Irbid - The head of the Kufrsoum Agricultural Association for Pomegranate Producers, Ahed Obeidat, described the current olive season as "exceptional," marking one of the best harvests in recent years with numerous benefits for Jordanian farmers.
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Speaking to the Jordan News Agency (Petra) on Monday, Obeidat highlighted that the high yield of olives across the Kingdom has overwhelmed olive presses, prompting many to suspend the intake of new shipments temporarily. Press yards are currently operating at full capacity, causing delays in pressing operations for farmers.
Press owners have urged farmers to postpone harvesting to allow time for processing the substantial quantities already accumulated. The processing capacity of most olive presses ranges between six and 15 tons per hour, he noted.
Obeidat further emphasized that this season, which is about to enter its third month, has defied expectations with a higher-than-anticipated oil content in the olives. Typically, abundant fruit harvests lead to lower olive oil production, but this season the opposite happened.
The exceptional quality is attributed to farmers' adherence to best agricultural practices, which combined optimal production with superior oil quality and distinctive flavor, Obeidat explained.
As for prices, he noted that a 16-kilogram tin of olive oil is being sold at rates between JD100 and JD120, which are considered favorable for farmers.
A recent report by the Department of Statistics revealed that olive oil production during the first month of the 2024 season (October 15 to November 15) increased by 32.2%, reaching 12,000 tons.
In terms of geographical distribution, Irbid Governorate led production, with its presses producing 6,000 tons of olive oil. Ajloun followed with 1,400 tons, while Balqa came third with 1,150 tons.
The Department of Statistics announced plans to release another report next month, with final results to be issued at the conclusion of the olive pressing season in late December.
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