It has been announced that permits for pruning, cutting, uprooting and transporting olive trees will now be obtained from the Agriculture Department.

The ministry reminded that olive trees are protected by law and the actions carried out without authorisation is liable to legal prosecution.

The Agriculture Department on Tuesday announced that all trimming, rejuvenation pruning, cutting, felling, uprooting and transportation of olive trees are subject to permission and announced that the permits from now on will be issued by the ministry.

Previously permits were issued by the District Offices.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the ministry reminded that olive trees were protected by the law and that any actions concerning olive trees carried out without necessary permits is liable to a legal prosecution.