Business / page 191
Aug. 25, 2020
Europe Removes Tariffs on U.S. Lobsters in Bid to De-Escalate Trade Tensions
In return for removing $111 million tariffs on lobster imports, the United States will eliminate $160 million in tariffs on a range of goods. Observers see this as the first step in de-escalating trade tensions that led to the imposition of a 25 percent tariff on some Spanish olive oils.
Aug. 25, 2020
Asian Bug May Be Cause of āGreen Dropā in Olive Trees, Researchers Find
An experiment revealed that the presence of the invasive brown marmorated stink bug on olive tree branches correlated with increased occurrence of the newly-observed āgreen dropā disease.
Aug. 24, 2020
German Chancellor Casts Doubt Over Landmark E.U.-Mercosur Trade Deal
Angela Merkel is concerned that dropping E.U. tariffs on some agricultural products from Brazil will expedite deforestation in the Amazon rainforest.
Aug. 24, 2020 Africa / Middle East
Kırkpınar Governor Calls for Cancellation of This Yearās Event
Aug. 21, 2020 Production
Aug. 21, 2020 Europe
Increased Precision in Europe's New Xylella Fastidiosa Legislation
Aug. 19, 2020 Business
U.S. Rejects E.U. Demand to Drop Tariffs on Agricultural Goods
Aug. 19, 2020 News Briefs
Spanish Olive Oil Exports to U.S. Plummet in First Half of 2020
Aug. 17, 2020
'Elaiolado Makris' Gets PDO Status
Extra virgin olive oil from Makri becomes the first agricultural product from the region of Thrace to receive Protected Designation of Origin status from the European Union.
Aug. 12, 2020
Archaeologists Bring Roman Villa Back to Life in Malta
Using 3D modeling technology, archaeologists and researchers have created a virtual replica of the ancient Roman villa and its oil press. Digital tourists can now explore the site and witness millennia-old olive oil production from home.
Aug. 12, 2020
European Farmers Ask E.U. Not to Cut Agricultural Spending from New Budget
Agricultural organizations from across the 27-member trading bloc are lobbying their representatives to restore the sectorās budget. If passed, the latest update of the Common Agricultural Policy will include a 10 percent cut.
Aug. 12, 2020
Italy Pledges ā¬20M to Buy Local Extra Virgin Olive Oil for Families in Need
The move comes after a previous effort to provide extra virgin olive oil to families impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic sparked controversy, with farmers asserting that the effort favored imported oils over Italian ones.
Aug. 12, 2020
Destruction of Olive Trees in West Bank Is an Attack on Palestinian Sovereignty, Activists Say
The vandalism comes at a time when Palestinian olive oil production is being threatened by Israelās steady acquisition of territory in the West Bank.
Aug. 7, 2020
California Trade Group Rescinds Membership Agreement After Backlash
Forty six member producers ā representing a majority of the COOCās production and revenue ā condemned the change to the agreement, arguing it devalued the trade association and California olive oil.
Aug. 7, 2020
Farmers, Politicians Blame Each Other as Wildfires Burn in Puglia
Farmers have blamed the rapid spread of the wildfires on dead olive trees that were killed by Xylella fastidiosa and never removed by local governments. Some politicians have insinuated that these trees are being intentionally burned.
Aug. 4, 2020
Europe Demands U.S. Drop Tariffs After Member States Comply With Airbus Ruling
The European Commission wants the United States to scrap tariffs on a range of manufactured and agricultural goods now that E.U. states found to be providing illegal subsidies to Airbus have complied with WTO demands.
Jul. 30, 2020
In Italy, Farmers Unite to Compete With Multinationals
One of Italyās largest agricultural firms has agreed to invest $200 million to provide more bargaining power and a larger pool of resources for independent farmers.
Jul. 29, 2020
Despite Challenges, Soap Production Continues in West Bank
While the majority of Palestineās soap factories have closed after years of occupation and economic hardship, a few have managed to hang on. Giving a modern twist to ancient practices, some producers are not ready to wash their hands of the business yet.
Jul. 22, 2020
Geographical Indications Protected in New China-E.U. Trade Deal
The PDO and PGI status of two dozen extra virgin olive oils from five different European countries will be formally protected as part of the deal, which is expected to be ratified later this year.
Jul. 21, 2020
Farmers Warn Pesticide Ban Jeopardizes Italy's Olive Oil Production
While the prohibition on dimethoate-based pesticides was delayed until October, farmers and their supporters argue that no alternative treatments are available in time for the 2020 harvest.
Jul. 20, 2020
E.U. to Allow Member States to Regulate Olive Oil Supply
The decision comes as the three main institutions responsible for legislation in the trading bloc agreed on an extension to the Common Agricultural Policy. Spainās main agricultural cooperative has welcomed the move.
Jul. 16, 2020
Olive Oil World Tour Campaign Relaunches in Spain
From July through September, thousands of passengers boarding the high-speed ferry, Cecilia Payne, will be reminded of Spain's olive oil sector.
Jul. 16, 2020
Tariff Threats, Covid Aftermath Hang Over Spain's Table Olive Harvest
Table olive producers are expecting a slightly better harvest this year than they had in 2019. In spite of this, uncertainty over the future of the sector remains.