Olives Organic Fertilizer Program

Get the most out of your olive trees with our Olives Organic Fertilizer Program. Download the free program from our website today.

The History of Olives

The history of olive trees dates back thousands of years to the ancient civilizations of the Mediterranean region. People believe that olive cultivation started around 5000 BCE in the eastern Mediterranean. Modern-day Syria and Palestine refer to this region now.

From there, the cultivation of olives spread throughout the Mediterranean, including to ancient Greece and Rome. These societies valued olives for their oil, which they used in cooking, lamps, and religious ceremonies.

The ancient Greeks believed that the goddess Athena gave the olive tree to their city of Athens as a gift. Additionally, olive branches were also used to crown victors in the Olympic Games.

Olive cultivation spread in the Middle Ages, with groves in Spain, Italy, and other European countries. In many regions, olive oil became an important commodity for trade and commerce.

Farmers worldwide cultivate olive trees, with the Mediterranean being the leading producer of olives and olive oil. People regard the tree as a symbol of peace and prosperity, and they highly value its oil for its health benefits and culinary uses.

The Olive Trade in South Africa

South Africa is experiencing growth in the olive farming and production industry, with the majority of production centered in the Western Cape region. Olive trees flourish in the region’s Mediterranean-like climate, which features warm, dry summers and cool, wet winters. Despite South Africa being relatively small compared to countries like Spain, Italy, and Greece, our olive production is expanding.

South Africa produces mostly olive oil, however they also cultivate and process table olives. The country produces a variety of olive oils, including extra virgin, virgin, and pure olive oil. Many olive oil producers in South Africa are small-scale farmers who grow and harvest their own olives.

Challenges of Olive Farming in South Africa

Despite challenges such as competition from imports, drought, and limited market access, South Africa’s olive industry has growth potential. As demand for locally-produced, high-quality olive products increases, the industry may expand.

The South African Olive Industry Association supports and guides olive farmers and producers. The organization also promotes the consumption of locally-produced olive products both domestically and internationally.

The Production of Olives with Organic Fertilizer

The cultivation of olive trees produces olives used for their oil and as a food.

To grow olive trees, they require a mild winter and a long, hot summer with well-drained soil that has a pH between 5.5 and 8.5.

To cultivate olive trees, farmers typically propagate them through cuttings or grafting and plant them with 6 meters of space between each tree during the winter or early spring.

Pruning is essential in late winter or early spring to encourage new growth and maintain the tree’s shape and size. Regular irrigation is necessary, especially during the dry season.

After the olives are fully ripe in the fall, they are either picked by hand or shaken onto nets for harvesting. Once harvested, the olives are washed, crushed, and then the oil is separated from the solids and filtered.

Olive oil is rich in antioxidants and monounsaturated fats, which can reduce the risk of heart disease, lower cholesterol, and improve brain function. People use olive oil for cooking, as a salad dressing, and in various other culinary applications. They can consume olives as a snack or use them in recipes, or even to make olive oil soap.

Olive farming can be profitable, but requires attention to soil, climate, and other factors for a successful harvest. Download our free Olives Organic Fertilizer Program.