An Early Look at Olives in Georgia

Summary

In the United States, olives are grown with success in the interior valleys of central California and in southern Texas but little is known of their potential in the southeastern United States. In the spring of 2008, a commercial olive grove of 14 acres was established in Pierce County. Despite adverse weather conditions during the first growing season, the young trees have shown progress in growth. At this time, the adaptability and productiveness of olives in south Georgia is still yet to be determined.

Situation

Agricultural production in southeast Georgia remains vigorous in traditional row crop enterprises but in recent years has become more diversified with the expansion of blueberry production. As markets become more competitive and profit margins tighten, growers are in a continual search for technologies, production practices or new crops to ensure the stability of their farming operations. In antebellum times there was some production of olives on the Georgia Sea Islands. A commercial olive grove was planted in Pierce County in the spring of 2008. In the United States, olives are grown with success in the interior valleys of central California and in southern Texas but little is known of their potential in the southeastern United States.

Response

The agent and producer initiated contacts with growers, consultants and specialists in California and Georgia throughout the winter of 2007-2008 to evaluate the potential of establishing olives in southeast Georgia. Discussions included soil type, fertility management, weed management, potential disease threats, varieties, olive oil production, marketing, and climate. Concerns were brought forth on several occasions with regards to the cold hardiness of potential olive tree varieties which are subtropical and sensitive to hard freezing temperatures. Historical climate data was reviewed to compare seasonal low temperatures with the cold tolerance of varieties potentially adaptable to our region. Soil fertility, disease and weed management options were reviewed through various collegiate and agricultural industry avenues by the agent and grower. The agent has participated in three educational programs to further investigate the potential of this new crop: A local introductory program which included information on the existence of olive trees in Georgia during the 1800's, a on-site farm visit with interested growers and a consultant from the olive growing region of California, and an on-farm site visit to an established olive grove of 8 years in Marianna, Florida. The agent assisted in the procurement of 14 olive tree varieties for the establishment of a variety trial at the Bacon County Blueberry Research Station Annex.

Impact

As a result of the agents' interest and in-depth research into this new crop, the initial commercial planting of olive trees in southeast Georgia is complete. It has been characterized as being innovative although experimental. Young trees were exposed to adverse weather conditions in January and February 2009 with low temperatures ranging from the high teens to lows 20's. During the month of May, heavy rainfall events in excess of 8 inches limited field and cultural practices necessary to influence early growth. Despite these challenges, stand losses from cold injury and extremely wet field conditions have ranged between 15-20%. Based on field observations this fall, trees have progressed well gaining on average approximately 1.5 -2.0 feet in height and ½ to ¾ inches in diameter the first season. Some level of fruiting is expected at year three. At this time, the adaptability and productiveness of olives in south Georgia is still yet to be determined.

State Issue

Other Issue

Details

• Year: 2009
• Geographic Scope: County
• County: Pierce
• Program Areas:
  • Agriculture & Natural Resources