RIYADH: Olive presses in the Jouf region have begun production, supplying olive oil and pressed olives to local and international markets, marking the start of a busy season for agricultural holdings and projects.
Mohammed Al-Fadel, chairman of a local multipurpose cooperative association, highlighted his organization’s efforts to meet the region’s growing production.
He said the association recently upgraded its press with the latest Italian technology, increasing capacity from 18 to 60 tonnes per 24 hours, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Al-Fadel added that the press, serving farmers since the 1990s, now operates around the clock during the season, which typically runs until January.
Last year, it processed the produce of 215 farmers, ensuring product safety through laboratory testing in cooperation with the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture.
Bassam Al-Owaiesh, associate professor of environment and agriculture at Jouf University’s biology department, said the region has more than 25 million olive trees, with production starting in early October.
The region cultivates numerous varieties, including Arbequina and Picual, valued for their oil content and fruit size, he added.
Every year, the region celebrates production through the Jouf International Olive Festival. Organized by the regional municipality, the event showcases the region’s olive oil and table olives, as well as related industries like olive soap, pickles and cosmetic products.
