ERPAD Project: Applications Open for Tunisian Fruit-Growing Enterprises 🇹🇳
ERPAD Project: Applications opens for Tunisian fruit-growing enterprises 🇹🇳
July 23rd, 2026
Within the framework of the INTERREG NEXT Italy–Tunisia Programme, the ERPAD – Eau, ressource pour l’agriculture de demain project will select up to 15 Tunisian enterprises operating in the fruit-growing sector that are interested in improving water resource management, reducing water consumption and strengthening the sustainability of their activities.
The initiative is addressed to enterprises with an operational headquarters in the governorates of Sousse or Nabeul, operating in the citrus fruit, fresh fruit, nuts or exotic fruit sectors.
A tailored technical assistance programme
The selected enterprises will benefit from an individualised technical assistance programme designed around the specific characteristics and needs of each business.The support will include:
- analysis of crop water consumption and water requirements;
- preparation of a farm water balance;
- identification of measures to reduce water consumption;
- definition of actions aimed at improving water-use efficiency;
- preparation of an investment plan with the support of a technical and financial expert;
- guidance in identifying funding opportunities, including grants, loans and equity instruments.
The programme will enable enterprises to integrate the water balance into their business planning and identify sustainable investments capable of combining productivity, competitiveness and water protection. Training, cooperation, experience-sharing and networking activities will also be organised throughout the project with other enterprises and research organisations operating in Italy and Tunisia.
Main eligibility requirements
Enterprises may apply if they:
- are legally established and registered in Tunisia;
- have an operational headquarters in the governorates of Sousse or Nabeul;
- operate in the fruit-growing sector;
- have been active for at least two years;
- have an annual turnover of between EUR 50,000 and EUR 5 million;
- own fruit-growing land or hold it under a long-term lease;
- employ at least three people, including the legal representative;
- comply with all applicable tax, social security and administrative obligations.
The selection will be based on the economic, social and environmental information provided by the enterprises, as well as on the characteristics of the proposed investment in water saving and water-use efficiency.
How to apply
Interested enterprises must complete the online application questionnaire available at the following link: Questionnaire ERPAD – tunisian enterprises
The application will be considered valid only after the online questionnaire has been completed correctly and Annex A and all required supporting documents have been submitted by email to this adress erpad@microfinanza.com
The email subject line must follow this format: Name of the enterprise / ERPAD / Governorate
Deadline
Applications must be submitted by 4:00 p.m., Tunis time, on 11 September 2026. Requests for clarification may be sent to erpad@microfinanza.com by 11 august 2026.
DOCUMENTATION
The attachments section includes:
