Tunis: The Tunisian Observatory of Economy (OTE) has called for an agricultural policy based on the principle of food sovereignty. In a recent note, it stresses the need to review the current approach to reducing the trade deficit, which is based on a policy of deliberate shortages. The note, entitled "2023: A better food balance through a policy of deliberate shortages," states that 'the policy of reducing the trade deficit should be revised in favour of an agricultural policy that promotes the principle of food sovereignty, guarantees self-sufficiency and the right to food for Tunisians, and protects against exogenous shocks from international markets and the effects of climate change (pressure on water resources).' Although it is not possible to produce everything in Tunisia, the example of grain (durum wheat, soft wheat and barley) bears witness to a "food security" policy that meets food needs by relying on imports of grain products. 'These will account for 89% of total grain sales in 2023 (provisiona l data), rather than on local and national production," the Observatory said. In 2023, the food trade balance showed a deficit of TND 211.4 million, much lower than in 2022. The coverage rate was 97.2%. According to the Observatory, one of the factors contributing to this improvement in the balance is certainly the downward trend in import prices for most commodities (except sugar) following the COVID crisis and the outbreak of war in Ukraine. However, this improvement is mainly due to a policy of reducing imports almost across the board in 2023 (-4.4% in 2023/22 compared to +31.7% in 2022/21). This significant reduction in imports can be seen in most food products, such as rice, common wheat, coffee and vegetable oil. Imports of sugar, durum wheat and milk increased, but not enough to offset domestic demand. The year 2023 was also marked by significant and persistent shortages of a number of key food products. Source: Agence Tunis Afrique Presse