"Agriculture" Announces Olive Harvesting Dates and Mill Operations for the 2026 Season

Ramallah - Afaq News - The Ministry of Agriculture announced the dates for the start of olive harvesting and the operation of oil presses for the 2026 season, based on technical and field studies, results of field monitoring, and assessment of the stages of fruit ripeness and factors affecting the quality of olive oil.

According to the ministry, the harvesting of the Nabali local variety will begin on Thursday, October 15, 2026, while the harvesting of the improved Nabali and irrigated varieties designated for oil production will start on November 5, 2026, in accordance with the appropriate ripeness stage and the completion of coloration.

It clarified that the permission to open and operate olive oil presses will start from Sunday, October 11, for maintenance, preparation, inspections, and technical trials, with the actual reception of the harvest beginning according to the specified harvesting dates.

The ministry also set September 20, 2026, as the date to start harvesting olives designated for pickling, according to the nature of the variety and the appropriate ripeness level.

The ministry has allowed the directors of agricultural directorates to postpone the start of harvesting beyond the specified dates, based on local agricultural and climatic conditions, after consulting with relevant parties, and based on technical assessments.

21,000 tons of olive oil expected.

Regarding production, initial estimates from the Ministry of Agriculture indicated the possibility of producing about 21,000 tons of olive oil during the current season.

The ministry stated that the expected quantity could meet local market needs, in addition to the quantities allocated for export, taking into account the possibility of olive oil entering the Gaza Strip.

Local consumption needs in Palestine are estimated at about 15,000 to 15,500 tons, while the quantities allocated for export are estimated at about 4,000 tons, with the remaining quantity going to the stock of farmers and traders, depending on market movement and needs.

The ministry confirmed that these estimates are preliminary and subject to review and updating based on the actual quantities produced and marketed during the season.

In preparation for the olive harvest season, it was emphasized the importance of coordination with the Supreme Committee for the National Olive Harvest Campaign, noting the adoption of a decentralized approach this year through the formation of local committees in villages and towns, headed by local authorities and with the participation of community institutions, national forces, and volunteers.

This approach aims to organize efforts during the season, ensure support and assistance reach farmers, enhance protection in areas most vulnerable to attacks, in addition to providing rapid responses to incidents and urgent needs, and improving coordination between local committees and official, security, and partner institutions.

The Ministry of Agriculture called on farmers, local authorities, national institutions, partners, and volunteers to adhere to the approved schedules and technical guidelines, coordinate with local committees and the leadership of the national campaign, and immediately report any attacks or obstacles faced by farmers during the harvest season.

It confirmed its continued field monitoring of the developments of the season, and taking necessary measures according to updates and local conditions, which contributes to protecting farmers and the olive crop and enhancing their resilience.