Montenegro olive oil sector developments

The olive oil sector in Montenegro is navigating a combination of educational development, pest management, and the commencement of the new production season.

In September, the House of Olives (Kuća maslina) in Old Bar hosted a Summer School of Oleotechnology to train students and entrepreneurs in the production cycle, from harvesting to quality assessment. During this period, agricultural monitoring in the Bar and Ulcinj regions identified an increase in the olive fruit fly population, with infestation rates reaching up to 6.6% in some areas. Producers were advised to use chemical treatments to protect crops.

By early October, the new production season was set to begin. To assist local farmers following a weak harvest of the indigenous Žutica variety, Kuća maslina announced it would offer free processing for registered growers who meet quality standards. The facility, which utilizes modern mechanical cold centrifugation and automated packaging, received funding from the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management and the Municipality of Bar.