Caps on Pressing Fees
Authorities in Idlib set maximum fees that olive presses may charge farmers for the 2026 season, under a decision issued on 19 October 2026 by a committee formed to study pressing wages.
The measure fixes both cash and in-kind payments and warns that charges above the ceilings will expose press owners to legal accountability.
Cash and In-Kind Rates
For cash payment, the cap is 10 Syrian pounds (SYP) per kilogram of olives when the share of oil from pressing, known as the bireen, goes to the farmer, and two pounds per kilogram when it goes to the press owner.
For in-kind payment, the cap is 5 percent of the extracted oil when the residue goes to the farmer and 3 percent when it goes to the press owner. Farmers and press owners may agree on either method, provided the ceilings are not exceeded.
Oversight and Transparency
Press owners must display the approved prices and rules clearly in their reception halls so that farmers can review them before pressing begins.
The Directorate of Internal Trade and Consumer Protection and the Directorate of Agriculture and Agrarian Reform, alongside other relevant bodies, are tasked with monitoring compliance and recording violations under the laws in force.
Harvest Window
Olive picking is due to begin in early November, a period when pressing demand across the province peaks and the fees set by the decision take practical effect.
The timetable covers Idlib and the towns of Khan Sheikhoun, Saraqib, Maarat al-Numan and Harim.
Press Readiness
Press owners have been instructed to complete maintenance, trial runs and a full cleaning of their production lines 15 days before the official start of pressing in each area.
The requirement is intended to ensure that facilities are ready when farmers begin delivering their crop.