Kazakhstan is set to launch its first olive oil production plant by 2030, marking a significant step in introducing olive cultivation to the country. The Ministry of Agriculture announced that QVM Technology is spearheading the ambitious project in partnership with local and international collaborators.
In 2023, QVM Technology joined forces with Ordabasy Group, Ervira (Kazakhstan), and Georgia’s Olive Georgia to undertake experimental olive tree planting in the Zhetysu, Turkestan, and Mangistau regions of Kazakhstan.
The initial planting involved 6,080 saplings, boasting a remarkable 99.7% survival rate. The first harvest from these trees is anticipated in five years.
In the spring of 2024, additional saplings, sourced from Spain and Turkey, were planted. By the end of 2025, the project aims to expand olive cultivation to 1,000 hectares.
The initiative is being carried out under the scientific guidance of Pablo Morello, a professor at the University of Córdoba in Spain. Soil, climate, and meteorological data are being meticulously collected and analyzed to ensure optimal conditions for olive cultivation.
The project also draws on expertise from Georgian specialists, reflecting a broader effort to establish an olive oil industry in Kazakhstan. Previously, The Times of Central Asia reported on Georgia’s support in developing Kazakhstan’s olive production capabilities.
