OLIVE OIL FOR PEACE
EXTENDING AN OLIVE BRANCH ACROSS THE REGION
About the Program
Olives have been cultivated in the Middle East region for over 5000 years, and today they continue to remain an essential agricultural product. In the Palestinian Authority the olive sector provides livelihoods, either directly or indirectly, for over 100,000 families. In Jordan, more than 80,000 families rely on the olive sector as their main source of income. In Israel, olive orchards are the country’s number one fruit tree crop in terms of cultivated area. The olive is therefore a pillar of socioeconomic development, and a major tool for the alleviation of poverty and unemployment.
Through the generous contribution of the Hoffen Family Foundation, Israeli expertise is leveraged to foster cross-border partnerships to share the knowledge with olive growers in the West Bank and Jordan. The first capacity building workshop took place in the last quarter of 2019.
Read more about the program HERE
THE MISSION
To foster regional collaboration in the growth of olive groves between Israel and its neighboring countries, and empower indigenous farmers through joint research and knowledge dissemination
ISRAELI EXPERTISE
The project capitalizes on the extensive expertise on olive oil production that Israel has developed through dedicated agricultural R&D. Scientists at the Volcani Institute have a wealth of experience and knowledge on optimizing production.
Activities
THE PARTICIPANTS
The program brings together Jordanian, Israeli and Palestinian farmers and olive mill owners. The first workshop included 30 regional farmers, agronomists and industrial leaders from Israel and the Palestinian territories.
PEACE AND PROSPERITY
The project not only increases the financial livelihoods of local olive growers and manufacturers in both the West Bank and Israel, but also creates opportunities for communication between the participants, thus strengthening cooperation and mutual trust.
PROFESSIONAL TRAINING
Workshops are held to share Israeli knowledge with olive growers and olive mill operators. Participants learn about olive oil cultivation, harvesting techniques, specialized irrigation practices, and optimized production methodologies.
EXTENSION SERVICES
Israeli agronomists provide extension services for olive farmers, and supervise the operation and performance of olive mills
MARKET OUTREACH
To support local growers, we form external partnerships to sell olive oil produced by local farmers, particularly women. Revenue of sales from specially branded bottles will go towards the creation of new workshops on a growing range of relevant topics