The Olive Growers Cooperative Limited [Koperattiva Produtturi taz-Zebbug Limited] is planning to establish a nursery for the Bidni olive cultivar in order to encourage olive growers in Malta and Gozo to cultivate this olive cultivar on their holdings.  The BIDNI olive cultivar is one of the indigenous olive trees and is also popular with olive growers for its resistance to pests.  The nursery will be located on third party property under a management agreement, that will include the management and cultivation of the root stocks.  It is estimated that at least 1150 root stocks will be imported and then grafted by the Bidni cultivar.  These trees shall be distributed to the members of the Cooperative free of charge.

The Olive Growers Cooperative Limited is planning to establish a nursery for the Bidni olive cultivar in order to encourage olive growers in Malta and Gozo to cultivate this olive cultivar on their holdings.  The BIDNI olive cultivar is one of the indigenous olive trees and is also popular with olive growers for its resistance to pests.  The nursery will be located on third pary property under a management agareement, that will include the management and cultivation of the root stocks.  It is estimated that at least 1000 root stocks will be imported and then grafted by the Bidni cultivar.  The Bidni Olive tress will then be distributed to the members of the Cooperative free of charge. The BIDNI cultivar is known for its high output of olive oil.

A similar project was carried out when the olive sector was regenerated by the project of Sammy Cremona, with the support of Bank of Valletta, plc.

The Cooperative is also working on the establishment of the PDO quality mark and the BIDNI has been earmarked as the main cultivar for the PDO quality mark.  Protected designation of origin (PDO) is an EU approved quality mark for food, agricultural products and wines. Product names registered as PDO are those that have the strongest links to the place in which they are made. Every part of the production, processing and preparation process must take place in the specific region. For olive oil, this means that the olives have to come exclusively from the geographical area where the olive oil is made. When the PDO is approved, the label is mandatory for food and agricultural products.
Example: Kalamata olive oil PDO is entirely produced in the region of Kalamata in Greece, using olive varieties from that area.
Therefore it is very important that more olive growers are provided with the BIDNI cultivar to ensure a high production of PDO Extra Virgin Olive Oil.

The project will also undertake scientific research regarding Identification, Characterisation, Conservation and Valorisation of olive trees in Malta, as well will geo-tag a number of olive trees on which studies will be made

Furthermore, the Cooperative will also undertake an awareness and educational campaign with a number of stakeholders in order to provide further information about the project, the Bidni cultivar and the olive sector in Malta.