Irrigaolivo, the project has been set up in Morocco and Syria

The Executive Secretariat has developed a project for rational irrigation management in olive cultivation as part of the IOC’s R & D and environmental programme. Known as Irrigaolivo (CFC-IOC/06), the project has been set up in Morocco and Syria with financing from the Common Fund for Commodities (CFC).

Although drought-tolerant, the olive tree gives higher yields when it is irrigated. Water is an important and precious resource. The object of this project is therefore to show olive growers the economic benefits of rational irrigation use. For instance, deficit irrigation where only 70 pc of plant water requirements are covered can give bigger crops and better oil quality while saving a considerable amount of water. By conducting trials and promoting irrigation and orchard management practices, the project seeks to help small farmers to produce more and better and to increase their earnings and so improve their standard of living. See project video

International Olive Council