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Taisir Al-Najdawi, the head of the Syndicate of Olive Press Owners in Jordan, has issued a strategic recommendation for farmers nationwide to postpone harvesting operations until late October or early November. The call for patience is attributed to the delayed fruit set this season, which has resulted in incomplete maturation and subsequently low oil extraction rates in early harvests.
Al-Najdawi noted that despite the delayed start, the overall outlook for the season remains positive. According to Ministry of Agriculture estimates, Jordan is expected to produce over 220,000 tons of olives, yielding more than 30,000 tons of olive oil. For industrial and individual buyers, the Syndicate advises delaying purchases until after November 5th to ensure premium quality. Current direct farm-to-consumer prices are reported to fluctuate between 100 and 120 JOD per 16-liter tin.
Regarding processing infrastructure, the Syndicate confirmed that 99% of the Kingdom's olive presses are fully operational and ready for the peak season. Furthermore, the 'Oil Protection Committee'—a joint body comprising the Syndicate, relevant ministries, regulatory agencies, and environmental police—is conducting ongoing field inspections to monitor compliance and product integrity. To preserve crop quality post-harvest, farmers are encouraged to utilize burlap sacks or ventilated field crates to ensure proper airflow and prevent fruit degradation before pressing.
Source: Roya News