COSEM 
About COSEM

Tunisia's long-running seed cooperative, rebuilt as a clearer story.

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 economique de la Tunisie No. 55, year 1951.

At a glance

1947

Founded in July 1947.

47

47 statutory employees across various production centers and the head office.

11,000

11,000 hectares across 10 northern governorates.

Mission

The Central Seed Cooperative (COSEM)

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

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.

Strengths

What gives COSEM operating depth.

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.

Manouba

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.
Tbourba

New Cereal Seed Conditioning Station in Tbourba

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

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.
People

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

Cereal Seed Production Processes and Itinerary

11,000

Coverage: 11,000 hectares across 10 northern governorates (10,000 hectares for grain, 1,000 hectares for leguminous and forage crops).

100

Seed Multipliers: 100 total, with 80 being members.

13

Production: 13 species and 26 varieties.

Outputs

Average Seed Production, Seed Marketing, and Financial Support

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.