An overview of the olive sector in Malta

Abstract

Olive trees were introduced in Malta during the Roman times. There are a lot of archeological finds that show that this species was extensively present during this period. The cultivation of olives was revived during the time of the Knights of Malta who used the oil mainly for medicinal purposes. When Malta became a European Union (EU) member in 2004, E.U. law started to regulate the qualitative standards, product safety and the conservation of the local olive varieties. International agreements have influenced and still influence the olive cultivation and techniques of oil extraction to obtain olive oil and table olives. This thesis provides an outline on olive cultivation in Malta, providing data/information about the history, the laws that regulate this sector and the cultivation problems (abiotic and biotic). It also describes cultivation techniques and the current and future market for the derived products. This thesis has also taken into consideration the creation of new olive orchards using plants which have been propagated from olive trees which date back to two periods in Maltese history; Roman times (2000 years ago) and during the period of the Knights of St. John (2000 years ago). Recent interest in the creation of new olive orchards in Malta is demonstrated by the PRIMO project which aims to produce the monocultivar Bidnija variety in commercial quantities. This predicts a significant increase in the amount of land utilised for olive cultivation in Malta. The prospects for a high quality, extra virgin Maltese olive oil are encouraging in both local and international markets.