Most olive farming in South Africa takes place on small areas of farmland. In fact, according to Vittoria Jooste, CEO of the South African Olive Association (SA Olive), almost half of the 200 registered olive growers produce the fruit on fewer than 5ha.
Prospective olive and olive oil producers need to weigh up a number of factors before they can begin farming. Apart from the climate and soil type in their areas, they have to consider soil preparation, cultivar choice, harvesting, consumer preferences, and marketing, among others.
"Olive trees require a lot of care when it comes to food, water and pruning, but most of all, they require passion and love. If you focus on these, as well as investing in good people, you'll be able to produce table olives and olive oil of predictable and sustainable quality," says Dr Hannes Brummer, ow: of Oudewerfskloof Olive Farm near Stilbaai, Western Cape. Here, the Mediterranean-like conditions are ideal for olive production.
According to the SA Olive website, another aspect for farmers to bear in mind is that olive trees depend upon vernalisation: they require sufficient winter chilling to enter their rest phase, which in turn will initiate their reproduction phase.
If vernalisation does not take place, the plant will remain vegetative; that is, it will not enter the reproduction phase.
In the case of olives, if daytime temperatures in June and July exceed 21°C, the trees will not bear fruit.
At the other extreme, frost can seriously damage the trees, especially young trees and shoots, resulting in significant losses. Entire trees can die when exposed to temperatures of -7°C and below.
On a positive note, olive trees are not as sensitive to wind damage as other fruit trees are.
SOIL REQUIREMENTS
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der Farmer's Weekly 17 March 2023-Ausgabe von Farmer's Weekly.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent ? Anmelden
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der Farmer's Weekly 17 March 2023-Ausgabe von Farmer's Weekly.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent? Anmelden
Understanding eye conditions in horses: causes and first aid
A horse can get a swollen eye from bumping it against a tree, shaking its head to keep flies away, or even snake venom
IPM requires a completely different mindset
You need to investigate any beneficial insects that may appear on your plants, or you can purchase them
Does parrot farming protect wild species?
Those in favour of commercial captive breeding argue that breeding parrots to sell can relieve pressure on wild populations. Researchers Neil D'Cruze and Rowan Martin review the evidence.
Bacterial and fungal diseases of garlic
Garlic can be prone to bacterial and fungal diseases, and it's important that farmers are proactive in preventing infection and practise appropriate management. Magda du Toit reports.
Responsible wastewater management: a crucial part of farming
The inadequate management of waste water is a challenge that the agriculture sector needs to deal with. Magda du Toit spoke to experts in waste and water management about a cost-effective treatment system.
Technology that can help protect South Africa's farms
Farm attacks, murders, livestock and crop theft, and other rural crimes are a growing concern in South Africa. As a result, more and more farmers are turning to advanced security technology to protect their lives, properties, and livelihoods. Sinenhlanhla Mncwango spoke to experts about the security strategies that producers can adopt to combat these threats.
The impact of theft on farms in South Africa
A high number of livestock are being stolen every year in South Africa. Insurance is expensive and farmers are battling to find solutions to the problem, says Dr Lindie von Maltitz, agricultural economics lecturer in the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences at the University of the Free State.
Staying afloat amid the cost-price squeeze
John Hudson, head of agriculture at Nedbank Commercial Banking, spoke to Glenneis Kriel about the importance of environmental and social sustainability for a prosperous agriculture sector.
Free State has no reason to mark Transport Month
Free State Agriculture (FSA) is very concerned about the extremely poor state of rural paved and gravel roads in the province and has very little, if anything, to celebrate during Transport Month, which takes place every October.
SA's food system ‘vulnerable to climate change'
The Just Transition Agenda for Food System Policymaking in SA webinar, hosted by the Institute for Economic Justice (IEJ) in October, highlighted the role that South Africa’s food system plays in contributing to climate change and how vulnerable it is to the impact thereof.
