This gift will help olive producers squeeze more out of their crop by providing the tools, training and seeds to enable farmers to grow a better quality crop, and teach them to form co-ops and work with other farmers to get a better price for their produce.

This is a brand new gift for Oxfam Unwrapped this year, however Oxfam already knows how successful supporting olive farmers can be, for example in Albania.

Farmers living in the remote Vlora region of Albania have struggled to sell their produce due to the long distances to local towns. Many young people have left Albania altogether to seek work in other countries, leaving an aging population. Oxfam have worked with local people to create livelihood opportunities and markets for their produce. The work will revitalise the local economy and encourage young people to stay in the community.

Kastriot’s story

Kastriot Shehaj is an olive producer from Selenice in Vlora. He says "I want to see youngsters from Selenice looking after their own land - continuing to do what we know best - not leaving the country. Growing fruit and olives is our tradition."

Oxfam bought 1,000 olive trees to give to 36 poor families from Kastriot. When he heard that the trees were to help poor families in the area, he also donated 700 plum, peach and grape saplings free of charge. The project has enabled people to make a living out of selling olives by helping them find new markets for their produce. Oxfam is helping people to work together to sell their olives, by establishing a producers’ association.