The potential and future of the new olive production systems of high and super high densities, adapted for mechanical harvesting

Abstract

This dissertation examines the changes in olive production by focusing on the cultivation techniques of high and super high-density (HD/SHD) that are specifically designed for mechanized harvesting. The production of olives is now at a turning point, as it must strive for enhanced efficiency, sustainability, and resilience in response to changing agricultural methods and global market requirements. This study examines the historical backdrop of conventional olive farming methods and compares them to the novel strategies used in HD/SHD systems. The dissertation assesses the agronomic, economic, and environmental consequences of these emergent systems by conducting a thorough examination of literature, case studies, and empirical study. This study investigates the technical breakthroughs that are facilitating the automation of olive harvesting. Additionally, it studies the socio-economic variables that influence the adoption patterns among producers and stakeholders involved in this process. Moreover, the research estimates the prospective path of HD/SHD olive cultivation, considering variables such as climatic change, limitations in resources, and market dynamics. This dissertation provides insights into the transformational potential of HD/SHD systems in reshaping the landscape of the olive industry by combining empirical data with theoretical frameworks from agricultural economics, innovation studies, and sustainability science.