Tunis — A news conference was held on Wednesday in Tunis by Maghreb Farmers' Union (UMAGRI) chairman and the chairman of the Tunisian Farming and Fisheries Union Mr. Mabrouk el Bahri, on the Mag-Trace "Food Security and Traceability in Maghreb Countries" project.

This project is part of the "Invest in Med" program financed by the European Commission in Tunis.

The project aims at making better known Egyptian UNIDO Etrace experience in the Maghreb, enable Maghrebi agricultural products to be compliant with the quality standards for a better exportation to Europe, creating long-lasting partnerships in agriculture and food processing industry and boosting partnerships to improve food quality and safety (technical cultures' improvement, biotechnologies, organic agriculture, packaging, food hygiene).

Mr. Mabrouk El Bahri said the setting up of the new premises of UMAGRI in Tunis is an important step to strengthen the role of this structure in boosting the agricultural sector in Maghreb countries.

This process will help Maghreb farming producers comply with traceability procedures so as to export their products in Europe.

The project will be showcased in the Maghreb on November 18 to 22, 2009 at the El Kram Exhibitions Hall.

UMAGRI was created on May 21, 1989, under an agreement between national farming organizations in Maghrebi countries.

In 2007, Tunisia was chosen to host the Union's permanent headquarters.