News Briefs
Andalusia’s regional government, the Junta de Andalucía, has agreed with the Spanish Ornithological Society (SEO/BirdLife) to expand the presence of the LIFE Olivares Vivos+ olive cultivation model to reduce the region’s carbon dioxide footprint.
The regional Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development will provide €200,000 in direct funding for areas such as communication and public awareness, training and project management in areas particularly sensitive to climate change.
According to the terms of the agreement, the ministry will also be responsible for communicating the project results to the olive sector and via scientific publications.
See Also:Andalusian Government Requests CAP Changes for Olive GrowersThe agreement is part of a five-year initiative to accelerate the adoption of the Olivares Vivos model by more regions of Spain, Portugal, Greece and Italy. The project is scheduled to run until September 2026.
By the end of this period, the initiative is expected to have increased the area occupied by Olivares Vivos-certified oil-producing olive groves by at least 10,000 hectares and to result in, amongst other benefits, a significant increase in biodiversity, a decrease of at least 50 percent in pesticide usage, and a 25 percent increase in the net ecosystem carbon dioxide exchange across the new groves.
The Olivares Vivos cultivation model, based on research carried out by the ecology department of the University of Jaén and the Arid Zones Experimental Station of the Spanish National Research Council seeks to reduce the negative environmental impact of olive farming while increasing biodiversity.
This is accomplished by introducing non-crop native species; encouraging and maintaining herbaceous ground cover between trees; installing support infrastructures for fauna such as ponds, nesting boxes and fencing posts; and restoring so-called “unproductive areas” in olive groves such as gullies, streams, tracks and walls.
Previous research has demonstrated that while all olive groves act as carbon dioxide sinks, those following traditional cultivation models remove more than double the carbon dioxide equivalent from the atmosphere per kilogram of oil produced compared to those using high-density farming methods.
Central to achieving the initiative’s stated goals is the effective communication of the benefits of the Olivares Vivos model to the olive industry and the public at large.
This is invaluable if the model is to expand as expected, not least because the planned 7 percent annual increase in the market demand for oil produced by certified groves would increase its economic viability.
According to the Spanish government, Andalusia, the largest olive oil-producing region by far and home to most of the world’s high-density olive groves, is among the territories most at risk of severe environmental damage caused by the shift away from traditional farming methods.
More articles on: Andalusia, climate change, environment
Jun. 12, 2024
Proposal Would Ban Solar Panel Installation on Italy's Farmlands
Exemptions for agri-voltaic systems would still allow research and development of projects in olive groves to continue.
Oct. 12, 2023
Another Poor Harvest in Andalusia Predicted
Low output in the world’s largest olive oil-producing region will continue to push prices higher.
Feb. 26, 2024
New Law in Italy Establishes Role of Farmers in Protecting Environment
Along with protecting Italy’s natural landscapes and promoting the cultivation of traditional crops, the law seeks to curb the rural exodus with economic incentives.
Apr. 16, 2024
Trees Less Effective at Sequestering Carbon in a Hotter, Drier World, Study Finds
High temperatures and a lack of water can stress the world's trees, causing them to emit carbon dioxide into the atmosphere instead of absorbing it.
Nov. 27, 2023
Producers Behind Loco Galbasa Achieve Childhood Dream, World-Class Quality
The Sicilian brand Loco Galbasa combines the pursuit of quality and the commitment to environmental sustainability.
Jan. 29, 2024
Experts Predict Bigger Swings Between Wet and Dry Years in California
Investing in infrastructure and management techniques can help olive growers protect crops from flooding and save water for droughts.
Sep. 28, 2023
Precise Irrigation Key to Long-Term Productivity
A drought-resistant crop, olives still need adequate watering. Researchers are optimizing irrigation to improve yield and quality.
Apr. 9, 2024
Legacy Meets Innovation at Tuscany’s Azienda Pometti
The latest generation of farmers at the 600-year-old Azienda Pometti is using state-of-the-art methods to produce award-winning, sustainable olive oil.