By: Cary Sifferath, U.S. Grains Council Regional Director of the Middle East and Africa

The U.S. Grains Council (USGC) has been engaged in Tunisia for nearly 20 years because that market depends upon imports for all of its corn demand. Still, U.S. market share has fallen for the past three years due to competition from the Black Sea region and South America.

Hoping to help regain some of that market share, a USGC consultant who specializes in ruminant nutrition, Dr. Mustapha El Youssoufi, spoke at two conferences in Tunisia this fall. 

The first conference took place in the capital city Tunis, with the Tunisian National Farmers Union (UTAP). More than 120 participants attended this conference, including high level government officials from various ministries, agricultural professional organizations, large dairy and meat producers and the Tunisian Livestock Office.

El Youssoufi presented about the Council’s effort to partner with local animal production associations to increase consumer promotion for grain-fed meat consumption. The expansion of livestock production in feed-deficient countries, like Tunisia, continues to be a principal driver of growth in coarse grain trade, as demonstrated by numerous USGC programs. 

Another conference of the Syndicate of Farmers Union (SYNAGRI) was held in Sidi Bou Zid, Tunisia, and was well received by farmers and government officials in this large dairy production area.

At this conference, El Youssoufi discussed new dairy feeding management techniques. He also emphasized how important it is for agricultural associations to work closely with the country’s dairy producers. By doing this, Tunisian dairy producers will be able to supply abundant high-quality milk and ultimately improve the dairy industry in the area. 

The Council will continue to participate in conferences like these to help build technical knowledge in the Tunisian livestock industry and build U.S. market share in the short and long terms.