By Denise Johnson
Olive Oil Times Contributor | Reporting from Boston

Extra virgin olive oil fraud will be the topic of an informational hearing Thursday at the California State Capitol in Sacramento.

State Senator Lois Wolk will preside over the meeting of the Senate Subcommittee on Olive Oil Production and Emerging Products that she chairs.

The meeting follows a two-day conference in Dixon, California where an industry marketing order was proposed, and another conference in nearby Napa Valleyon olive oil quality for food industry buyers. Senator Wolk attended the Napa and Dixon events.

Dan Flynn, who for years worked in the state legislature before establishing the UC Davis Olive Center, will start the session speaking on extra virgin olive oil fraud, followed by author Tom Mueller.

Offering local industry perspectives will be Gregg Kelley, CEO of California Olive Ranch; Brady Whitlow, president of Corto-Olive; Brendon Flynn, president of the California Olive Oil Council; and Jim Etters, director of land management for Yocha Dehe Winton Nation.

North American Olive Oil Association President Bob Bauer will represent olive oil importers and suppliers at the hearing.

Australian Olive Association President Paul Miller will offer a global perspective on olive oil quality issues.

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This article was last updated January 25, 2012 - 4:27 PM