Two main olive varieties are cultivated in Israel:

- Edible varieties
- Oil producing varieties

While almost all olive varieties can be used as food and most varieties produce oil, various olive varieties are more suited for one application or the other.  This differentiation categorizes various varieties as either edible varieties or oil-producing varieties.

Cultivation of edible varieties is the responsibility of the Israel Fruit Board. The  Israel Olive Board  is responsible for all cultivation aspects of the of oil-producing varieties.

The Israel Olive Board is a statutory body created under the Fruit Board act. During the last several years, the general increase in public awareness of health benefits arising from consumption of olive oil has encouraged the Israel Olive Board expanded its range of objectives and activities.