Olive Oil Development Project - Batroun

This project aims at improving the quality of olive oil in the Batroun region in North Lebanon and fostering its commercialization in both the local and international markets. The project consists of: trainings and workshops, an olive oil press in Kfifane, a bottling line, a laboratory, a liquid waste treatment plant, and a marketing mechanism.

In 2004, 1,000 farmers and more than 76 villages benefited from the press; 250 tons of oil were extracted from 1,000 tons of olives.
In 2006, over 1,500 farmers from over 100 villages will be benefitting; and 325 tons of oil extracted from around 1,500 tons of olives.

Extension Services

A cooperative assembling the olive growers of the region was founded in 2002 to manage the project. It monitors every stage of the production process, from cultivation to bottling. Olive growers involved in the project benefit from the technical assistance of the press's three engineers who guide them through each stage, from the maintenance of trees and groves to the harvesting and storing of olives. At each stage, the use of methods that preserve the environment is encouraged. Agricultural machinery and fertilizers are provided to the farmers at a reduced price. Instead of paying in cash, the cost is deducted from the oil extracted at the press at a later date.

Press in Kfifane

Our press in Kfifane operates under strict standards of hygiene, producing a high quality product. This extra virgin olive oil is monitored by the laboratory for its physical and chemical quality before it is bottled and sold on the market. Three agricultural engineers run the press and its related activities.

During the harvesting season (mid-November to mid-January), the press is busy with around the clock activity; Farmers bring their freshly harvested olives, then come back to collect their olive oil produce. Click here to follow in a photo gallery a day at the press during this period.

Marketing

Since 2003, the extra virgin olive oil has been exported to Europe and the United States through a partnership with OLIVIERS & CO, a high-end internationally recognized distributor with 75 outlets around the world. Locally, the oil is sold under the Zeytouna label. An extensive website was created at www.zeytouna.com for promotion of the product.

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