The establishment of an energy efficient glasshouse for the production of export quality beef tomato The intention of the Applicant A. & G. van den Bosch B.V. (the Netherlands) is to establish jointly with the local partner Agricole Saf Saf II (Tunisia) the production of beef tomatoes in El Hamma, one of Tunisia's most underdeveloped regions. It concerns a glasshouse (in contrast to the plastic greenhouses used in Tunisia) with an integrated energy efficient operation based on geothermal heating, water recycling and biological pest control. The initial production area is about 2 ha with an estimated yield of about 1,500 tons of beef tomato per year. All of which are meant for export. At the end of the project the operation will be GlobalGAP and HACCP certified and will have developed cooperation with the Agricultural school from Mareth and the El Hamma Institute for Handicapped.Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)The joint venture will limit its environmental impact with energy saving technology and use of biological input material. Employees mainly women will be paid salaries that can be considered ‘living wages’. A non-discrimination policy in terms of gender and information on rights and duties will be implemented.Also the cooperation with an institute for disabled persons will be established for appropriate jobs. In addition, elements of exclusion of forced labour and child labour will be part of the CSR policy.Impact•	Employment and working conditionsThe project will provide salaries that are about 30% above the minimum wage. The company will pay for pension and social benefits and make reservations for a fund for schooling and small annual gifts. Transport is not needed since the project is close to the village. Working conditions (health safety) will be comparable with the conditions in the production facilities in the Netherlands.•	Innovation / Transfer of knowledgeAlthough tomatoes are being cultivated on more locations especially near the southern city of Gabes, the product – beef tomato – is not grown in Tunisia on a commercial basis. Most greenhouses are of the tunnel type, while in this project the beef tomatoes will be grown in glass greenhouses for optimal conditions. Geothermal heat will be used during periods with suboptimal temperature.•	Chain effectsImpact on local suppliersThe joint venture will purchase its input material (seed/seedlings, growing medium, packaging material) from 4 to 5 regular local suppliers. Local transporters will be hired for export of the tomatoes. All local services will be based on long-term contracts.•	Impact on the sectorThe project has an impact on the Grow Group Tunisia from which seed will be purchased.Furthermore, the project will co-operate with the Institute of the Handicapped of El Hamma and offer them jobs/tasks where possible.•	EnvironmentThe project will introduce environmental friendly technologies and solutions. In addition, it will work on water recycling and biological ways of pest control and pollination.•	Position of womenIn total, eighteen women will be hired of which two for a medium-/high-level position•	Impact on food safetyAlthough the contribution to food security is limited, the project will be a good example of growing food in a sustainable and efficient way.•	Impact on waterThe project will show how efficient water use for agriculture can be. The establishment of an energy efficient glasshouse for the production of about 1,500 tons of export quality beef tomato.