Retired hens in Cyprus have found a new purpose in a project called “Kot-Kot,” where they help fertilize olive groves and combat food waste. The pilot project, led by farmer Elena Christoforos and soil engineer Nicolas Netien, takes rescued hens from slaughter after their egg-laying prime and allows them to roam freely in the Akaki Grove, located in the Troodos mountains.

The hens are fed food waste, often collected from local schools, and in turn, they provide natural fertilizer for the olive trees. Their foraging habits help control pests like the olive fly and manage weeds. Additionally, their droppings enrich the soil, and feeding them food waste reduces landfill methane emissions. The project aims to create a biodiverse, self-sustaining ecosystem that can withstand high temperatures and droughts, improving olive yields.

Since the hens’ arrival, the olive grove’s production of high-quality, polyphenol-rich olive oil has significantly improved. This eco-friendly approach is especially relevant as olive oil prices have risen sharply in recent years, leading many consumers to reduce their usage.

Kambas, Michele. “Why Hens Have Become an Unlikely Ally in Restoring Olive Groves.” The Independent, Independent Digital News and Media, 24 Feb. 2025, http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/food-and-drink/olive-groves-hens-europe-cyprus-b2703463.html.