The harvesting operation represents between 30-50% of olive oil’s cost. As harvesting is typically a manual operation in Lebanon, the production rate is 50 - 60 kg per day. Although there are practices that growers use to increase their harvesting yield, they are often detrimental to the land, impeding both production and productivity levels by up to 80% in the years subsequent to their use. In recognition of this, the Matrit municipality requested harvesters that helped decrease the cost of oil production and improved sustainability through improved harvesting techniques.
The requested machines are battery-operated zero-emission harvesters that are environmentally friendly. Usable across various terrains and orchard compositions, they are uniquely designed to avoid damages to trees. This project developed a 25% increase in production – doubling the farmers’ income.
