Slaimiya discusses with the Director General of Civil Defense ways to enhance support for farmers during the olive season.

• National coordination between the Ministry of Agriculture and Civil Defense to support farmers during the olive season.
• Mobilizing human and logistical resources and raising awareness regarding safety measures.
• Slaimiya: Integrating national and community efforts enhances farmer protection and ensures a successful season.

Ramallah: October 6, 2026

Minister of Agriculture Professor Rizq Slaimiya met on Tuesday with the Director-General of Civil Defense, Major General Akram Thawabteh; the Director of the Civil Defense Central Sector,  General Yazan Omar; and their accompanying delegation. They discussed preparations for the olive season and ways to bolster support for farmers and local communities by integrating national efforts and participating in community initiatives aimed at assisting citizens throughout the olive season.

The meeting was attended by Ministry Undersecretary Engineer Badr Al-Hawamdeh; Assistant Undersecretary Engineer Hossam Tulaib; the Minister’s Advisor for Governorate Affairs Engineer Sameer Samara; the Director-General of Rangelands and Forests Engineer Thaer Al-Rabi; and the Director-General of International Relations and Media Engineer Mahmoud Fatafta. The meeting took place at the Minister of Agriculture’s office at the Ministry’s headquarters in Ramallah.

Minister Slaimiya emphasized the importance of strengthening coordination between the Ministry of Agriculture and Civil Defense to ensure support for farmers and the olive season, as well as to reinforce prevention and safety measures—particularly in areas facing exceptional circumstances that require additional support and assistance.
For his part, Major General Thawabteh affirmed the Civil Defense's commitment to mobilizing its human and logistical resources to serve citizens during the olive harvest season. He highlighted participation in community initiatives supporting farmers and the implementation of awareness and guidance campaigns aimed at mitigating season-related risks—specifically those associated with harvesting, the use of machinery and equipment, crop transport, fire prevention in agricultural lands, and the management of accidents or emergencies that may arise during harvesting and transport operations.

Slaimiya commended the efforts of the Civil Defense—including its personnel and volunteers—and the services and support they provide to citizens. He emphasized that the success of the olive harvest season requires complementary efforts between national institutions and the local community; such collaboration bolsters farmers' resilience, ensures their safety, and helps protect the agricultural season as an integral part of the nation's agricultural and national identity.

Both parties agreed to maintain coordination and cooperation throughout the season and to intensify awareness-raising and field-based efforts. These measures aim to enhance preparedness and response capabilities while minimizing the risks farmers and residents might face during the harvesting and transportation of the crop.