Photo: A woman farmer harvests her olives
“Olive harvesting in Palestine was once a festival. Today, it feels more like a test of endurance, with settlers determined to make it otherwise. But for our farmers, each harvest remains a statement of steadfastness and love for the land.” This is what Chairman and CEO of Al Ard, Mr Ziad Anabtawi, has told us.
The olive season has come early in Palestine this year. With it has come the attacks on farmers from Israel’s illegal settlers, aided and abetted by the Israeli Occupation Forces.
Just a fortnight into the 2026 season and already more than 150 attacks on olive pickers, and lamost 800 olive trees destroyed.
Palestine Fair Trade brings Palestinian olive oil to Australia in cooperation with the Palestinian organisations, Al Reef Fair Trade and the Al ‘Ard company.
They tell us attacks on the olive harvest are seriously affecting the safety and livelihood of farmers by blocking access to olive groves.
Ms Hala Hamza, head of International Relations at Al-Reef observes that “Unfortunately, there are farmers and cooperatives we work with who already started facing attacks while harvesting, so their work comes with more challenges this year.”
Al Reef is a 100% Fair Trade organisation, fully owned by the Palestinian Agricultural Relief Committee (PARC) a leading Palestinian non-profit, non-governmental organisation involved in rural development and women’s empowerment.
They give essential promotional, marketing and manufacturing services for Palestinian agricultural products,providing access to the international markets which provide higher prices for small farmers and cooperatives.
How can you give support and solidarity to Palestinians?
Raising your voice is important. Please talk to friends and acquaintances about the situation. Our strength is in numbers and the more we speak up, the more likely the Australian government is to do the right thing.
Support for farmers and others suffering the effects of the Occupation is very important. Buy Palestinian products whenever you can!
Palestine Fair Trade Australia purchases the Al Reef olive oil at a fair price to the farmer, meaning that families can not only make a decent living on their traditional lands but have the resources to give back to their communities.
Buying from Palestine Fair Trade means you support the Palestinian economy by purchasing products which are made in Palestine. All our products are ethically sourced under Fair Trade principle ensuring ordinary Palestinians receive a fair day’s pay for their work.
https://www.palestinefairtradeaustralia.org.au/shop/olive-oils/11
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