Khaberni - Minister of Agriculture Saeb Khreisat said that he expects the olive oil production for the current season to be between 17 and 18 thousand tons, while the annual consumption is estimated to be around 28 thousand tons, indicating a deficit of about 10 thousand tons.
Khreisat added that there is an urgent need to open the door for importing olive oil during the current season to cover the shortage in local production.
The Ministry of Agriculture begins on Sunday to receive olive oil import applications for a period of 5 days, as part of the ministry's commitment to securing sufficient quantities of the product in the local markets with appropriate quality and price, due to the decrease in local oil production.
The ministry stated in a press release on Thursday that the import process will be conducted only from the member countries of the International Olive Council, adhering to international standards and ensuring the quality of the imported product.
The companies and institutions wishing to import are invited to submit their applications accompanied by the required official documents, which include: the trade register which specifies the aims of import, export and the trade and distribution of foodstuff, the importer’s card issued accordingly, and the social security statement of the company or institution for the years 2024 and 2025.
The Ministry of Agriculture clarified that this step comes as part of its efforts to provide the essential olive oil for consumers, to achieve balance between supply and demand in the local market, and to preserve price stability and protect consumers from any unjustified increases due to the decline in this year's production.
The ministry confirmed its ongoing monitoring of the local olive season and the quantities produced by local presses, in addition to supporting farmers through its marketing and awareness programs, in parallel with procedures aimed at ensuring the availability of both national and imported products according to the highest quality standards.
The ministry emphasized that a specialized team will meticulously study the submitted applications to ensure that importers comply with the set terms and conditions, stressing the importance of cooperation between the public and private sectors in maintaining the sustainability of the olive sector, which is a fundamental pillar of food security and the Jordanian agricultural economy.
