, during the period 11-12 June 2026 in the Tozeur region.
As part of the monitoring of the agricultural season, a field visit was conducted on June 8, 2026, at the SMVDA Al-Resala organic farm in Mornag, Ben Arous.
The objective of this visit was to assess the maturity stage of the organic field crops. The visit was attended by the Director of the Regional Commissionner for Agricultural Development of Ben Arous, General Engineer Hatem CHEHIDI (representing the CTAB), the Organic Agriculture Division of the CRDA, and all relevant stakeholders.
As part of exchange visits and the sharing of expertise, a delegation comprising professors and students from the University of Kassel (Germany) and the Higher Institute of Agronomic Sciences of Chott-Mariem visited the Technical Center for Organic Agriculture on Friday, June 5, 2026.
During this visit, Ms. Faten Mansour presented the activities and missions of the center.
The discussions then focused on ways to raise greater awareness of organic agriculture and promote the consumption of organic products.
Furthermore, this visit provided an opportunity to present the objectives behind the establishment of an accredited laboratory specialized in the analysis of pesticide residues and contaminants, as well as its crucial importance for organic agriculture. Ms. Dallel Maleki also detailed the various analytical activities planned across the different laboratory rooms, in compliance with technological requirements, current regulations, and accreditation standards.
On Thursday, June 4, 2026, Mr. Youssef Amor, General Engineer and Director of Experimentations at the Technical Centre for Organic Agriculture, accompanied by professor-researchers Mr. Messaoud Mars and Mr. Mehdi Tarad, participated in facilitating a field day focused on the "organic pollination of fig trees".
Organized by the Regional Commissionner for Agricultural Development of Siliana (Organic Agriculture Division) as part of the implementation of the " BIOREST " project, this event was held for the benefit of farmers at an organic fig orchard in Kesra.
Mr. Hatem CHEHIDI, General Engineer and representative of the CTAB, took part in the first day of the scientific symposium titled "From Tradition to Innovation: The Sustainable Valorization of Agri-Food Resources," which was held at the INAT Auditorium on June 1, 2026.
On this occasion, he presented a scientific poster in collaboration with Ms. Ines TBINI, representative of the SMSA Lella Kmar Baya.
This presentation focused on the valorization of the Mahmoudi wheat variety, with a particular emphasis on its potential for the production of organic borghol.
Monday, June 1st, 2026: follow-up of a trial in organic Farm of Mr. Hana Ben Hrise in Tabarka of the Governorate of Jendouba, with the collaboration and cooperation between the Technical Center of Organic Agriculture (CTAB) and the Regional Commissioner of Agricultural Development (CRDA) of Jendouba.
The trial consists of studying the adaptation of the seasonal cherry tomato crop for biodynamic farming.
During this day, the spreading of the preparation 501 according the trial protocol was carried out.
Follow-up and supervision realized by:
- Youssef Amor: CTAB.
In collaboration with the Organic Agriculture Division and the Rural Women Support Unit of the Regional Commissionner for Agricultural Development of Mahdia, the Technical Center for Organic Agriculture conducted a training session on "The production, processing, valorization, and marketing of organic aromatic and medicinal plants," held on May 21–22, 2026, at the Agricultural Vocational Training Center of Souassi, for the benefit of women in rural areas.
This initiative is part of efforts to promote the economic empowerment of rural women, strengthen their role in local development, and improve their living conditions.
The session was facilitated by two experts from the Center, Salaheddine Souguir and Faten Ksouri Mansour.
In collaboration with the Organic Agriculture Division of the Regional Commissionner for Agricultural Development of Zaghouan, the Technical Center for Organic Agriculture conducted a training session on "The production, processing, valorization, and marketing of organic aromatic and medicinal plants," held from May 19 to 20, 2026, at the Zaghouan Youth Complex, for the benefit of women in rural areas.
This initiative is part of efforts to promote the economic empowerment of rural women, strengthen their role in local development, and improve their living conditions.
The session was facilitated by two experts from the Center, Salaheddine Souguir and Faten Ksouri Mansour.
As part of its international outreach and efforts to strengthen technical cooperation, the Technical Center for Organic Agriculture (CTAB) welcomed a delegation from Madagascar on May 18, 2026, in partnership with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the National Waste Management Agency (ANGed).
This study visit, organized in Tunisia, aimed to foster the exchange of expertise and best practices in sustainable organic waste management and the transition toward low-environmental-impact agriculture.
The program included presentations and field visits, during which the delegation had the opportunity to learn about the center's missions and its various activities in the field of organic agriculture, as well as to benefit from its extensive experience in organic waste valorization, particularly through compost production techniques.
Within this same framework, participants visited the experimental farm to observe the operations of the compost production platform and the biogas production unit. They also reviewed the various crops, plantations, and field experiments conducted at the station, accompanied by the center's technical team, before the visit concluded with a tour of the laboratory for analyzing pesticide residues and pollutants.
This initiative falls within the scope of the center's strategy aimed at opening up to international experiences, strengthening partnerships and cooperation, promoting the exchange of expertise, knowledge transfer, and identifying funding opportunities with various official institutions in friendly countries—particularly in the areas of sustainable management of organic waste and its transformation into value-added resources such as compost and renewable energy, as well as in the field of laboratory analysis related to organic products.
The Technical Center for Organic Agriculture (CTAB) participated in the Mediterranean Salon of Agriculture and Food Industries, held at the Sfax Exhibition Palace from May 13 to 17, 2026. This participation, included in the Center's annual Communication Program, featured a dedicated booth highlighting CTAB's full range of missions and activities. As a key player in Tunisia's organic agriculture sector and a strategic partner in implementing the guidelines of the Ministry of Agriculture, Water Resources, and Fisheries, CTAB used this platform to strengthen its institutional visibility.
Throughout the event, CTAB executives and experts maintained a continuous presence to inform, advise, and support visitors on organic agriculture issues. Discussions focused on the following key areas :
• Presentation of the Center's core missions,
• Dissemination of organic agriculture principles,
• Institutional outreach and partnership development,
• Visitor reception and technical support.
The CTAB booth was also visited by the Governor of Sfax and the Director General of the Regional Commissionner for Agricultural Development of Sfax. Welcomed by the Centre's Director General, who presented an overview of the Centre's activities, its central role in supporting the organic agriculture sector in Tunisia, as well as the future prospects of this sector in the face of climate change.
As part of the scientific activities held alongside the salon, Ms. Faten Ksouri Mansour, representing CTAB, delivered a presentation titled "The Role of the Center in Promoting the Commercialization of Organic Products." This session took place during the scientific forum organized under the theme "Organic Agriculture and Organic Olive Oil: Climate Adaptation and Competitiveness," in the presence of the President of the Tunisian Union of Agriculture and Fisheries (UTAP).
This participation also represented an important step in strengthening the Centre's strategic vision for promoting the culture of organic agriculture and consolidating its role as a bridge between scientific research and field application. It further enabled the expansion of its partner network and enhanced public awareness of the benefits of organic production and consumption.
Moreover, this participation ranks among the Centre's key activities scheduled as part of the celebrations for the National Agriculture Day, under the slogan : "Food sovereignty is a decision, not a Choice"
Thursday, May 14, 2026: Installation of a trial in the organic farm of Ms. Hayet El Melliti in El Alia of the Governorate of Bizerte, with the collaboration and cooperation between the Technical Center of Organic Agriculture (CTAB), the Biotechnology Center of Borj Cedria (CBBC) and the Regional Commissioner of Agricultural Development (CRDA) of Bizerte.
The trial consists on studying the irrigation of organic olive trees (Variety: Chetoui) by using jars.
During this day, the placement of the jars according to the experimental protocol was carried out.
Follow-up and supervision realized by:
- Youssef Amor: CTAB.
- Najoua Sahbani and Takwa Balti : Division of Organic Agriculture : CRDA of Bizerte.
As part of the celebration of National Agriculture Day, under the slogan "Food sovereignty is a decision, not an option," the Technical Center for Organic Agriculture hosted, on May 12, 2026, a delegation of 28 students from the Higher School of Agriculture of Mograne, accompanied by Professors Amel Karkeni and Afifa Hachaf.
During this visit, the students learned about the missions and activities of the CTAB, as well as the foundations and principles of organic agriculture. They also explored the various components of the organic experimental farm. A visit of the Residue and Contaminant Analysis Laboratory was also organized, allowing them to familiarize themselves with its equipment and Procedures.
The supervision and guidance for this visit were provided by :
- Mr. Nassim Nouira : Head of the Inputs Department and responsible for the Experimental Farm,
- Ms. Dalel Melki : In charge of the Residue and Contaminant Analysis Laboratory,
- Mr. Hatem Chehidi : Sub-Director of the Training.
As part of the center's program to celebrate National Agriculture Day, under the slogan "Food sovereignty is a decision, not an option," the Technical Center for Organic Agriculture participated in the activities of the 15th Edition of the Mediterranean Agriculture and Food Industries Fair. This participation took the form of a contribution to the scientific forum held throughout the event, from Wednesday, May 13, 2026, to Sunday, May 17, 2026.
In this context, Engineer Faten Ksouri Mansour, Deputy Director of Studies at the center, delivered a presentation entitled: "The Role of the Technical Center for Organic Agriculture in Promoting and Developing the Marketing of Organic Olive Oil." She outlined the center's strategic focus areas in supporting the organic olive oil value chain, as well as the efforts undertaken to assist sector stakeholders and achieve sustainable agricultural development goals, in alignment with the state's strategic directions in supporting this promising sector. She also highlighted the marketing of organic products through the center's website.
The center's participation was further distinguished by the setup of a dedicated booth to showcase its activities and areas of intervention, enabling the team to welcome visitors from all backgrounds, address their inquiries, and establish connections with various sector actors.
The official opening of the fair was presided over by the Governor of Sfax and the President of the Tunisian Union of Agriculture and Fisheries, who were received by the center's Director General along with several senior executives. Center publications were distributed to visitors, and their feedback and various questions were collected and recorded.
The Technical Center for Organic Agriculture conducted a training session organized in collaboration with the Organic Agriculture Division and the Rural Women Support Division of the Regional Commissionner for Agricultural Development of Monastir on "Production, Processing, Valorization, and Marketing of Organic Aromatic and Medicinal Plants," the training took place on May 7–8, 2026, at the headquarters of the "El Wifak" Group in Amiret El Fahoul.
Designed for members of the group, this initiative aims to strengthen participants' technical skills and diversify their income sources. It forms part of a broader effort to promote the economic empowerment of rural women, reinforce their role in local development, and improve their living conditions.
The session was led by Engineer Salaheddine Souguir and Engineer Faten Ksouri Mansour.
A group of students from the “Chem” Chemistry Club at the Faculty of Sciences of Monastir was welcomed and supervised by Ms. Sondes Hebali, Head of the Processing, Storage, and Quality Department, and Ms. Sonia Halouani, Head of the Production Technology Department.
During this visit, the students explored several activities and practical experiments related to organic farming.
Date : May 7, 2026, at the experimental station of the Technical Center for Organic Agriculture.
As part of the implementation of the Tunisian-Belgian cooperation project "BioTED"—which aims to develop the sector of organic, fair, and sustainable agricultural tourism for the benefit of Tunisian regions and their communities, notably through the training of the second cohort of rural environmental advisors specialized in supporting agricultural tourism initiatives—the Technical Center for Organic Agriculture conducted a field visit to the pilot agricultural tourism project "Bahia," located in the delegation of Oueslatia (Kairouan Governorate), on Wednesday, May 6, 2026. The Technical Center was accompanied by a representative from the Organic Agriculture Division at the Regional Commissionner for Agricultural Development of Zaghouan, a representative from the Tunisian National Tourism Office, and the Head of the Organic Agriculture Division at the Regional Commissionner for Agricultural Development of Kairouan.
The objective of this visit was to follow up, to provide technical guidance and support to the project, as well as to deliver expert recommendations in the field of production and processing of organic medicinal and aromatic plants.
On May 6, 2026, a group of 4th grade primary students from Ibn Rushd Private School in Kalaa Kebira participated in an educational field trip to the Experimental Station of the Technical Center for Organic Agriculture.
The visit was supervised by Mrs. Sondes Habali, Head of the Processing, Storage, and Quality Department.
During this visit, the pupils explored several activities and practical experiments related to organic farming in an interactive and educational atmosphere.
The Regional Commission for Agricultural Development of Gabès, in collaboration with the Technical Center for Organic Agriculture, organized a training session on the theme "Organic Beekeeping Practices" on May 4–5, 2026, at the Vocational Training Center for Maritime Fishing in Gabès.
The training was led by Ms. Sondes Hebali and Ms. Sonia Halouani, and proceeded as follows:
- The first day was devoted to theoretical presentations covering the following topics :
- Principles and practices of organic beekeeping,
- Melliferous plants and their impact on apicultural production,
- Bee diseases and pests, as well as control methods compliant with organic farming standards
- Processing techniques for honey and hive products according to organic production requirements.
- The second day was dedicated to a technical visit to an apiary, during which participants observed several bee colonies and exchanged technical experiences with local beekeepers.
