Study of economic feasibility of organic production System for Olive during conversion period in Idleb Province (northern Syria)

Abstract

This experiment was carried out during 2008, 2009 and 2010 years in two olive farms of Sorani cultivar in two locations Bsames and Tebabes in Idleb province, Each experimental plot was divided in to two subplots with an area of 2 dunum, the first one was managed under organic system according to European law EU 2092/91 while conventional practices used by farmer were applied in the second subplot.Soil analysis was conducted before and after organic treatment in each studying location, Productivity, oil percentage, have been studied, and secondary crop (peas) was planted in organic plots in order to provide an additional revenue to recover the expenses of production.at the end of three research seasons and depending on farm inputs and productivity in the organic and conventional treatments in tow locations, the cost and profit were estimated for each system in them.The organic experimental plots have given higher productivity and the increase was about 88.5 kg/dun. The fruit contents of fresh oil in the organic farm were significantly higher than that in the conventional one.The soil analysis showed significant increase in its contents of Nitrogen, Phosphor, and potassium in organic treatments in compare with conventional one , this causes increase in the electric conductor because of release of metal elements in the soil. The production costs decreased in organic farms in the second and third years, and in average the difference in cost between tow system equal 1258 s.p/dun, so the profit indicator was positive toward organic system, the additional gaining in it reached 8272.5s.p/dun, and the secondary crop gave a good additional income inorganic plots.The results of this study have given good indicator to convert to produce organic olive in Syria, because it forms the important opportunity to market Syrian olive oil out and to enter huge market.