The Central Seed Cooperative (COSEM):

Founded in July 1947, the Central Seed Cooperative (COSEM) is Tunisia's oldest institution dedicated to seed multiplication and production, as noted in the Bulletin économique de la Tunisie N° 55 année 1951.

Our mission encompasses the entire seed lifecycle:

  • Varietal Conservation (G0, G1, G2, G3)
  • Seed Propagation and Production (G4, SC1, SC2)
  • Marketing of Certified Seeds
COSEM's Goal:

To provide our members with the highest quality products and resources necessary for their agricultural activities, ensuring timely delivery and competitive pricing.

Our Strengths:

Expert Seed Multipliers:

Our members include some of Tunisia's most prominent grain producers, many of whom are also co-op founders.

Skilled Technicians:

Our team is composed of highly skilled professionals dedicated to maintaining high standards in seed production.

Comprehensive Resources:

We operate through a blend of robust production methods, skilled human capital, and strong financial backing.

Production Facilities:

Seed Conditioning Station in Manouba

  • Surface Area: Five
  • Lines:
  • First Line: Acquired in 1955, capacity of 6 tons/hour, installed under concrete storage cells (capacity: 40,000 QX).
  • Second Line: Acquired in 1984, theoretical capacity of 10 tons/hour, currently produces 5 tons/hour due to space constraints.

New Cereal Seed Conditioning Station in Tbourba

  • Capacity: 10 tons/hour
  • Installation Year: 2018

Warehouses:

  • Number: Five
  • Surface Area: 2,873 m²
  • Location: Leased land from SNCFT
  • Facilities: Includes a legume packaging line acquired in 1980 and storage for legumes and bags.
Human Capital:
  • Employees: 47 statutory employees across various production centers and the head office.
  • Casual Labor: Utilizes an average of 100 workers during peak cereal harvest times.
Cereal Seed Production Processes and Itinerary:
  • Coverage:11,000 hectares across 10 northern governorates (10,000 hectares for grain, 1,000 hectares for leguminous and forage crops).
  • Seed Multipliers:100 total, with 80 being members.
  • Production:13 species and 26 varieties.

Average Seed Production Per Species:

  • Durum Wheat:215,000 QX (91.5%)
  • Common Wheat:8,000 QX (3.5%)
  • Barley:7,000 QX (3%)
  • Oats:3,000 QX (1.2%)
  • Pulses (all species):2,000 QX (0.8%)

Seed Marketing:

  • Certified Seed:90% marketed through the Cereals Board.
  • Pre-basic and Basic Seed:10% used for the production of certified seed through multiplication contracts.

Financial Support:

  • ASM credit granted by the Cereals Office to COSEM from the BNA for the purchase of raw seed, facilitated by a financing agreement between the Cereals Office and COSEM.