olive grower, a profession of passion

Olive growing, a story of enthusiasts

Olive growing is a particular type of agriculture and a unique know-how, passed on from generation to generation among some enthusiasts. On an olive grove of 10,000 trees, an average of 150 tons of olives are produced each year. The soil, of course, plays a major role in the quality of the olive. At home, in Terre d'Argence, we benefit from a generous sun (more than 300 days a year), a windy climate with the Mistral that olive trees particularly like, and a sandy soil composed of large pebbles (sandstone). All these combined elements are perfectly suited to olive cultivation.

They say that an olive tree never dies...

It can live up to 1000 years and if you cut it off, it will immediately produce a rejection that will also live for hundreds of years! The olive tree is a tree of patience. It is growing slowly, and will not start producing olives until around its 7th year. It will only reach maturity at the age of 30!

Growing olive trees requires a lot of knowledge

Some say it takes more than one life to get to know him! A sublime tree but one that requires a lot of care and knowledge. When should you prune your trees? How to fertilize, amend the soil? What type of fertilizer and when? How do you graft trees? Know how to harvest olives at the right time (for local olives, or for olive oil)... You also need to learn how to treat trees in case of diseases and the invasion of insect pests.
Regarding the use of pesticides, the regulations in force are precise and there is a precise list of authorized products, even if many olive growers only use natural products.

Do not hesitate to come and meet the olive farmers from us, they are inexhaustible and will make you learn a lot about the olive tree, a symbol of peace and a symbol of Provence. Take the time to discover the wonderful olive groves of the South of France, the walk itself is worth the detour!

Did you like this article on the job of olive grower and do you want to keep it? Pin it on Pinterest, using one of the visuals below.