The olive harvest at the Šunjić Oil farm takes place in a grove located in Rastovac, in the hinterland of Marina. This family business is run by a mother and son, Zlata and Bojan Šunjić, with Bojan, a professional sailor and long-distance captain, actively involved in managing the grove.
The grove counts 52 trees, and the variety composition is predominantly oblica, which accounts for between 80 and 85 per cent of the planting. Alongside it are represented skradinska krvavica, one pendolina tree, and 13 levantinki grafted onto oblica. Bojan applies minimal pruning, and water shoots are not removed immediately, but only after three to four years, which is part of his strategy for maintaining tree health.
Every year, Bojan carefully monitors the yield of each olive individually and adjusts fertilisation accordingly. In February, classic fertilisation is carried out with an emphasis on an increased share of boron, while in May the olives are fed foliarly. During periods of severe drought, the olives are irrigated with rainwater, and Bojan points out that regular irrigation is not necessary for old trees, but additional water helps in dry conditions. During his absence at sea, his mother Zlata takes care of watering and other tasks.
The optimal time for harvest in this grove is in the 42nd and 43rd week of the year. This year, Bojan expects around 800 kilograms of olives, and the harvest is carried out by five to six pickers, including friends and acquaintances. Last year, the oil yield from the olives was 17.5 per cent, while this year a slightly lower figure of around 14 per cent is expected. The proximity of the Mitlo mill enables rapid processing of olives immediately after harvest, and the parents and their three sons work in that mill.
Bojan cooperates with the Association of Olive Growers of Zadar County and secretary Branimir Šunić, and uses advice from experts met at Noćnjak. The oil is stored in 25-litre stainless steel barrels, and argon is used to preserve quality. Bojan emphasises that the oil changes during storage, which is important to consider when using it.
