News Briefs
Olive growers in Jordan are on track to increase olive oil production by 20 to 25 percent in the 2022/23 crop year compared to the previous season.
According to the government, overall olive oil yields should reach 30,000 tons. Minister of Agriculture Khaled Al-Hneifat said these figures mean production would be sufficient to cover internal consumption and some exports.
International Olive Council data show that Jordan produced 22,000 tons of olive oil in the previous crop year. The Middle Eastern kingdom has yielded an average of 24,600 tons over the past five seasons.
In the last 20 years, Jordan has produced more than 30,000 tons of olive oil just twice, yielding 37,000 tons in the 2006/07 crop year and 34,500 tons in 2019/20. Annual average national olive oil consumption sits at about 21,000 tons.
See Also:2022 Harvest UpdatesDespite the expectations of a bountiful harvest, olive farmers faced plenty of challenges throughout the year. High temperatures and significant rain at a delicate moment allowed insects and fungus to breed in the olive groves over the summer.
According to Mahmoud Oran, the Jordan Farmers Union’s (JFU) president, these challenges were compounded by low rainfall last winter, an unexpected March frost that damaged some trees during flowering and a 10-day heatwave at the end of August.
According to Oran, the August heatwave delayed the planting of other crops and impacted productivity in rainfed olive groves.
“Last year, a ripe olive fruit contained 17 to 19 percent oil,” he told local media. “This year, I believe that percentage won’t be higher than 15 percent.”
While the new harvest gets underway in the country, uncertainties increase about retail olive oil prices.
Mahmoud Al-Omari, the spokesman of a millers’ and producers’ union, told local media that the price of a 16-liter tin of olive oil might rise to 85 Jordanian dinars (JOD) (€121), meaning one liter of olive oil would be about JOD 5.30 (€7.60).
On a local television program, Al-Hneifat said there was a need for continued government oversight at mills to ensure producers complied with quality standards. The ministry executes periodic checks at mills with the support of a special committee formed by experts in the olive sector.
“We care about the olive harvest because it matters to every Jordanian household around the kingdom,” Al-Hneifat said.
More articles on: 2022 olive harvest, Jordan, prices
Jun. 12, 2024
Record Olive Oil Prices Drive Food Inflation in Greece
A study from the National Bank of Greece found that record olive oil prices were responsible for almost 50 percent of the increase in total food inflation.
Jan. 2, 2024
Extra Virgin Olive Oil Sales in Spain Fell by 40 Percent in 2023
The soaring retail price for extra virgin olive oil has driven the vital ingredient out of the reach of many families.
Dec. 21, 2023
Climate Extremes, Economic Pressures Dampen 2023 Harvest, Survey Finds
Olive oil producers gave the 2023 harvest a dismal rating in terms of yields and quality.
Dec. 18, 2023
Tunisia Takes Measures to Lower Olive Oil Prices at Home as Export Revenues Fall
Low fixed prices for Tunisian bulk exports to Europe mean Tunisian farmers are not benefiting from the surge in global olive oil prices.
Jul. 31, 2023
Concerns Mount Over Olive Oil Shortage in Spain
With olive oil stocks expected to run out by the start of the coming harvest and predictions of another low yield, experts anticipate prices to continue rising.
Feb. 7, 2024
Acesur CEO Highlights Andalusia's Key Role in Sector's Future
Gonzalo Guillén believes production capacity is the limiting factor to increase olive oil consumption and Andalusia remains best positioned to expand the market.
Nov. 27, 2023
High Olive Oil Prices in Spain Spur Interest in Black Friday Discounts
While prices at origin have dipped slightly, they remain elevated in stores, prompting concern among retailers over theft and consumers over fraud.
Aug. 24, 2023
Olive Oil Prices Soar in Greece
The shortage of olive oil stocks in Europe and domestic inflation are pushing prices to new heights.