The assembly of members of Unaprol, Italy’s union of olive oil producers, renewed the board of directors and unanimously reelected David Granieri as president at a meeting in Rome.
Unaprol brings together 56 producer organizations. The renewal of the managerial positions of the group started in February with Nicola Di Noia’s direct appointment as new director-general.
Alongside Coldiretti, we are proposing a package of extraordinary measures to assist agricultural companies and mills.- David Granieri, president, Unaprol
“I sincerely thank all the associates for their trust, especially since today, more than ever, we need to work hard to relaunch the Italian olive sector,” said Granieri, a 41-year-old agricultural entrepreneur, who has been in office since 2014 and is also currently the vice-president of Coldiretti and president of Coldiretti Lazio.
According to Unaprol, the Covid-19 pandemic has caused €2 billion ($2.25 billion) in losses to the Italian olive oil sector, mostly due to the shutdown and difficult restart for bars, restaurants, and farmhouses.
The pandemic also has created new obstacles for exporters, led to a substantial drop in tourism and coincided with a 44 percent drop in prices, which is mostly attributed to abundant global olive oil stocks.
“In order to address these issues, we are calling for the activation of innovative tools in favor of the sector,” Granieri told Olive Oil Times. “Alongside Coldiretti, we are proposing a package of extraordinary measures to assist agricultural companies and mills.”
He said that priority would be given to producers most at risk, “with the immediate release of the resources already allocated for the enhancement of the olive oil supply chain.”
“Yet, we also need flexibility mechanisms, massive support for exports and an extraordinary communication plan on olive oil,” Granieri added. “Moreover, we will work to teach consumers to recognize and choose quality as well to support the companies that pursue it.”
Granieri stated that among the next objectives of the producer’s consortium is also the proposal for a revision of olive oil classifications with stricter parameters in order to assign the designation ‘extra virgin’ only to quality productions.
More articles on: Coldiretti, Italy, Unaprol
Nov. 21, 2023
The Agronomic and Macroeconomic Forces Behind Olive Oil Prices in Italy
Despite an anticipated production rebound in Italy, prices will likely remain high. Farmers will need to adapt to a new reality.
Feb. 22, 2024
Italian Farmers, Producers Confirm Production Rebound
Olive oil production for the 2023/24 crop year was bolstered by strong harvests in the south.
Jun. 4, 2023
Unveiling the Mystery and Magic Surrounding Tuscany’s Olivo della Strega
Believed to be a gathering place of witches and other mythical creatures, radiocarbon dating confirms the tree may not live for much longer.
Apr. 5, 2023
Finalists for Oleotourism Contest Announced
At the third edition of the national competition, farmhouses and olive oil producers compete to propose tourism experiences in breathtaking locations.
Apr. 11, 2023
Passion, Research Inspire the Award-Winning Quality of Cantasole
Arianna De Marco focuses on sustainable farming and high-quality extra virgin olive oil production to overcome the challenges of farming in Puglia.
Oct. 3, 2023
Optimism in Italy as Olive Harvest Gets Underway
While producers in southern Italy expect bumper crops, the fortunes of farmers in central and northern Italy are less certain.
Aug. 7, 2023
Italy Becomes Largest Market for Tunisia’s Organic Olive Oil Exports
Tunisia's organic production is increasingly favored by large Italian bottlers.
Apr. 22, 2023
Olive Oil Prices Rising Faster than Inflation in Italy
Olive oil prices at origin in Italy are 46 percent higher than last year, driving up the costs of other popular foods.