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SUN OLIVE OIL ~ EAGLE RUN INC.
150 Vaquero Drive
Templeton, CA 93465
www.sunoliveoil.com

Most Asked Questions

• Why plant olives?
  Olive oil consumption in the U.S. has increased 20 to 30% per year for the last 3 years alone. The U.S. produces only 1% of what we consume and California produces 99% of that 1%.
• Why here?
  Due to our climate, experts from the University of California believe we may have the best area to raise olives than anywhere in the state or the U.S.
• What kind should I plant?
  There are over 157 varieties but we believe varieties from California genetic material such as Mission, Ascalano, Lucca, Sevillano, etc. are best. Most have been raised in California for over 50 years and have proved the hardiness, consistency of yield, better tonnage, while producing excellent oil with great shelf life.
• Why not plant Italian or Mediterranean varieties?
  Most have not been tested here and we do not know what they will do. Some early indications are not good. Why risk 5 to 6 years of waiting for unknown results? One import variety showing good results in Arbaquinna a semi-dwarf producing in 3 years.
• How many trees do I plant?
  We recommend a 10' tree to tree by 20' row to row or approx 216 trees per acre.
• How much water do I need?
  This varies as to time of year, age of trees etc. In general you need to water between June and October every 10 days. Minimum 7 gals/acre.
• What animals and/or insects hurt olive trees?
  Very few, olives are extremely hardy. Deer will nibble if there is nothing else to eat but do little damage. Gophers kill trees. There is a new danger of the olive fly, but these harm the fruit and not the tree.
• What do you charge to develop a grove of trees?
  We charge $4,200.00/per acre. This includes finish land prep, layout, trees, planting, staked, wrapped, tied, and drip line system up to mainline. Mainline is extra and will depend on your individual needs.
  Typically $200 to $400 extra per acre.
• What kind of guarantee comes with this?
  There is a 1% of number of trees replacement at no charge. There is no guarantee for loss by weather (such as heat or frost), animal or insect, or negligence on the grower's part. You should know that out of 4,000 trees planted by us this year we have lost only 7 (5 were due to gophers).
• What about ongoing growing costs?
  Ongoing costs usually consist of weed abatement (chemical and mechanical). Possibly some fertilizer, retying and sucker removal. Average $200 to $500/ac/year.
• When will I expect my first good crop?
  3 to 6 years depending on varieties.
• What do I do with my crop?
  We offer contracts for your fruit for the first 5 years of full production. These can be under several different options. We pick and buy fruit, you pick we buy fruit, we pick and process into oil, we market oil for you, etc., etc.
• What kind of yields should I expect?
  Between 3 and 6 tons/acre at full production. Each ton yielding 30 to 45 gals of oil.
• When do we pick?
  From October and March usually depending on year conditions and what type of oil you wish to make. Early low yields, but great tang-flavored. Later higher yields smother more mellow flavors.
• How do we pick?
  We recommend everything be planted for mechanical harvest, which we do custom work.