Fair Trade Renews Palestinian Olive Industry

By Susan Gossling Walters

Tradition tells us that a farmer plants an olive tree for future generations to harvest; but once the tree matures it can produce for 20 generations.

With such a long life span, the olive tree has stood as a rugged witness to much of the world's history. In the Palestinian territories where the climate and terrain are well suited for growing olive trees, the trees have witnessed the rise and fall of a once-vibrant olive-growing and oil-producing industry.

Thanks to a committed group of fair trade supporters who are working to revitalize the industry, there is a new and growing hope that an active olive marketplace will return to the territories. Called the Palestinian Fair Trade Association, the group sponsors a Fair Trade Olive Harvest Festival based on a long-standing tradition of celebrating the olive harvest each year. This year, the festival coordinators will build on their early success with a grant from Catholic Relief Services' Fair Trade Fund.

Palestinian olive farmers and oil producers are located mostly in the West Bank areas of Jenin, Ramallah and Salfit. In recent years, they have become isolated from each other due to numerous checkpoints and travel restrictions. Moving products, getting people to work at harvest time, even sharing equipment, is restrained. The barriers create economic difficulties for farmers and hinder social interaction, cultural exchange and community-building across borders. Occasions rarely exist for networking between local producers and buyers from international organizations.

The Olive Harvest Festival is designed to open doors to the international fair trade network, which is growing in size and economic power. Held in November for the last three years, the festival brings together 2,000 local farmers, processors and artisans from around the Palestinian territories. Along with new business contacts, there comes a colorful merriment to the community with booths and flags lining the sidewalks and streets. Artisans display their handcrafts: beautifully carved religious figures and nativity characters. The smell of olives, rich and fruity, fills the air as merchants and farmers make valuable connections with international fair trade advocates and marketing associations. The festival also benefits farmers and producers of other local products including almonds, couscous, sesame seeds, tahini (sesame butter), capers and honey.

Opening Doors

Since its reintroduction, the festival has attracted buyers and consumer support groups from Europe and the United States, with a record number attending this year. The main goal of this festival is to improve the economic standing of Palestinian women and men in the West Bank by generating support for local producers, breaking down barriers to market entry and improving market integration.

Palestinian Fair Trade Association has enjoyed considerable success building Palestinian support for fair trade by redeveloping the olive industry in the West Bank. Their success comes from a deep commitment to building mutually beneficial relationships between Palestinian communities and international fair trade organizations.

For many in the Palestinian territories, the olive tree is key to their economic health. It's fitting that a tree with such longevity is also a symbol of abundance, glory and peace. CRS' Fair Trade Fund supports groups like the Palestinian Fair Trade Association who provide opportunities for more people to share the world's abundance, celebrate its glory and create lasting peace.

Purchasing fair trade products or making a contribution to CRS' Fair Trade Fund is a wonderful way to celebrate Christmas or any occasion. Olive wood carvings, handcrafts and olive oil from the Holy Land are available through the Work of Human Hands catalog.

To browse the catalog or place an order, visit www.crsfairtrade.org/crafts/ or call 1-800-685-7572. To make a gift to the CRS Fair Trade Fund and help groups like the Palestinian Fair Trade Association, visit www.crsfairtrade.org/fund or send your check to Catholic Relief Services, 228 W. Lexington Street, Baltimore, MD 21201 and note Fair Trade Fund in the memo. If you have questions about your gift, call 410-951-7508.

Susan Gossling Walters is a writer and editor in Catholic Relief services' U.S. Operations division. Susan is based at CRS headquarters in Baltimore.