The Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC), CIHEAM Bari – OliveCulture Scale-Up Project, and the Olive Growers Association have signed a tripartite agreement to launch a structured Olive Hybridization and Variety Development Program focused on Pakistan.

The programme centers on controlled hybridization between the native wild olive Olea cuspidata and the cultivated Olea europaea, aiming for genetic improvement and the selection of superior olive genotypes. By combining local wild genetics with established cultivated lines, the Olive Hybridization initiative seeks varieties better suited to Pakistan’s varied agro-climatic zones.

This collaboration establishes the framework for a nationally adapted olive variety programme that links research, institutions and industry. PARC will provide national research oversight while CIHEAM Bari contributes technical expertise through the OliveCulture Scale-Up Project, and the Olive Growers Association will represent private-sector scaling and on‑ground adoption of improved genotypes.

Planned activities include controlled crosses, selection trials and evaluation across representative Pakistani environments to identify resilient, high-performing genotypes. The emphasis on Olive Hybridization and targeted variety development is expected to support local growers by improving cultivar adaptability and long-term sector resilience without compromising existing agricultural practices.