The Enduring Legacy of Olives in Lebanon

A Heritage Rooted in Olive Groves

Olive trees have been cultivated in Lebanon for around 6,000 years, predating even the Phoenicians, who later introduced them to other parts of the Mediterranean. This ancient tradition solidifies olives as a cornerstone of Lebanese heritage. The southern region of Lebanon, home to 30% of the country's olive groves, houses some of the oldest trees, some millennia old. For generations, these groves have sustained families and communities.

However, the ongoing conflict has severely disrupted this heritage, making olive farming a dangerous endeavor in many areas of the south.

The Strength of the Olive Tree in Times of War

Lebanon’s prolonged conflict has severely affected its agricultural lands, displacing people and destroying landscapes, including olive groves. Since the start of the war, more than 60,000 olive trees have been damaged or burned, with the latest report in January 2024 indicating that this devastation continues, and the use of white phosphorus in conflict zones has exacerbated the destruction .Beyond burning trees, it leaves harmful residues in soil and water, reducing agricultural productivity. Many of the trees lost were ancient, between 250 and 300 years old.

"This is more than an economic loss; it is a blow to our social and historical identity," the Minister of Agriculture said in an interview with AWP. Olive trees are not just crops; they are living testaments to the resilience of Lebanon’s people and culture.

A Shift to Northern Olive Groves

As southern groves bear the brunt of destruction, northern Lebanon’s olive trees now take center stage. This shift provides an opportunity to preserve the country’s olive heritage while ensuring continuity of production.

Farmers in the north are preparing for the next season by implementing region-specific pruning techniques to maintain tree health. Pruned branches must be carefully stored to prevent infestations, and soil preparation with well-balanced fertilizers tailored to each region’s needs is already underway.

Economic and Social Implications

Olive farming is a vital sector of Lebanon’s economy, supporting tens of thousands of families. The economic ripple effect of reduced olive productivity extends to the production of olive oil, a key export product. In 2022, Lebanon exported over $70 million worth of olive oil, a figure likely to decline if the destruction of groves persists.

Preserving and expanding olive cultivation in the north could mitigate these losses and provide opportunities for export markets, particularly as global demand for high-quality olive oil grows.

Olives: A Symbol of Lebanese Heritage and Strength

Olive trees symbolize Lebanon’s resilience, strength, and deep-rooted connection to its land. As one southern farmer put it, "If my olives are good, I’m good."

In the face of destruction and hardship, Lebanese farmers remain steadfast. Like the olive trees themselves, which grow stronger with time, Lebanon’s resolve continues to deepen. This enduring relationship between the people and their groves not only preserves a vital economic resource but also nurtures a living legacy of cultural and historical significance.

Author : Hiba Abi Ramia