Libya, the 12th largest olive oil producer in the world, plans to boost its economy with a new emphasis on olive oil exports. Officials at the export promotion center in Tripoli said Libya will promote the quality of its olive production in order to expand exports to Europe. It will engage the private sector players to enhance productivity and carve a niche for Libyan olive oil in international markets.
An exhibition of olives and dates was held last month in Tripoli, where Libya’s production of olives and olive oil was discussed as a potential trade opportunity. Government officials acknowledged the high expectations of the lucrative European markets regarding standards of quality, packaging and labeling of olive oil. The officials said a national label would be developed in order to facilitate marketing and establish a reputation of trust for Libyan olive oils.
Olive crops easily tolerate spells of drought, which makes it a good fit for the arid climate of Libya. The country already has more than 8 million olive trees and produces 160,000 tons of olives and 32,000 tons of olive oil annually, according to data released by the Libyan ministry of agriculture. The country has 3.6 million hectares of arable land.
Libya is experimenting with the Arbequina olive variety from Spain. Arbequina is known for its highly aromatic fruit. It was introduced in Europe in the 17th century, and is now mostly grown in Catalonia. Following encouraging results in experimental production of this variety in Libya, now more than 1,900 hectares have been planted under two agricultural projects.
Officials in Tripoli said the state will get more involved in supporting the entire olive oil production chain, from choosing what varieties to plant to the transformation of the packaging process. The government will also commission studies on the European market to help Libyan exporters understand the challenges ahead.
Related Articles
Dec. 18, 2023
Tunisia Takes Measures to Lower Olive Oil Prices at Home as Export Revenues Fall
Low fixed prices for Tunisian bulk exports to Europe mean Tunisian farmers are not benefiting from the surge in global olive oil prices.
Jun. 5, 2023
Goya Spain GM Says the Global Olive Oil Sector Potential Lies with Young Consumers
Antonio Carrasco believes olive oil brands must define themselves through quality while communicating these values to young people.
Dec. 18, 2023
Reflections on 45 Years Championing Italian Olive Oil in America
Nearly half of a century after a chance encounter with an Italian olive oil producer, John J. Profaci looks back on his role in the American market.
Aug. 2, 2023
Olive Oil Producers in Argentina Beat the Heat, Enjoy Fruitful Harvest
After three below-average harvests, producers in Argentina expect a return to the norm. However, inflation continues to create problems for domestic sales and exports.
Nov. 27, 2023
Two Greek PDO Olive Oils Receive Protection in India
Kalamata and Sitia Lasithiou Kritis extra virgin olive oils have been registered as in India to protect them from imitations.
Apr. 11, 2024
Turkish Producers Pray Export Ban Ends with Ramadan
While the prohibition on bulk exports has helped control domestic prices, producers worry it has hurt their credibility with international partners.
Jun. 15, 2023
Research-Focused Conference in Pakistan Showcases the Potential of Olive Cultivation
The PakOlive conference focused on olive oil as a strategic crop in the face of climate change and the need to focus on quality and exports.
Aug. 2, 2023
Spain Reclaims Top Spot as Largest Olive Oil Exporter to U.S.
The removal of trade barriers and changes in strategy by Spanish companies has resulted in a steady increase in olive oil exports to the lucrative U.S. market.