Table of contents for 8 March 2019 in Farmer's Weekly

According to the Estimates of National Expenditure, which was tabled along with the budget in Parliament when Finance Minister Tito Mboweni delivered his budget speech recently, the money allocated to the Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) for its climate change and biodiversity and conservation programmes does not inspire much confidence that South Africa will be able to adequately protect itself from the looming global crisis of total environmental breakdown. Over the next three years, the DEA will spend R2,5 billion on its biodiversity and conservation programmes, and R1,4 billion on its climate change, air quality and sustainable development programmes. Money allocated to the South African National Biodiversity Institute will decrease by R42,4 million. South Africa has many challenges that need to be addressed, but the threats posed by climate change,…

Farmer’s Weekly reader, Reginald Morweng, responds to Max du Preez’s article, ‘Expropriation is about urban, not rural, land’ (FW, 15 February). The article basically states that black people generally want urban land, and not necessarily agricultural land. This is widely true, but sends the wrong message to the agricultural community, for whom Farmer’s Weekly is intended, and those who are sitting on thousands of hectares of agricultural land, whether they are productive or not. I have observed that many owners and holders of agricultural land do not have a full appreciation of the desperation that exists amongst black people who are genuinely prepared to farm, but who are hugely constrained by the lack of access to land. I know plenty of these people; I am one. If you drive from…

At the beginning of the year, I painted a bleak picture of South Africa’s grain and oilseed crop conditions, due to the dry conditions in the central and western parts of the country. So, it is only fair that I present an update after good rain fell in the first two weeks of February. Crop conditions have generally improved across the country, and are likely to stay in good shape for some time as the precipitation forecasts for February to April are positive, according to the South African Weather Service. The local weather bureau foresees a possibility of above-normal rainfall during the next two months in summer rainfall regions, which should support late plantings. ABNORMAL RAINFALL PATTERNS While this is a welcome development, it is worth noting that this is…

In the recent National Budget Speech, Finance Minister Tito Mboweni complimented the Land Bank on its good financial performance and repayment of government-guaranteed debt. It was also announced that the bank would increase funding for transformation and farmer development from R2,5 billion to R3 billion over the next financial year. Mboweni said R1,8 billion would be awarded to the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) for land reform projects over the next three years. BANK PRAISED FOR FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE A further R3,7 billion would go to the Department of Rural Development and Land Reform (DRDLR) for land restitution and to help farmers acquire land. Allocations to these departments were lower than in 2018, when R4,3 billion was allocated to buy 291 000ha of land over three years and R10,8…

Role players in South Africa’s sugar industry have expressed outrage about Finance Minister Tito Mboweni’s announcement of a 5,2% increase in the Health Promotion Levy, or sugar tax, on beverages containing more than 4g of sugar per 100ml. Graeme Stainbank, chairperson of the South African Cane Growers’ Association, said the organisation was “shocked” at the increase “amidst an imminent industry collapse and extensive job losses”. “Updated data shows the loss in revenue [due to the sugar tax] tops our previous calculations, amounting to a staggering R1,3 billion in the 2018/2019 season,” he said. This would “no doubt translate into more job losses, which could put up to 10 000 jobs at risk in the cane-growing sector alone. This does not even include further job losses in the sugar milling and…

The citrus psyllid, an insect hardly larger than the head of a pin, is threatening to topple the multibillion-dollar citrus industry in the US by transmitting bacteria that cause citrus greening disease. Trees infected with the disease, also known as huanglongbing, bear small, misshapen, bitter-tasting green fruit and often die within five years. There is no known cure and the cost to the US citrus industry has run into billions of dollars in crop and job losses since it was first identified in Florida in 2005. Agricultural communications professor Taylor Ruth of the University of Illinois is part of a team of scientists from several universities exploring the possibility of breeding genetically-modified (GM) trees resistant to the disease. But given the controversy about the safety of GM food, the team…

South Africa could lose its competitive advantage as a “sophisticated supplier” of macadamia nuts that produces the highest volume globally, if greater collaboration between the industry and government were not achieved. This is according to Mark Hassenkamp, director of Red Sun Hortitech. The projected 300% increase in the global supply of macadamias during the next seven years was expected to result in changes to traditional markets, Hassenkamp added. South Africa not only needed access to new markets, but quality requirements should be more stringent to ensure the country maintained its market share. “Our biggest challenge in the future [will be] market access. While growth in this industry still remains favourable, this type of demand will mature into new markets for more health-conscious consumers. “Unfortunately, the industry [does not yet have]…

Drought support for farmers on the West Coast as well as in the Matzikama and Cederberg areas will be increased to monthly aid. This follows an assessment of the veld in the region by the Western Cape Department of Agriculture, which found that conditions had worsened significantly. Since 2017, the province had disbursed R200 million in disaster funding from both provincial and national allocations, and in February this year issued vouchers to more than 1 500 farmers across the province to a total value of R17,6 million. About R8,8 million of this went to 610 farmers in the Central Karoo, R4,2 million to 422 farmers along the Garden Route, R4,4 million to 424 farmers on the West Coast, and R440 200 to 215 farmers in the Cape Winelands. Déan Gous,…

Wool producers and industry role players have been urged not to panic about the ban on wool exports to China as the issue was receiving priority attention. This was the message that came out of a meeting of the task team on international trade, which recently met in Pretoria and was established in January by government in response to the foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) outbreak. Deon Saayman, New Cape Wools CEO, who attended the meeting, said the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries confirmed it had received official communication from Chinese officials stating that country would no longer accept wool imports, as a result of South Africa losing its FMD-free status. “What that means is the state veterinarian is no longer issuing health certificates on any of the goods going to…

Tilapia belong to the Cichlidae family. There are more than 900 described cichlid species, and numerous more undescribed scientifically in Africa, with Lake Malawi and Lake Tanganyika having over 1 000 endemic species between them. Southern Africa is home to approximately 45 species, of which about a third are found in South Africa. I am frequently sent photographs of juvenile cichlids, as they are difficult to identify. The following list is an indication of the species found in this country, and where. COMMONLY CAUGHT JUVENILE TILAPIA AND LOOKALIKES • The southern mouth-brooder (Pseudocrenilabrus philander) is not a tilapia but superficially resembles a juvenile tilapia. It’s a small species not exceeding 80mm in length, with a rounded tail, the only local cichlid that has one. The breeding colour in the males…

WHY DID AGBIZ DECIDE TO INSTITUTE A FRUIT DESK? ‘ONE HAS TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF ANY GAPS IN THE MARKETS’ Agbiz Fruit is a joint initiative of Agbiz and Fruit South Africa (Fruit SA). The fruit desk is funded jointly by the South African Table Grape Industry, Citrus Growers’ Association, Fresh Produce Exporters’ Forum, Hortgro, and Fruit SA. The fruit industry is a major export revenue earner, with tremendous potential for growth and jobs. The purpose of the desk is to create awareness of the unique challenges experienced by the South African fruit sector; ensure representation at a high level of policy and trade engagement; stay on top of national and global developments; and ensure that opportunities are maximised. The need for the desk has become all the more necessary…

When an edge divides a natural ecosystem and the area outside its boundary is disturbed, the natural area can be seriously affected some distance in from this edge. This transition area is called an ecotone. For example, cutting down indigenous trees near the edge of bushveld or forest enables sunlight and wind to penetrate the dense growth to a greater extent, drying out its interior close to the new boundary and encouraging the emergence of opportunistic species. Forest fires are more common close to ecotones due to increased light availability, which leads to increased desiccation and understorey growth. This, in turn, provides fuel that enables pasture fires to spread into the forests.…

While helping out at the George Market recently, I popped in at my nearest ‘friendly retailer’ to pick up a few items on my way back to where I was staying. This outlet was selling potatoes at R29,99/kg for good-quality prepacks, medium and washed. That’s R300 per 10kg pocket! Is that reasonable? NO JUSTIFICATION FOR PRICES LIKE THESE During the midsummer months, potato prices can come under pressure due to a variety of factors. These include drought in some production areas, rain in others, and difficulties in maintaining product quality due to adverse weather conditions. I don’t know what this particular retailer paid for his potatoes, but even at the highest possible price, there can be no justification for exploiting the public like this. DISHONEST LABELLING Another gripe of mine…

Surprisingly little is written on how to build and set up a secure tack room. Saddles, bridles and other tack, such as numnahs and blankets, are usually expensive, and thus very valuable. Risks to tack are not limited to theft; they include everyday threats such as rain, dust, rats, insects and even fire. TOO MUCH DIRECT SUNLIGHT CAN DAMAGE YOUR TACK For convenience, the tack room should be fairly close to the horses. However, many riders have moved their tack, particularly saddles and bridles, closer to or in the main house on the yard for safety, as the house owners or grooms can easily raise the alarm if something is amiss. A tack room is usually about the size of a large stable (approximately 3m x 3m). If you have…

SIDE HUSTLE by Chris Guillebeau (Pan, R185) An extra income stream is always welcome, and Guillebeau’s practical guide promises to have you up and running with a productive side hustle in less than a month. His main focus isn’t on how to run a business or a job and a side hustle at the same time. Rather, it’s about testing out the feasibility of an idea, an expanded version of the MBA maxim, “There may be a gap in the market but is there a market in the gap?” Guillebeau forces you to unpack your idea and then examine it from a different perspective each day, sparking your thinking and planning with direct and useful questions. A great start for side hustlers everywhere. THE FIRST SAFARI…

Ahead of the 2019/2020 National Budget Speech, Agri SA said it was looking forward to Finance Minister Tito Mboweni’s address. According to the organisation, agriculture had proved it was a sector that, “with assistance from government”, could “build the economy and increase fiscal stability”. Furthermore, Agri SA said it wanted effective and speedy direct assistance to drought-affected farmers; electricity sector reforms to resolve the current rising tariffs amid system supply constraints and load-shedding; and land reform and emerging farmer support. DELICATE BALANCING ACT I’m not sure whether Mboweni obliged. What he did do was move away from the left of the ideological spectrum. He could have tried to fill the ‘fiscal hole’ created by former president Jacob Zuma by taxing businesses and high earners, a typically pro-leftist move, or he…

“The Gamtoos River Valley is in crisis, with the potential to turn into a disaster.” This is how the current water crisis in one of the country’s leading citrus- and vegetable-growing regions was described by farmer and Gamtoos Irrigation Board chairperson, Tertius Meyer. Vegetable production in the Gamtoos River Valley had already fallen 60% due to the ongoing water scarcity. However, this was not the only plight that had befallen farmers in the valley. Dairy farmers in the Mondplaas area had been forced to sell off vast tracts of farmland to keep their businesses afloat and to cover the costs of buying in cattle feed. This was while grazing land lay barren due to a lack of water to irrigate. “I know of a few farmers who have no water…

A perfect storm is hampering the profitability of many large-scale farming operations in Zambia. While climate change and drought conditions play a role, the biggest problem is the Zambian government’s management of the country’s ailing economy. This was according to a large-scale grain, oilseed and livestock farmer in the south of Zambia, who spoke to Farmer’s Weekly on condition of anonymity. He listed a litany of reasons for the poor state of that country’s economy and its impact on agriculture and the cost of doing business there. This included rampant corruption and nepotism in government; increases in existing taxes and the creation of new taxes; government control of national maize prices that was keeping these prices at unprofitable levels; and increasingly cash-strapped Zambians buying chicken and pork instead of more…

China will be forced to increase pork imports as production in that country falls due to the African swine fever (ASF) outbreak. According to Rabobank analyst Justin Sherrard, China normally imports about 2,5 million tons of pork a year, but is likely to need up to two million tons of added imports. It has been reported that more than one million pigs have been slaughtered in the fight against ASF, but some analysts have estimated that this number is probably far higher. “We think it won’t be until around about May, maybe June of this year, that we really start to see an [increase] in import requirements from China,” Sherrard said. He expected China to continue shifting production into larger, more modern facilities in the north of the country. He…

During her recent State of the Province Address in Bloemfontein, Free State Premier Sisi Ntombela said that the ongoing drought in the province had had a negative social, environmental and economic impact on both local communities and the farming sector. Ntombela referred to an emergency meeting she had held with farmers in Bultfontein the previous week. “We’ve decided to establish a task team to do further planning to ensure farmers get the help they need,” she said. She also confirmed that the provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Development had received an allocation of over R13 million from the national Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries to facilitate more immediate assistance. “The funds will be used for the drilling and development of 45 boreholes and the restoration of 35 earth…

Developing an integrated approach involving all role players, including government, academics, chemical companies and farmers, is necessary in the fight against the invasive Prosopis species (mesquite). This was according to Philip Ivey, a researcher at the Centre for Biological Control at Rhodes University, who was one of the facilitators at a workshop on managing the invasive species, held in Kimberley recently. The scope of the problem in South Africa was addressed in a study co-authored by Ross Shackleton of the Centre for Invasion Biology at Stellenbosch University and published in the journal Ecosystem Services in 2017. “Invasive stands of Prosopis (mesquite) cover over six million hectares in South Africa and could potentially invade over 56 million hectares,” the study found. Six species of Prosopis had been introduced to South Africa…

Access to markets, processing technology, finance, skills and information, as well as inputs, have consistently been identified as the most important factors influencing growth in the South African agro-processing industry. This was according to a study titled ‘The Current State of Fruit and Vegetable Agro-Processing in South Africa’ commissioned by the Netherlands Enterprise Agency. The study provides an overview of the current state of the agro-processing industry in South Africa, outlines the challenges, and identifies the extent to which the industry could add value, with the aim of limiting imports. The study also offers recommendations and identifies Dutch technologies and solutions applicable to the South African context. According to the study, food production is South Africa’s largest manufacturing sector and is dominated by a few large, diversified, national and multinational…

This year, AFGRI Technology Services is partnering with TuksNovation for its annual Activate Competition. The aim of the competition is to find cutting-edge and innovative agricultural technologies and identify start-up businesses that can be grown into successful enterprises. TuksNovation, a non-profit company founded by the University of Pretoria (UP) in partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry and the Department of Small Business Development, is a technology business incubator and accelerator that provides specialised product and business development support to startup technology businesses. THE AIM IS TO NURTURE STARTUP BUSINESSES “The objective of the competition is to identify potentially profitable technologies and disruptive start-ups for virtual incubation and acceleration, with the intention of building AFGRI’s innovation capacity and to foster support for and growth of South Africa’s entrepreneurs,” AFGRI…

When it comes to the differences in risk profile and insurance needs of smallholder and commercial farmers, size often does matter. The larger the operation, the greater the exposure when a loss-making event takes place. Insurance is a direct cost to the bottom line and affects cash flow. Smaller operations generally have a greater sensitivity to cost and more often than not their ability to survive a loss of a capital nature is limited. They would normally also have a level of financed debt that forces them to insure the vehicle or asset. The greater the size of the operation and its participation in the value chain the more complicated the exposure, especially in terms of liability, becomes. Notwithstanding this, certain basics are applicable irrespective of whether you are a…

The farm Uitkyk has been one of the top three producers in the Olifant River’s annual Table Grape Block Competition every year for the past seven years. Moreover, it has taken first place twice, this year with a block of Red Globe planted in 2003. Farm manager Morné Paxton says there is no secret to their success. “We don’t do anything fancy. We try to get the basics right, from the planting until the harvesting of the vineyard, and we pay attention to detail, carrying out the right practice at the right time.” Production practices are also guided by what is happening in terms of market and climatic conditions. “Instead of just carrying on as usual, we’re adapting our practices in case the climatic conditions associated with the past three…

To make a chicken larb for four diners, you will need: 3 chicken breasts, deboned and skinned 50mm fresh ginger 3 cloves of garlic 1 red onion ⅓ cup coriander leaves ⅓ cup fresh mint leaves ⅓ cup lemon grass ⅓ cup fresh basil 6 spring onions 1 large red chilli 1 tablespoon rice powder 2 tablespoons lime juice The zest of one lime 3 tablespoons Vietnamese or Thai fish sauce 60g roasted peanuts 2 cups cooked white rice 1 Peel off the outer layer of the lemon grass, select only the pale green and moist inner stems, and chop finely. Rinse the coriander, mint and basil leaves, separate them from their stems, and chop finely. Crush and finely chop the garlic. Finely grate the ginger. Discard the spring onion…

The North American Meat Institute (NAMI) has developed the free MyMeatUp app for both Android and Apple users. It aims to help consumers become more confident when buying red meat. “This is the only available app with a full guide to beef, pork, lamb and veal retail meat cuts,” says NAMI president Barry Carpenter. It offers “a convenient, go-to guide that will equip shoppers with essential tips when buying, preparing and cooking meat and poultry products”. “It’s a great resource, particularly for younger shoppers just starting to navigate the grocery store on their own for themselves and their families, to answer any questions they have about the meat in the case.” Many consumers, and especially millennial shoppers, are not particularly knowledgeable when it comes to selecting and preparing meat and…

CONFERENCES, WORKSHOPS & EXPOS 6 TO 7 MARCH Undercover Farming Expo, CSIR International Convention Centre, Pretoria. Visit undercoverfarmingexpo.co.za . 14 MARCH Biosafety Symposium, Pretoria.Visit biosafety.org.za . 28 TO 29 MARCH Profitable Pig Production, Rustenburg. Visit bommereaipela.co.za , or email info@bommereaipela.co.za . 24 APRIL Soil Preparation Workshop, Kuruman. Visit bommereaipela.co.za . 21 TO 23 MAY Southern African Manufacturing Expo, Nasrec, Johannesburg.Visit localmanufacturingexpo.co.za . 27 MAY Efficient Boer Goat Production, Ganyesa. Visit bommereaipela.co.za  or email info@bommereaipela.co.za. 6 TO 7 JUNE Hortgro Technical Symposium, The Lord Charles Hotel, Somerset West. Email Thea van Zyl at thea@hortgro.co.za . 10 JULY Agribusiness Africa Conference, Premier Hotel OR Tambo, Kempton Park. Email Marianna…

The allocation of funds to combat the spread of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) during Finance Minister Tito Mboweni’s 2019/2020 National Budget Speech has been widely welcomed. However, concerns about the efficacy of the measures remain. The Agricultural Research Council (ARC) was awarded R400 million in the medium-term expenditure period for the construction and establishment of an FMD vaccine production facility. A further R73,4 million was allocated for the erection of boundary fences to prevent the spread of FMD to the Kruger National Park. ARC spokesperson Mpho Ramosili said the council welcomed funds for the production facility as it would enable a swift response to future outbreaks. “The laboratory will also develop vaccines for other diseases such as heartwater, and allow for a quicker turnaround time for vaccines,” she said. Annette Steyn,…

A major overhaul of food systems in South Africa and globally will be required to produce enough food for the world’s growing population. This was according to Tatjana von Bormann, the author of a new report titled ‘Agri-Food Systems: Facts and Futures’. Von Bormann, senior manager of the policy and futures unit at the World Wide Fund for Nature South Africa (WWF-SA), wrote that the way in which food was produced had done significant damage to the natural environment. This included the escalation of biodiversity loss, deforestation, desertification and soil degradation. Food production had also contributed to water scarcity and declining water quality, and was causing widespread damage to marine ecosystems. The challenge of doubling global food production by 2050 off this degraded base, along with a deeply inequitable production…

AUSTRALIA The Equine Veterinary Journal has published a special online collection of 27 papers on laminitis. This complex, common and often devastating disease is the world’s second-biggest killer of domestic horses. Melody de Laat, a researcher at Queensland University of Technology, summarised the papers as demonstrating the link between insulin dysregulation, equine metabolic syndrome, pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction, and laminitis. ZIMBABWE Farmer organisations in Zimbabwe have welcomed a planned investment of US$150 million (R2,1 billion) by South African poultry producer and processor Country Bird Holdings. Over a four-year period, the company is expected to build an abattoir where 50 000 broilers can be slaughtered per week, a hatchery for 500 000 day-old chicks per week, 30 breeding houses, two feed mills, and 80 broiler houses. Forty-eight of these broiler houses…

Current estimates indicate that avocado production volume will decline by six million cartons, or 30%, to between 15,5 million and 16 million 4kg-cartons, according to Derek Donkin, CEO of the South African Subtropical Growers’ Association (Subtrop). Donkin ascribed the lower production levels the industry was experiencing to an “off year” in the alternate bearing cycle. Combined with the heatwave experienced earlier in the season, this had resulted in losses of up to 40% in some established orchards nationwide. Prices had also not reached the highs of a year ago, falling from R170/carton in December to R130/ carton when higher volumes started to enter the market. “Because of the enormous crop the previous season, many farmers who were able to, left some of their avocados on the trees for longer to weather…

The wool market traded nearly 2% higher just a day before the announcement that China had stopped all wool imports from South Africa, due to the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak in Limpopo. The offering consisted of some good-quality spinner-type wools and there was good competition, especially for long, fine wools, from buyers in both China and Europe. The greatest increase of 2,2% was achieved in the one-micron segment. “Well-classed, better-quality clips draw extra attention from buyers and it seems to be a growing tendency,” said Heinrich Victor, operational manager for fibre at OVK. Medium wools (21-micron and 22-micron) were hard to come by, and the prices for these wools were expected to remain high, especially for sound, long medium wools, he said. Victor said biosecurity and sustainable farming practices were becoming…

It is expected that citrus products will continue to realise lower prices this season, following a similar trend last season, and farmers are therefore urged to streamline on-farm processes to ensure lower input costs. Speaking at the recent Citrus Research International post-harvest technical forum in Mbombela, Mpumalanga, Andrew Muller, the general manager at Karino Citrus, said there was no indication that prices would improve for at least another two years. “This adds pressure to keep costs as low as possible. Since incorrect packhouse practices can substantially reduce profitability, we need to look at what we’re doing in the packhouse and how we can optimise operations.” Hoppie Nel, the operational manager at Capespan’s farming division, said there were many areas in which farmers could improve profitability. “Economies of scale play a…

There are significant opportunities for developing farmers in South Africa to export produce to the growing European market for sustainably produced goods, provided they meet the necessary requirements. The EU delegation to South Africa and the African Farmers’ Association of South Africa (AFASA) recently held a workshop in Cape Town to discuss market opportunities for South Africa’s developing farmers in this market. European consumers’ preference for organic agricultural products produced in a sustainable manner was one of the biggest trends in the fresh produce industry, and the main driver of the high standards expected of manufacturers when exporting products to the EU. According to Antoine Faure of certification agency, Ecocert, the global organic market grew from US$20,9 billion (about R291 billion) in 2001 to US$81,6 billion (R1,1 trillion) in 2015.…

The bakkie died. Groaning in frustration, the farm manager, Justin (not his real name), climbed out and opened the bonnet. He bent over the engine for a few minutes, then returned to the cab. This time the engine roared to life with a turn of the key. “How did you do that?” I asked in amazement. “Fuel pump problem,” said Justin. “It’s about time we had a few more reliable assets around here.” He pointed to the adjacent orchard. “What do you think of the growth on these young trees?” he asked, his mechanical woes forgotten. “They’re a new variety and looking good, aren’t they?” The business was in difficulty and I’d been asked by the absentee city-based owner for help. The farm was neat and tidy, and production seemed…

Corteva Agriscience is committed to providing its clients with the best possible service. The company has therefore appointed many talented, hard-working women to drive its business forward. In celebration of International Women’s Day, four women working for Corteva Agriscience share their working experiences, the challenges they face, and their determination to succeed. BECOMING INSPIRED Linda van der Merwe, the marketing lead for Africa and the Middle East, oversees marketing activities for seed, crop protection and seed-applied technologies. With 18 years’ experience in various corporate marketing and communications positions, Van der Merwe has a deep understanding of the industry and is equally at ease with farmers and corporate clients. Van der Merwe says Corteva Agriscience recognises merit and hard work, and continual development is encouraged. “Corteva embraces diversity at all levels,…

Sauvignon Blanc, a variety with plenty of natural acidity, is sometimes blended with Semillon, its sister variety from France’s Bordeaux region. Where most Sauvignon Blancs are unwooded, Semillon is often wooded, either fermented or matured in oak barrels, which gives the wine a richness and adds to the grapes’ already oily texture. When the two varieties are blended together, the Sauvignon Blanc is the fresh, racy component while the Semillon adds texture and depth to the wine. The standout flavours in this chicken larb are the lemon grass, lime and ginger, making a fragrant dish with a soft acidity, and these notes are matched in the wines chosen. Springfield Estate in Robertson is particularly well known for its Life From Stone Sauvignon Blanc, and its Miss Lucy blend has 41%…

Olive oil is the primary source of fat in the Mediterranean diet, and is regarded as an important reason why cardiovascular disease is not as prevalent in this region as elsewhere. This health benefit of olive oil is attributed to its high levels of antioxidant micronutrients called phenols. In addition, olive oil has other protective qualities. ONE IN THREE WERE ABLE TO STOP THEIR MEDICATION The first study to examine the ability of olive oil to lower blood pressure was published in 2000. It found extra-virgin olive oil to be more effective than sunflower oil at reducing both systolic and diastolic blood pressure. In the study, one group of participants were given a daily dosage of olive oil: four tablespoons for men and three for women. One-third of the olive…