JENIN, West Bank / PNN -

In the town of Arraba, southwest of Jenin, Palestinian farmer Tareq Al-Shaer is facing the loss of a grape farm he has spent years cultivating after receiving, according to his account, a notice ordering its removal within 48 hours.

As he waited for a harvest that represented more than eight months of work, Al-Shaer, along with relatives, friends and local residents, rushed to pick the grapes in an effort to salvage as much of the season's crop as possible. He fears losing about 750 grapevines, as well as agricultural structures and equipment that provide a vital source of income for his family and about 15 people who depend directly or indirectly on the farm.

Al-Shaer said he was notified at around 10 p.m. Friday of a decision to remove the entire farm. The property includes a room, a shed, agricultural facilities and equipment, about 750 grapevines — some growing on metal structures — irrigation networks, water tanks and other agricultural supplies.

The notice gave him 48 hours to remove the farm, he said, leaving him facing potentially major losses. The grapes still needed another 20 to 25 days to fully ripen and become ready for harvest.

With the help of relatives, friends and local residents, the family began harvesting the crop urgently in an effort to save part of the season's production and reduce losses from months of work and spending on pesticides, water, irrigation, fertilizer, weeding and other agricultural services.

"This season represents about eight months of continuous work," Al-Shaer said.

The vineyard is a primary source of income for him and his family, he said, comparing the grape harvest to the olive season because of its importance to their livelihood.

Some of the grapevines are about 15 years old, Al-Shaer said. To him, they represent years of care, labor and investment, not simply trees that can be uprooted and discarded.

This is not the first time his farm has suffered damage and losses, Al-Shaer said.

He recalled that a water tank was previously placed in the area under what he was told was a "military order." Water was then discharged near the grapevines, he said, damaging the crop. According to his account, the water evaporated and affected the grapes, causing much of the fruit to darken and turn black.

Al-Shaer said the area was once quiet and peaceful before a single caravan was placed there. More caravans were later added and the site expanded, he said, accompanied by attacks on farmers, land seizures and the cutting of olive trees.

The losses facing farmers, Al-Shaer stressed, go far beyond their immediate financial value. 

"Take whatever they want, but don't take the land and don't cut the grapevines," he said.

Agricultural land in the area, he added, is an important part of the Palestinian food supply. The pressure on farmers, he said, threatens their ability to continue farming and could push them to abandon their land.

Al-Shaer estimated that about 15 people depend directly or indirectly on income from the farm and its annual harvest, which requires continuous spending on water, fertilizer, pesticides, weeding and other agricultural services.

What hurts most, he said, is the possibility that years of work and investment could be wiped out by a short notice.

Palestinian farmers work throughout the year to reach the harvest season, only to find themselves facing the possible loss of their land, trees and livelihoods, Al-Shaer said.

This video was produced with financial support from CFI, Expertise France and the European Union. The beneficiary is solely responsible for the content of this document, which in no way reflects the views of CFI, Expertise France or the European Union.