| Palestine Technical University

Conference Recommendations

Conference Recommendations

Establish a comprehensive and accurate database covering olive-growing areas, production, consumption, plant protection, and other key aspects related to the olive sector in Palestine.
Expand and rehabilitate olive-cultivated land, particularly in Areas B and C.
Encourage institutions concerned with the olive sector to provide effective support to Palestinian farmers and ensure that externally funded programs and initiatives in this field primarily serve the needs and priorities of Palestinian farmers.
Conduct comprehensive surveys of diseases affecting olive crops and launch a systematic program for the accurate characterization and documentation of olive varieties cultivated in Palestine, with particular emphasis on local varieties.
Strengthen the capacities of agricultural extension personnel specializing in olive cultivation and enhance monitoring of olive nurseries through the application of modern technologies and internationally recognized standards.
Expand the use of organic fertilizers and promote research aimed at identifying local olive varieties resistant to diseases, drought, and climate change, while addressing low and fluctuating productivity, particularly the phenomenon of alternate bearing.
Protect ancient olive trees as an integral part of Palestinian national heritage.
Increase domestic consumption of olive oil by improving its affordability in the local market, while further developing olive oil exports and strengthening controls over the prices and quality of imported olive oil.
Review and update Palestinian olive oil standards and raise public awareness of the nutritional and health benefits of olive oil by encouraging its regular inclusion in daily diets.
Develop effective mechanisms and technologies for the sustainable utilization and management of olive mill by-products and waste. Appropriate laws and regulations should also be established to monitor olive mills, minimize their potential adverse effects on human health and the environment, and reduce oil losses during olive processing.
Strengthen the role of scientific research and enhance its integration with agricultural extension services. A national scientific council of olive experts should also be established in Palestine, alongside the publication of a specialized scientific journal dedicated to olive-related research and development.
Expand research on water harvesting and supplementary irrigation as means of increasing olive productivity, particularly in response to water scarcity and the impacts of climate change.
Establish graduate programs specializing in agricultural science and technology, while incorporating dedicated courses on olive cultivation and production into the curricula of agricultural faculties at Palestinian universities and colleges.
Strengthen the role of the Palestinian Olive Council by further developing its institutional framework and clearly defining its responsibilities, mandate, and authority.
Hold the conference biennially while maintaining its international scope and encouraging the participation of researchers, experts, and stakeholders from olive-producing countries. The accompanying exhibition should continue to be organized in parallel with the conference.
Broaden media outreach and promotional activities from the initial launch of the call for scientific abstracts and throughout all stages of the conference.
Introduce videoconferencing facilities to enable researchers, experts, and other interested participants from abroad who are unable to attend in person to actively participate in future conferences.