Marion Piccio, Communication Expert for the EU-funded ADAPT Programme, explains how the initiative is supporting sustainable agriculture, fisheries, and aquaculture in Tunisia by making investment more accessible. She highlights the opportunities available to young entrepreneurs through the ADAPT Investment Support Fund and shares her advice on embracing new opportunities and learning from mistakes.

1. What is the ADAPT programme and what is its objective?
The ADAPT programme (Support for Sustainable Development in the Agriculture and Artisanal Fisheries Sector in Tunisia) is funded by the European Union and implemented by the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation in partnership with the World Food Programme. Signed in 2020 for a duration of eight years, the programme initially had a budget of €44.4 million aimed at supporting private investment as a driver of economic, social, and environmental development. In December 2022, in the context of the Russia–Ukraine crisis and its impact on food supply, an additional €24.8 million was allocated to support the cereal sector, bringing the programme’s total budget to €70 million. ADAPT supports stakeholders in agricultural, aquaculture, and fisheries value chains in improving their practices, managing natural resources sustainably, and strengthening food security and self-sufficiency through an innovative, inclusive, and environmentally oriented approach.

2. What opportunities does ADAPT offer young Tunisians today?

For young Tunisians, the programme currently offers a real opportunity to launch their own projects through the third call for proposals under the ADAPT Investment Support Fund. This scheme finances projects in agriculture, fisheries, aquaculture, and related value chains. The support takes the form of a grant combined with a bank or leasing loan, covering up to 14% of the loan amount, and up to 20% for young people, women, and agricultural professional organizations. The call remains open on a rolling basis until 19 November 2026, giving applicants time to prepare and submit their projects when ready. It is a concrete form of support that helps transform ideas into reality by making investment more accessible and encouraging innovative, environmentally friendly initiatives.

3. What advice do you wish you had received at 20?

It’s very simple: don’t be afraid of making mistakes. Mistakes do not stop you from moving forward, they help you grow. Dare to try, take the leap, and above all, don’t miss opportunities that can help you develop. Programmes such as ADAPT exist precisely to support those first steps and give young people the means to turn an idea into a concrete project.