Kazakhstan Develops Olive Production: Project with Georgian Partners Enters a New Phase

Kazakhstan continues to implement an ambitious agricultural project focused on the cultivation of olive trees and the production of olive oil, launched in 2023 in cooperation with the Georgian company Olive Georgia. Key stages of the project's development were recently discussed during a meeting between the Minister of Agriculture of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Aidarbek Saparov, and the President of Global Olive Corporation, Giorgi Svanidze.

The project began with an experimental planting of olive saplings in the Turkistan, Mangystau, and Zhetysu regions. The initiative is being carried out in partnership with Kazakhstani companies QVM Technology, Ordabasy Group, and Ervira. Over 6,000 trees were planted with an impressive survival rate of 99.7%. The first harvest is expected five years after the initial planting.

In the spring of 2024, the project entered a new stage with the importation of additional olive saplings from Spain and Turkey, allowing for the expansion of planting areas. By the end of 2025, the total area of olive plantations in Kazakhstan is expected to reach 100 hectares.
The Minister of Agriculture noted that the project aligns with the strategic agreements reached earlier this year between the Prime Ministers of Kazakhstan and Georgia. He emphasized the importance of developing processing industries, including oil production, as a means to increase the added value of agricultural products. The government, he said, is ready to provide full support and create the necessary conditions for successful implementation.

Representatives of Global Olive Corporation expressed confidence in the potential of the Kazakhstani direction. According to the company, plans include expanding the number of olive saplings to one million, bringing in industry experts, training local agronomists in modern technologies, and building a full production infrastructure – including an olive oil factory and a sapling nursery.

Kazakhstani partner QVM Technology praised the close cooperation with the Ministry of Agriculture and highlighted the agency’s active support in implementing the project.

The meeting concluded with the signing of a memorandum of understanding and cooperation. A detailed Roadmap outlining the timeline and steps for implementation is expected to follow shortly.
Preliminary estimates suggest total project investments will amount to $20 million. In the future, Kazakhstan is expected to harvest 150,000 tons of olives annually, producing approximately 30,000 tons of olive oil.

🔑 Key takeaways:
• The first plantings show a 99.7% survival rate – over 6,000 trees already planted.
• Plans to grow 1 million saplings and build an oil factory and nursery by the end of 2025.
• $20 million investment with full government support and strategic roadmap.