The Callian Olive Growers’ Association manages the municipal mill, which this year celebrates its 190th anniversary, was founded when production resumed after the big frost in 1956, almost 68 years ago.
During the general assembly, which took place in the presence of Mayor François Cavallier, President Jean Gault took stock of the past year.
“The campaign that is ending is remarkable. As for the municipal mill, 67 tons of olives were crushed, which represents 12,000 liters of oil returned to suppliers because the mill does not sell anything.”.
Make an appointment
For which recipe? “It is unusual and amounts to €35,000 and the expenses are low due to the fact that the association is run by volunteers and only the miller is paid”.
Let’s talk about millwright Philippe Zehnder-Segond, because on the occasion of this general meeting, Mayor Francois Cavallier presented him with the City medal in recognition of 20 years of good and loyal service and in particular for this very last campaign.
“Many wanted to have their olives delivered at the same time, sometimes without even having booked an appointment, so for the campaign that is about to start, it is very important to remind the producers that you must only start picking when you are confident of agreement with his mill”, specifies Jean Gault.
This year, the Callian mill opens on November 13. An open house is planned for 4 pm. 11.00-15.00. “Crushing will be charged this year at 0.60 euros per kilo and it is important to bring very clean olives” asks the president.
The miller remembers that“at the beginning of the season, the olives are dehydrated and as a result the oil yield is very low. If we wait, of course some olives may fall from the trees, but the yield is much better, the miller’s work more pleasant and the producer loses nothing”.
Two internships on the programme
The participants were informed of a planned course in January on pruning olive trees and on 10 and 11 March on the construction of dry stone walls.
On the other hand, the association organizes mutual aid between pickers and producers, with the former collecting 70% of the harvest.
Those interested can contact the following address: cap.emmanuel@wanadoo.fr.
