Olive oil production expected to rise by 150% in Sousse

The olive oil production in Sousse is expected to rise by 150%,  compared with last season. It is estimated at 109,000 tonnes, i.e. 22,000 tonnes of oil. About half of the harvest (49%) is provided by the M'saken olive groves. According to the Regional Agricultural Development Authority, this record figure is due to the significant quantities of rain recorded in the region last season, and the care and follow-up of the tree's health. Nearly 9,000 workers are needed during the 120-day harvest period. Sousse has 210 oil mills with a crushing capacity of about 4,920 tonnes per day. The region has three oil packaging units and five vegetable water dumps, only two among them are operational in Kalaa Kebira and Sidi Bouali with a capacity of 65,000 cubic metres. The groves of Sousse cover 78,000 ha and have 4 million olive trees.