The expected estimates for the current olive season are “promising,” amid the ministry’s keenness to support this “vital” sector, Minister of Agriculture, Khaled Hneifat, said.
Hneifat added that the sector is a lever of the Kingdom’s agricultural economy and a source of income for many Jordanian families and plays an “important” role in enhancing national food security and maintain environmental balance.
In statements on Wednesday, he said this year’s olive pressing season will begin on October 15, adding that according to the ministry’s accurate scientific and field studies, in cooperation with local partners and experts, the total olive production for this season is expected to reach about 175,000 tonnes.
In this regard, he noted estimates indicate about 143,000 tonnes of this quantity will be allocated to the production of olive oil, expected to produce about 26,000 tonnes of high-quality olive oil.
Meanwhile, he said the remaining quantities, estimated at about 32,000 tonnes, will be allocated for pi
ckling purposes, which contributes to diversify products and increase their added value.
With regard to meeting the needs of the local market, he indicated that the ministry expects the local demand for olive oil to reach about 25,000 tonnes.
The surplus quantities will be available to enhance the national strategic stock and support the Kingdom’s exports, in a step aimed at consolidating Jordan’s position as a “reliable” source of this “vital” product in regional and global markets, he pointed out.
Hneifat expected that the prices of olive oil this season will be “stable and similar” to the levels of last year, taking into account factors related to supply, demand, and product quality.
Hneifat stressed the ministry’s commitment to providing all means of support to farmers and all workers in this sector, calling for enhancing joint cooperation and coordination among all stakeholders to ensure a “successful” season that meets various aspirations and enhances the sector’s capability to face challenges and b
enefit from available investment opportunities.
Source: Jordan News Agency