Lebanese Olive Farming Practices Improve With U.S. Government Help

October 8, 2009

Farmers in North Lebanon are learning about best practices for olive and olive oil production with the help of the U.S. Embassy.  The U. S. Agency for International Development (USAID) organized and funded the “Extra Virgin Olive Oil” workshop on October 8 in the village of Mejdlaya in Zgharta.  Olive farmers, olive oil producers, and representatives of the municipalities from 40 villages in Akkar, Zgharta, Dinnieh, and near Nahr El Bared attended the workshop, implemented by the Cooperative Housing Foundation in partnership with the Rene Mouawad Foundation. 

Three olive farming experts instructed the participants on proper methods for olive tree cultivation, the design of olive pilot orchards, and selection of suitable olive varieties.  The experts also provided insight on new techniques in the mechanical harvesting of olives.   Farmers learned how to maximize the quantity of extra virgin olive oil they produce and to overcome common problems in the production, storage and transport of olive oil to market.  The workshop also coincided with the launch and distribution of a new guidebook on agricultural best practices for olive and olive oil production, funded by USAID. 

This workshop was organized as part of the U.S. Government’s three-year, $19.9 million Municipal Capacity Building and Service Delivery program, which empowers local municipalities and communities to advance income generation projects and create jobs in rural areas.