Date: Sep 25, 2023
July 5, 2023: HDF and CIHEAM Bari, an inter-governmental organization headquartered in Italy, signed an LoU for bringing forth HDF’s vision of climate-resilient olive plantation in Soon Valley. Being our esteemed technical partner, CIHEAM Bari will support us in area selection, olive variety choice, farmer training, and empowering women and youth through income generation activities.
Soon Valley's soil and climate make it an ideal location for cultivating olives. Through sustainable agricultural practices, HDF has piloted the reforestation project on 10 acres of land where 1,500 olive plants of Arbequina and Coratina were cultivated in April 2023 after extensive soil testing as per the recommendations of our technical partner, CIHEAM Bari. These plantations are projected to bear fruit in about two to three years.
