In an effort to mitigate the health and economic impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic in southern Portugal, the Alentejo Olive Oil Association (Olivum) is teaming up with Cáritas de Beja, a local NGO, to help feed families in need.
As unemployment rises across the southern Portuguese region, Cáritas de Beja has started preparing and cooking thousands of meals to distribute across the province. Olivum will donate olive oil to the NGO to aid in the preparation of healthy meals.
See Also:Covid-19 Updates“At a difficult time for some needy families in the region, Olivum associates wanted to contribute in solidarity free of charge with the fruit of their work, distributing free olive oil that will allow [Cáritas de Beja] to cook about 14,000 meals,” Gonçalo Almeida Simões, the executive director of Olivum, said.
At the time of writing, Alentejo has experienced 218 cases of Covid-19 and one fatality. Overall, Portugal has recorded more than 25,300 cases and slightly more than 1,000 deaths.
While Portugal has not faced the same level of public health crisis as other countries in the region, its economy has not been spared.
Nearly one in five Portuguese workers has been laid off as a result of the pandemic. Unemployment skyrocketed to 380,832, just 100,000 shy of the levels reached during the financial crisis.
In addition to helping supply meals to families in need, members of Olivum have been repurposing their farm equipment to help sanitize public spaces too.
Olive growers and oil producers have also been deemed essential workers by the government and have worked throughout the quarantine to keep the food supply chain running.
“From the first moment that Olivum and its associates realized the negative social effects that this pandemic could cause to the most needy populations in Alentejo, we entered into a partnership with Cáritas,” Pedro Lopes, the president of Olivum, said.
Related Articles
Oct. 16, 2023
Olive Oil Production in Portugal Set to Rebound
Officials estimate Portugal will produce 140,000 to 150,000 tons of olive oil in the current crop year. Drought and labor shortages presented significant challenges.
Oct. 23, 2023
Rising Prices, New Technology Attract Private Equity Interest in Olive Oil
Analysts are eyeing promising financial returns in the olive oil market, particularly in Spain and Portugal.
Aug. 31, 2023
Higher Consumption of Polyphenols Linked to Lower Risk of Contracting Covid-19
Healthy adults who consumed phenols and plant sterols, some of which are present in olive oil, were less likely to contract Covid-19.
Nov. 20, 2023
Finding Balance in a Changing Sector Yields Success for Portuguese Exporter
Quality serves as Est. Manuel Silva Torrado’s north star as the company navigates export markets and the country’s rapidly changing sector.
Mar. 21, 2024
Olive Oil Producers in Portugal Celebrate Country’s Second-Highest Yield
From the traditional groves in the north to the super-high-density plantations of the south, producers across Portugal overcame winter rain to achieve a bountiful harvest.
Oct. 31, 2023
Global Olive Oil Production Set for Second Straight Year of Decline
The world’s seven largest olive oil-producing countries are expected to yield 1.97 million tons in the 2023/24 crop year, 23 percent below the average of the previous four campaigns.
May. 19, 2023
Climate Disasters Drive Prices Higher
Drought on the Iberian Peninsula and floods in Croatia have resulted in a rocky start to olive development, spurring more price rises.
May. 10, 2023
In Portugal, a Tough Season Ends with Stronger Determination
One industry veteran characterizes the 2022 harvest in Portugal as a perfect storm. Still, a common commitment to quality remains unshaken.