The fast growing world population has an increasing demand for fruits, nuts and olives every year. The price increase of some fruits and nuts worldwide are proof of this shortage and higher demand. Besides population growth, the increasing quality and standards of living in third world countries are encouraging healthy food habits which are pushing the demand even further.
Consequently, newer production regions in the world, such as the Middle East and North Africa, are attempting to produce new crops and increase the production areas of old crops thus pushing the limits of orchard cultivation beyond that of the past. This calls for more know-how in varieties, horticultural knowledge, equipment for seeding/planting, cultivation, shredding, fertilizing and spraying, harvesting, logistics and post-harvest.