The festival was jointly organized by the Pak Olive Project under the Ministry of National Food Security and Research, Government of Pakistan, and the Italian funded Olive Culture Project. Over the years, this collaboration has played a key role in developing Pakistan’s olive sector, and the festival reflected the progress achieved so far.

Venue and Scale of the Event

The 7th National Olive Festival was held at Fatima Jinnah Park in Islamabad’s F-9 sector, one of the largest and most scenic public parks in the federal capital. This year’s festival surpassed previous editions in almost every aspect, including the number of stalls, participating growers, and public turnout. The event was largely coordinated by the Olive Culture Project team, which has been actively supporting olive cultivation, processing, and capacity building in Pakistan for many years with backing from the Italian government.

Government Support and Policy Direction

Speaking at the inaugural session, Federal Minister for National Food Security Rana Tanvir Hussain praised the rapid growth of the olive sector. He highlighted the federal government’s ongoing initiatives to support olive growers, improve processing facilities, and encourage private investment.

One of the most significant announcements made during the opening session was that Pakistan is expected to soon become a member of the International Olive Council. This step is likely to strengthen Pakistan’s global presence in the olive industry and open new opportunities for exports and international cooperation.

Strong Public Interest and Market Potential

The festival recorded a high number of visitors from Islamabad and Rawalpindi throughout the three days. Visitors showed keen interest in tasting and purchasing locally produced olive oils, table olives, and value added products.

As the federal capital, Islamabad hosts a large segment of consumers with strong purchasing power. Olive oil, being a premium product, finds a receptive market in cities like Islamabad, Rawalpindi, and other major urban centers. The event also attracted foreign diplomats, embassy staff, and expatriates who live in or were visiting Islamabad, adding to the diversity of the audience.

Diversity of Stalls and Participants

I visited the stalls one by one and was impressed by the passion, dedication, and professionalism of olive growers and young entrepreneurs. The festival brought together participants from across Pakistan, making it a truly national event.

The stalls were broadly divided into several categories. One section was dedicated to olive startups, growers, processors, and sellers. Another featured government research organizations, universities, agricultural institutions, and banks offering financial services and support to farmers. This mix allowed visitors to understand the olive value chain from cultivation to marketing.

Balochistan’s Rising Presence in Olive Farming

One of the most notable aspects of this year’s festival was the strong participation from Balochistan. For the first time, a record number of olive farmers from the province showcased their products and shared their experiences.

Balochistan holds immense potential for olive cultivation. It is Pakistan’s largest province by area, with vast tracts of unused land, suitable soil, and favorable climatic conditions. Farmers from Balochistan shared that hundreds of successful olive farms are already operating in the province, producing high quality olive oil.

International Recognition for Balochistan Brands

Among the standout brands from Balochistan was LO, also known as Loralai Olives. The brand won a silver award at an international olive competition in New York, marking a historic achievement. LO became the first Pakistani olive oil brand to receive such high level recognition on the global stage.

Based in Loralai, which is widely considered the hub of olive cultivation in Balochistan, the brand represents the growing maturity of Pakistan’s olive industry. Besides Loralai, several other regions of Balochistan are suitable for olive cultivation. Both the provincial and federal governments are making concerted efforts to support expansion in this sector.

The role of the Balochistan Agriculture Department has been particularly important. The department provides training, milling facilities, and sampling services to farmers, significantly strengthening the local olive value chain.

Punjab’s Olive Valley and Research Excellence

The festival also featured dozens of stalls from Kallar Kahar and the Chakwal region in Punjab. Chakwal has been officially named Pakistan’s Olive Valley and is home to the country’s leading olive research institution, the Barani Agricultural Research Institute, commonly known as BARI.

Scientists at BARI work closely with farmers, providing hands on research support, technical guidance, and improved plant varieties. As a result, Chakwal hosts many successful olive farms.

One of the leading farms in the region is Izhar Olive Farm, which spans hundreds of acres and hosts thousands of olive plants. The farm supplies olive plants to both the government and private farmers. Thanks to local nurseries like Izhar, Pakistan no longer needs to import olive plants from abroad.

Knowledge Sharing Through Panel Discussions

In addition to exhibitions, the festival featured several panel discussions. Participants included local scientists, senior members of the Italian Olive Culture Project, government officials, provincial agriculture heads, startup founders, and farmers.

The speakers expressed satisfaction with the sector’s growth while also discussing existing challenges. Growers shared their success stories and highlighted the support they receive from government departments and development organizations.

During one panel session, Federal Secretary for National Food Security & Research Mr. Amir Mohyuddin urged the vegetable oil industry to support local olive growers. He emphasized government efforts to improve processing infrastructure, develop international market linkages, and open export avenues for Pakistani olive products.

Looking ahead

The National Olive Festival 2025 proved to be an important platform for olive growers, startups, researchers, and policymakers. It allowed stakeholders to showcase their products, exchange knowledge, and raise awareness about locally produced olive oil.

The response from visitors was highly encouraging. Many consumers pledged to prefer local olive oil over imported brands due to its freshness, quality, and competitive pricing. Pakistan’s olive industry is still in its early stages, but the momentum is clearly building.

If this growth continues, it will not be long before Pakistani olive oil finds its place on shelves in European and North American markets. The journey has begun, and the future looks promising.

About the author:
Mohsin Rasheed is a co-founder of EverymanSci.com, where he writes on science, technology, and culture. As chief editor, he sets the editorial direction, shapes content strategy, mentors contributors, edits features, commissions stories, and makes sure curiosity never gets buried under jargon.

Mohsin Rasheed

Co-Founder & Chief Editor of Everyman Science. I view science not just as a collection of facts, but as the ultimate guide for human survival. From medical breakthroughs to the logistics of space exploration, I am dedicated to documenting how scientific reasoning uplifts the human spirit and provides the blueprints to save our planet. I believe that by unleashing the power of nature through disciplined inquiry, we can secure a sustainable future for humanity.

The post Grand National Olive Gala 2025 Islamabad appeared first on Everyman Science.

The post Grand National Olive Gala 2025 Islamabad appeared first on Everyman Science.

What began as a vision to utilize fallow land for high-value crops has now evolved into a nationally backed movement, supported by progressive policies, international cooperation, and the hard work of thousands of farmers. With Pakistan earning its first-ever medal at the world’s leading olive oil competition, the journey from hill to harvest is no longer just local — it’s global.

This article explores the remarkable rise of Pakistan’s olive oil sector — from Italy’s decades-long investment and the formation of a national policy, to the historic global win by Loralai Olives. More than a success story, it’s a blueprint for what is possible when strategy, science, and soil come together with purpose.

A National Moment

In a landmark moment for Pakistan’s agriculture, a locally produced olive oil recently earned international recognition — marking the country’s first-ever win at the NYIOOC World Olive Oil Competition, the world’s most prestigious olive oil quality contest. This milestone was achieved by Loralai Olives, a pioneering brand from Balochistan, which secured a Silver Award for its Arbequina monovarietal — a delicate oil crafted under optimal climatic conditions on a 40-hectare farm in the Loralai district.

The award was not only a breakthrough for the brand but also a defining milestone for the entire sector. It validated a decade of policy vision, research, and grassroots work — from government-backed subsidies and farmer training programs to state-of-the-art processing units and traceable, sustainable farming methods.

The win also underscored the efficacy of Pakistan’s “fruit-to-mill” model, in which olives are harvested at peak ripeness and processed within hours to ensure top-tier quality. With oils stored in temperature-controlled tanks and packaged in UV-protective bottles, Pakistan’s olive products are now aligned with international quality and safety standards — including ISO 9001, ISO 22000, HACCP, and Halal certifications.

Importantly, this recognition has turned attention to Balochistan’s high-potential terrain, where dry climate, high sunlight exposure, and favorable elevation are proving ideal for world-class olive farming. The ripple effect is already visible, with more local farmers shifting towards olive cultivation, driven by growing demand, government support for processing infrastructure, and expanding export channels to the U.S., Middle East, and Europe.

While this global win marks a major milestone, it is seen as only the beginning. Industry stakeholders emphasize the need to further scale production, adopt precision agriculture techniques, and enhance branding to strengthen Pakistan’s footprint in the international olive market.

What was once viewed as an experimental crop in arid hillsides is now producing award-winning oil — and more critically, transforming rural livelihoods. Pakistan’s olive sector is emerging not only as a niche market success but as a national model for sustainable, high-value agriculture.

Italy’s Quiet Backbone: Decades of Development, Drop by Drop

At the heart of Pakistan’s olive transformation lies a deep and enduring partnership with the Government of Italy. Through its development cooperation agency and the technical expertise of CIHEAM Bari, Italy has not only supported Pakistan’s vision but has quietly helped build the very foundation of its olive oil sector. For over a decade — and rooted in cooperation stretching back nearly four decades — Italian support has remained steady, strategic, and visionary.

This partnership has gone far beyond symbolic gestures or aid packages. Italy’s role has encompassed the complete olive value chain — from the introduction of high-quality exotic germplasm and nursery materials to the establishment of modern nurseries, processing facilities, oil testing labs, and post-harvest infrastructure. These efforts have enabled a wide network of olive farms to take root across Punjab, KP, Balochistan, and even Gilgit-Baltistan.

The real power of this partnership lies in knowledge transfer. Thousands of farmers and field workers have been trained in modern agricultural practices such as pruning, nursery management, pest control, harvesting, oil extraction, and international quality protocols. These include compliance with Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), and HACCP standards, ensuring both product safety and global competitiveness.

This hands-on, field-focused model has proven far more effective than typical top-down development work. In the words of one olive grower:

“We were trained. We believed. And today, our oil is winning medals.”

National Olive Value Chain Policy (2024–2030)

One of the most significant recent developments in Pakistan’s olive sector is the formulation of the National Olive Value Chain Policy (2024–2030) — a comprehensive strategy designed to guide the country’s transformation into a competitive player in the global olive oil industry. The policy has been drafted by CIHEAM Bari under the Italian-funded OliveCulture Project, in collaboration with the Government of Pakistan’s Ministry of National Food Security, and has been submitted to the federal cabinet for approval.

The policy recognizes Pakistan’s immense potential for olive cultivation, owing to its favorable climate, soil conditions, and growing domestic and international demand for olive oil. It lays out a robust implementation strategy and road map that addresses every aspect of the value chain — from plantation and harvesting to processing, branding, marketing, and export facilitation.

The primary goals of the policy include increasing national olive production, enhancing the quality of processing, and building human resource capacity through technical training and institutional support. It also aims to attract private sector investment in processing infrastructure and value-added products, and to facilitate stronger coordination among provincial governments, research institutions, and stakeholders across the olive sector.

Crucially, the policy emphasizes the development of certification and quality control mechanisms, ensuring that Pakistani olive oil meets international standards. By promoting domestic consumption alongside export readiness, it envisions a future where Pakistani olive oil is not just locally consumed, but also respected globally for its purity, sustainability, and traceability.

If implemented effectively, the National Olive Value Chain Policy is expected to unlock transformative opportunities for farmers, entrepreneurs, and emerging brands like Loralai Olives, while positioning Pakistan as a meaningful player in the international olive oil market.

Beyond the Medal

The recognition of Loralai Olives at the NYIOOC was more than a single award, it was a validation of Pakistan’s bold bet on olives as a crop of the future. But behind the medal lies something deeper: a decade of vision, partnerships, and grassroots resilience.

As the National Olive Value Chain Policy prepares to guide the sector through 2030, Pakistan is uniquely positioned to turn its olive ambitions into lasting economic value. With global demand rising, climate-resilient crops gaining ground, and quality infrastructure in place, the country’s olive oil industry is no longer a pilot — it’s a precedent.

Credits

This article is authored by Mohsin Rasheed, Co-Founder and Managing Editor of Everyman Science. Special thanks to Muhammad Arabi Awan, Scientific Officer, OliveCulture Project, CIHEAM Bari, for his generous support in providing detailed insights, information, and photographs used in this article.

Mohsin Rasheed

Co-Founder & Chief Editor of Everyman Science. I view science not just as a collection of facts, but as the ultimate guide for human survival. From medical breakthroughs to the logistics of space exploration, I am dedicated to documenting how scientific reasoning uplifts the human spirit and provides the blueprints to save our planet. I believe that by unleashing the power of nature through disciplined inquiry, we can secure a sustainable future for humanity.

The post Pakistan’s Olive Oil Breakthrough: From Barren Land to Global Recognition appeared first on Everyman Science.

The post Pakistan’s Olive Oil Breakthrough: From Barren Land to Global Recognition appeared first on Everyman Science.

For a country whose economy heavily leans on agriculture, the question arises: if Pakistan can achieve self-sufficiency in wheat, rice, fruits, and vegetables, why not edible oils? Experts argue that with the right investment, time, and dedication, Pakistan has the potential to become a key player in olive oil production—a prospect that could boost the local economy and reduce import bills.

A National Gala Celebrates Pakistan’s Olive Potential

On December 13-14, the annual Grand National Olive Gala—organized by Pak Olive, a government-led initiative to promote olive cultivation—brought together farmers, startups, and industry stakeholders from across the country. Held in Islamabad, the event showcased a vibrant array of olive-related products and innovations, providing a platform for small businesses to shine.

Hundreds of stalls were set up by agricultural research centers, established olive farms, emerging startups, and international NGOs. The gala attracted visitors from across Pakistan, particularly from the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi, highlighting a growing national interest in the olive industry.

Startups Shine at the Gala

One of the event’s highlights was the participation of dozens of startups, each eager to present their olive-derived products. From extra virgin olive oil to olive-based jams, pickles, and raw olives, these entrepreneurs demonstrated the untapped potential of Pakistan’s olive sector.

Many startups proudly claimed that their olive oil could compete with international brands. Among the standout participants were:

• Pak Olives – Recognized for its efforts in value addition to olive products.
• Loralai Olives – Awarded for excellence in product development.
• Jan’s Zaitoon – Praised for its innovative product design.

However, the high cost of locally produced olive oil—ranging from $12 to $15 per liter—was a talking point at the gala. Producers attributed the price disparity to elevated production costs and the lack of facilities to extract pomace oil, a lower-cost byproduct common in global markets.

Research Institutes Join the Olive Movement

Prominent agricultural research institutes also played a vital role in the event, with stalls showcasing their contributions to olive farming and production. Notable participants included:

• Barani Agricultural Research Institute (BARI), Chakwal
• Agriculture Research Institute (ARI), Quetta
• Agricultural Research Institute, Tarnab Peshawar
• National Tea and High-Value Crops Research Institute (NTHRI), Shinkiari
• Agriculture Department of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK)

Researchers and government officials actively engaged with visitors, offering insights into oil extraction, plant cultivation, and market opportunities. Their message was clear: the government is ready to support those interested in joining Pakistan’s burgeoning olive industry.

Related: Pakistan’s Olive Industry: A Story of Hope and Hurdles

Honoring Decades of Service

A special moment at the gala was the recognition of Dr. Marco Marchetti, the outgoing International Project Coordinator of the OliveCulture Project. Dr. Marchetti was awarded for his 40 years of service to Pakistan’s agricultural sector, particularly his contributions to the olive industry.

The OliveCulture Project, funded by the Italian government and implemented by CIHEAM Bari, has been instrumental in introducing modern olive farming techniques and fostering public-private partnerships within Pakistan’s olive sector.

With continued government support, international collaboration, and entrepreneurial enthusiasm, Pakistan could emerge as a significant player in the global olive oil market.The road ahead may be challenging, but the seeds of change have been planted. As Pakistan inches closer to self-sufficiency in edible oils, the olive boom represents a golden opportunity to transform the country’s agricultural and economic landscape.

About the author: Mohsin Rasheed is the Co-Founder and Chief Editor of Everyman Science, dedicated to making complex scientific ideas simple and accessible for everyone. You can reach him at editor@everymansci.com. You can also follow him on LinkedIn.

Mohsin Rasheed

Co-Founder & Chief Editor of Everyman Science. I view science not just as a collection of facts, but as the ultimate guide for human survival. From medical breakthroughs to the logistics of space exploration, I am dedicated to documenting how scientific reasoning uplifts the human spirit and provides the blueprints to save our planet. I believe that by unleashing the power of nature through disciplined inquiry, we can secure a sustainable future for humanity.

The post National Olive Gala 2024: Celebrating Pakistan’s Olive Potential appeared first on Everyman Science.

The post National Olive Gala 2024: Celebrating Pakistan’s Olive Potential appeared first on Everyman Science.

The Silent Killer: What is Xylella fastidiosa?

Xylella fastidiosa is a Gram-negative bacterium that inhabits the xylem vessels of plants — the water-conducting tissue. This bacterial plant pathogen is transmitted through the sap-feeding actions of certain insects, like sharpshooters and spittlebugs , particularly the glassy-winged sharpshooter, which acts as potential vectors of xylella fastidiosa. Although X. fastidiosa affects a wide range of host plants, its impact on European olive has been particularly catastrophic. It causes a condition known as Olive Quick Decline Syndrome (OQDS), which leaves once-vibrant trees withering and dying in a matter of months.

The bacterium was first detected in Europe in 2013 when it emerged in the olive trees in the Apulia, a region in southern Italy that historically produced nearly half of the country’s olive oil and finest olive trees in Italy. By 2020, a staggering 595 wide range of plant species had been identified as potential host plants, including not just olive trees but also coffee plants, grapes, and citrus. This vast plant host range, including subspecies pauca and subspecies multiplex makes, Xyella fastidiosa a particularly difficult foe to contain.

The Origin of the Outbreak: From Coffee to Olive Plantation

The origin of the Xylella fastidiosa outbreak in Italy can be traced back to a single coffee plant imported from Central America in 2008. Researchers found that the bacterium in the infected coffee plant adapted to thrive in olive plants, setting the stage for the crisis that would unfold over the next decade. By 2015, the disease had spread beyond Apulia, affecting regions across France, the Balearic Islands, Spain and Portugal. The rapid spread of this strain of Xylella fastidiosa has left scientists and farmers alike scrambling for solutions.

The Diseases Caused by Xylella Fastidiosa and Xylella Fastidiosa Subspecies

Xylella fastidiosa and subspecies of xylella fastidiosa is responsible for a range of plant diseases and plant bacteria among different different host plants including:

• Bacterial Leaf Scorch: Affects a variety of tree species, causing premature leaf drop and stunted growth.
• Oleander Leaf Scorch: Affects ornamental plants like oleanders, leading to the rapid decline of affected species.
• Coffee Leaf Scorch (CLS): Affects coffee plants, causing the leaves to scorch and impacting the coffee supply.
• Pierce’s Disease of Grapes: A major concern for the wine industry, as it leads to wilting and fruit loss in grapevines.
• Olive Quick Decline Syndrome (OQDS): Specifically harmful to European olive, ucausing premature leaf drop, dieback of branches, and eventually, the death of the tree.
• Phony Peach Disease:  Affected trees show reduced height and smaller overall growth. Fruits produced are smaller, of lower quality .

While the focus has been on olives, the bacterium’s ability to infect such a broad species of plants makes it an agricultural nightmare, particularly in regions such as Corsica and southern France where multiple crops are grown in close proximity.

A Hidden Crisis: Olive Quick Decline Syndrome

The disease known as Olive Quick Decline Syndrome (OQDS) has been the primary culprit in the destruction of olive plantations across Italy especially Southern France and beyond. Infected trees exhibit sudden withering of leaves, branches, and twigs, with symptoms often transmitted between plants and spreading rapidly through the entire tree. For centuries-preference for olive old plant, particularly the prized varieties Cellina di Nardò and Ogliarola salentina, the impact has been devastating. These trees, which once formed the backbone of Italy’s olive oil industry, have been lost to this relentless disease.

By 2015, the disease had already infected over a million olive plants in Apulia alone. The situation worsened as Xylella fastidiosa spread to other parts of Europe, including Corsica and mainland France, where it began affecting other plants like myrtle-leaf milkwort. In total, more than 20 million olive trees have been infected across Europe, putting the region’s olive oil production at risk.

The Search for a Cure and disease management: Is There Hope for infection detected on olive trees?

Unfortunately, there are currently no known cures for Xylella fastidiosa .The most effective measures to control the disease involve preventing its spread. Infected trees must be destroyed, and measures for the removal of infected plants must be taken to control the insect vectors that transmit the bacterium. European regulations mandate the removal of contaminated plants and increased surveillance to track the movement of the disease. Alternatively, isolation and pathogenicity of xylella infected plants can also be done.

Moreover, scientists are exploring ways to identify and breed olive varieties resistant to Xylella fastidiosa. However, this process is time-consuming, and it may take years before a reliable solution is found for how fastidiosa can infect. The most practical strategy, for now, is to plant olive varieties that are naturally resistant to Xylella fastidiosa to prevent future outbreaks of infection in olive and minimize potential losses.

Related: Pakistan’s Olive Industry: A Story of Hope and Hurdles

Symptoms of Xylella fastidiosa Infection 

The symptoms of Xylella fastidiosa infection are diverse and can be easily mistaken for other plant health issues or diseases including citrus variegated chlorosis. The bacterium of primarily colonizes the xylem sap, disrupting the water and nutrient flow within plants.

Common signs for the spread of the disease include:

• Leaf Scorching: The edges of leaves turn brown and dry, eventually spreading across the entire leaf.
• Chlorosis: A yellowing of the leaves, often followed by necrosis (death of tissue).
• Dwarfing of Plants: Infected plants may experience stunted growth, with shorter branches and internodes.
• Premature Fruit Drop: Infected trees including almonds, may drop their fruit before it fully ripens, leading to a loss of harvest.
• Overall Decline: As the disease progresses, the entire tree may collapse, leading to its death.

Because these symptoms often appear gradually, the disease may go unnoticed until it has already caused significant damage. For olive and almond growers, early detection is need of the hour.

The Economic Fallout: A Looming Crisis Caused by the Plant Pathogen Xylella fastidiosa

The economic implications of Xylella fastidiosa’s spread are staggering. In Italy, the country’s olive orchards are estimated to suffer a €5.2 billion loss over the next 50 years if the trees cannot be replaced. This would have a ripple effect on the olive oil industry, leading to higher prices and reduced availability for consumers worldwide. Experts predict that the economic decline could range from €4.1 billion to €10.3 billion over the next five decades, depending on the rate of the disease’s spread.

For olive growers, the lesson is clear: proactive measures, such as planting resistant olive varieties, could have saved millions of trees. The ongoing spread of Xylella fastidiosa serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and early intervention in agriculture.

What’s Next? A Call to Action

The future of olive oil production in Europe depends on quick, coordinated action. It is essential for the agricultural community to continue researching resistant olive varieties and better pest control methods. Meanwhile, European countries must strengthen regulations to prevent the introduction and spread of this deadly pathogen.

The Xylella crisis underscores the need for global cooperation in the fight against plant diseases. As the world’s agricultural systems face new and evolving threats, it is vital that we learn from this outbreak and take steps to protect our crops — not just for today, but for generations to come. 

Source(s)

How Xylella came to Apulia

Xylella fastidiosa

A Silent Killer: Tracking the Spread of Xylella fastidiosa 

Jasper Reichardt

The post Xylella Fastidiosa: A Billion-Euro Crisis Brewing in Europe’s Olive Groves appeared first on Everyman Science.

The post Xylella Fastidiosa: A Billion-Euro Crisis Brewing in Europe’s Olive Groves appeared first on Everyman Science.

Pakistan currently imports edible oils worth billions of dollars annually. Given that the country is primarily agricultural, there is significant potential for self-sufficiency in edible oils, including olive oil, much like other agricultural commodities. In recent years, the Pakistani government, along with farmers and local and international NGOs, has intensified efforts to position the country on the path to self-sufficiency in edible oils, particularly olive oil.

Key Insights into Pakistan’s Olive Oil Industry

Pakistan boasts substantial potential in olive oil production. According to the Barani Agricultural Research Institute (BARI), the nation’s leading olive research center, approximately 10 million acres of land is suitable for olive cultivation. To date, 5 million olive trees have been planted. Numerous regions in Pakistan have been designated as conducive for olive farming, with the Pothohar region—stretching from Chakwal in Punjab to Attock in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa—leading the way. Recently, an additional 6.5 million acres in the Cholistan region has also been identified as viable for olive growth, an area previously deemed unsuitable. This transformation is aided by the efforts of farmers like Muddassar Hussain, who are pioneering olive cultivation particularly in Bahawalpur. Moreover, parts of Balochistan are recognized for their suitability for olive farming. Backed by governmental support and NGOs, many farmers in this largest province are establishing small to medium-sized farms. Notably, Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa also have a significant number of wild olive trees, which contribute to olive oil production.

Highlights from the Annual 2024 Olive Festival

At the festival, we visited a stall featuring olive varieties showcased by BARI officials. Among the top varieties on display were: Gamlik, Manzanilla, BARI-Zaitoon-2, BARI-Zaitoon-1, Arbosana, Earlik, Hamdi, Hojiblanca, and Cheitina. All these varieties have been tested and approved for cultivation in Pakistan.

Current Olive Farms in Pakistan

Several olive farms of varying sizes are operational across the country. According to BARI, the following farms are currently active: Al-Zaitoonia, Siddiqui Olive Store, Green Olivier, Unique Valur Pvt Ltd, Pak Olives, Olive Pakistan, Bostan Olives, Har Ghar Zaitoon, Lawa Olives, Bagh-e-Zaitoon, Al-Noor Farms, Izhar Farms, Tajjal Attock, Olive Zone Gujrat, and Pothohar Olive Oil. This list is provided by BARI, as these farms operate under the supervision of Pakistan’s only government-backed research institution. Most of these farms are family-owned businesses affiliated with agriculture or cooperatives of small farmers committed to advancing olive cultivation in Pakistan. Their enthusiasm and dedication are evident as they strive to establish sustainable enterprises, often relying on their resources while awaiting investment and financial support from local and international stakeholders.

Related: Xylella Fastidiosa: A Billion-Euro Crisis Brewing in Europe’s Olive Groves

Challenges Facing Olive Farmers in Pakistan

Despite the promising potential, olive growers in Pakistan encounter numerous challenges. One significant issue is limited resources; farmers often deplete their savings to maintain their operations. For instance, during low-yield years like 2023, many farmers were forced to bear their operational costs from personal funds due to decreased income from olive products. Therefore, financial backing is crucial for survival.

Additionally, a shortage of oil extraction machinery is a pressing concern. While institutions like BARI offer oil extraction services at a competitive rate of $0.36 per liter, the limited number of machines results in long waiting times for farmers needing to extract their oil. The need to travel significant distances to access extraction facilities exacerbates these delays, leading to fruit wastage and financial losses.

Another obstacle is the scarcity of glass bottle packaging. Currently, only a few brands can afford glass bottles, which they import from China, as local availability is severely lacking. Many others resort to using plastic bottles or sell their oil directly at extraction facilities, negatively impacting profit margins and raising concerns regarding industry practices.

We remain hopeful that in the coming years, Pakistan will fortify its olive industry and empower small growers, enabling them to realize substantial profits from their farms. As the olive oil sector flourishes, there is potential for Pakistan not only to meet its domestic oil demand but also to become a player in international olive oil exports.

Mohsin Rasheed

Co-Founder & Chief Editor of Everyman Science. I view science not just as a collection of facts, but as the ultimate guide for human survival. From medical breakthroughs to the logistics of space exploration, I am dedicated to documenting how scientific reasoning uplifts the human spirit and provides the blueprints to save our planet. I believe that by unleashing the power of nature through disciplined inquiry, we can secure a sustainable future for humanity.

The post Pakistan’s Olive Industry: A Story of Hope and Hurdles appeared first on Everyman Science.

The post Pakistan’s Olive Industry: A Story of Hope and Hurdles appeared first on Everyman Science.

This shortage of olive oil is not only a crisis for Spaniards, who heavily rely on it in their cuisine, but also for the rest of the world as Spain is responsible for about half of the global supply. Cooks worldwide are now paying a premium for olive oil, which has reached record prices of $8,600 per metric ton. This is more than double the price from a year ago and nearly 14 times more expensive than crude oil.

Spanish Drought and Heatwave

The abnormal increase in olive oil prices can be attributed to the prolonged, intense heat and drought conditions experienced in Spain. These extreme weather events are becoming more frequent due to climate change, affecting not only olive oil production but also other crops and condiments. For instance, dry conditions in Mexico have led to a shortage of peppers, resulting in a sriracha shortage in the United States. Additionally, Georgia’s peaches, which require a certain amount of cool weather to blossom, have been decimated by record warming.

While olive trees are accustomed to heat and require less water compared to other crops, they too have their limits. Temperatures above 86 degrees Fahrenheit can hinder the trees’ ability to convert sunlight into energy, and extended dry periods can prevent them from producing shoots, buds, flowers, and fruit. These challenges highlight the vulnerability of the agricultural sector to the effects of climate change.

As a result of these climate-related challenges, grocery store shelves may face shortages, and food prices are likely to rise. Items such as ketchup, coffee, and wine could also be at risk. The impact of climate change on the food industry is a pressing issue that requires attention and proactive solutions to ensure food security in the future.

Climate Challenges for Olive Growers in Mediterranean

Growers in the Mediterranean, which is experiencing climatic warming at a rate 20 percent higher than the rest of the world, are facing significant challenges. This region is responsible for 95 percent of the world’s olive oil production, making it particularly vulnerable to climate change. Tunisia, for example, has witnessed a 60 percent decline in grain harvests due to drought. In Italy, dry conditions resulted in poor yields for wheat and rice farmers last year. These agricultural products have long contributed to Italy’s culinary traditions of pizza, pasta, and risotto. This summer, farmers in Italy have had to confront extreme heat, historic floods, and unexpected hailstorms. According to Davide Cammarano, a professor of agroecology at Aarhus University in Denmark, managing crop production in the Mediterranean has become increasingly challenging due to the variability in weather patterns.

Rising Temperatures, Falling Tomato Production

A study conducted by Cammarano and his colleagues revealed that rising temperatures could reduce the production of processing tomatoes, used in making tomato sauce and ketchup, by 6 percent in Italy, the U.S., and other countries within the next thirty years. Spain’s olive growers have been particularly impacted this year. Between October and May, the country experienced 28 percent less rainfall than usual, with the driest conditions occurring in southern regions known for olive cultivation. Primitivo Fernandez, head of Spain’s National Association of Edible Oil Bottlers, referred to the situation as a catastrophe. Spain recorded its hottest April on record, with temperatures exceeding 100 degrees Fahrenheit, and the heat has continued to intensify. Researchers predict that olives from the Iberian Peninsula to Lebanon will continue to suffer from drought and heat waves associated with climate change.

Olive Oil Challenges Around the Globe

Similarly, hot and dry conditions last year affected olive groves not only in Spain but also in Italy and Portugal, both of which are among the world’s top four olive oil producers. In the United States, olive farmers also face concerns regarding severe weather, although most American orchards are irrigated, making them more resistant to drought compared to those in Spain that rely on rainfall. Nonetheless, olive producers in California, which accounts for the largest olive production in the country but contributes less than 3 percent of domestic olive oil consumption, harvested one-fifth less than their historic average this season. This can be attributed to years of insufficient rainfall, leading to drying wells for some farmers. While winter and spring storms in California alleviated the drought, they also impeded flowering and potentially reduced the oil content in each olive.

Jim Lipman, chief operating officer at California Olive Ranch, the country’s largest olive oil producer, mentioned that despite these challenges, the European demand for California oil remains high, and the upcoming harvest season, starting in October, looks promising. However, the last five seasons have seen two crop disasters due to early warming followed by frost.

At Burroughs Family Farm in Denair, California, production has remained relatively steady in recent years. However, due to an unusually high amount of rain, this year’s olive yield has been slightly lower than usual. Benina Montes, managing partner at the farm, noted that in a good year, their 10 acres of olives produce up to 40 tons of oil, but this year they only yielded about three-quarters of that. Montes was unaware of the olive oil shortage in Europe but suspects that the increased demand resulting from Spain’s low inventory might have benefited her business. She mentioned that their olive oil has been selling well on Amazon.

Overall, the challenges faced by Mediterranean growers, especially olive producers, highlight how climate change is affecting agricultural practices. This is leading to variability in crop yields and increased vulnerability for farmers worldwide.

admin

www.everymansci.com

The post Why Olive Oil Prices are on the Rise appeared first on Everyman Science.

The post Why Olive Oil Prices are on the Rise appeared first on Everyman Science.