Al-jouf: The Al-Jouf International Olive Festival has strengthened the competitive landscape of agricultural production at both the local and international levels. The initiative aims to empower farmers to showcase their expertise in producing olive oil and table olives, enabling them to compete regionally and globally. By increasing their chances of winning awards, the festival also enhances consumer confidence in Al-Jouf's olive products. This success builds on past editions in which producers have earned top honors for best olive oil and best pickled olives.
According to Saudi Press Agency, farmer Ghaleb Qablan Al-Sharari recalled his participation in the festival from its first to its nineteenth edition, presenting products from his farm in the Basita agricultural area. He has won five awards for his olive oil at the festival, achievements that paved the way for him to compete in France. He also earned a medal for extra virgin olive oil at the Dubai International Olive Oil Competition, in the lowest-acidity category.
Al-Sharari said the festival has played a key role in improving farmers' production practices to achieve lower acidity levels, including better harvesting and pressing methods. These improvements begin with irrigation, tree pruning, and careful picking, followed by safe transport in containers that prevent oxidation, cold pressing, and proper storage in galvanized steel tanks or metal containers to preserve the oil's natural properties.
Al-Jouf Olive Festival also helps connect small-scale farmers with local and international markets by linking them with investors and consumers and providing dedicated booths for selling olive oil and table olive products.