Ministry of Agriculture: 2026 olive harvest and olive press dates

Ministry of Agriculture – Minister's Bureau | Ref. 630 | 21 September 2026

Unofficial English translation by the Birzeit Agricultural Committee. The Arabic original is the authoritative text.

Based on the technical and field studies carried out by the Ministry of Agriculture, the results of field monitoring and observation, and an analysis of the factors affecting olive ripening and oil quality, and in order to organise the olive harvest season and secure the best possible quality of production, the Ministry of Agriculture announces the following dates and measures for the 2026 olive season:

1. Harvest dates and olive press operation

1. Baladi (local) Nabali variety: harvesting begins on Thursday 15 October 2026.
2. Improved Nabali and irrigated varieties grown for oil: harvesting begins on Thursday 5 November 2026, when the fruit reaches the right stage of ripeness and full colour, which improves oil quality and specifications.
3. Olive presses: presses may open and run from Sunday 11 October 2026 for maintenance, preparation and the necessary technical tests. They start receiving the olive crop according to the approved harvest dates.
4. Olives for pickling: harvesting olives for pickling may start from 20 September 2026, depending on the variety and the ripeness suitable for use.
5. Powers of agriculture directorates: the director general of each agriculture directorate may, based on the agricultural and climate conditions in their governorate, delay the start of the harvest beyond the dates above if the public interest requires it, after consulting and coordinating with the relevant parties and in line with local technical assessments.

2. Expected production

The Ministry's preliminary estimates indicate that this season's olive crop may produce about 21,000 tonnes of olive oil.

This is expected to be enough to meet local market needs as well as the quantities set aside for export, taking into account the possibility of olive oil entering the Gaza Strip.

Local consumption in Palestine is estimated at about 15,000–15,500 tonnes, and export demand at about 4,000 tonnes. The remaining quantity is expected to go into stock held by farmers and traders, depending on market movement and needs.

The Ministry stresses that these estimates may be reviewed and updated in light of the quantities actually produced and marketed during the season.

3. National Olive Harvest Campaign

See the statement of the National Olive Harvest Campaign 2026 published on this site.