Aug. 24, 2020
Kırkpınar Governor Calls for Cancellation of This Year’s Event
The Covid-19 pandemic originally delayed the 659th edition of the world's oldest sporting event from the first week of July to September. Now the main sponsor and ceremonial head of the event says he no longer supports the tournament taking place.
Aug. 21, 2020
Spain's Farmers Welcome Low Harvest Forecasts
An official for one of Spain’s main agricultural unions argues that steadily rising global consumption paired with a decrease in production may lead to more demand for Spanish olive oil and cause prices to rise.
Aug. 21, 2020
Increased Precision in Europe's New Xylella Fastidiosa Legislation
Along with shrinking the infection and buffer zones, the European Commission also admitted that the deadly plant pathogen could no longer be removed in some regions and called on E.U. member states to intensify their surveillance of the disease.
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 Business
Aug. 12, 2020 News Briefs
Aug. 12, 2020 Business
European Farmers Ask E.U. Not to Cut Agricultural Spending from New Budget
Aug. 12, 2020
Italy Pledges €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 Israel’s steady acquisition of territory in the West Bank.
Aug. 7, 2020
California Trade Group Rescinds Membership Agreement After Backlash
Forty six member producers – representing a majority of the COOC’s production and revenue – 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 Italy’s 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 Palestine’s 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. Spain’s 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.
Jul. 15, 2020
Guide Boosts Online Sales of Award-Winning Brands
Finding online retailers who sell the best extra virgin olive oils just got a lot easier.
Jul. 13, 2020
Covid-19 Inflicts €2 Billion of Losses on Italian Olive Oil Sector
Italy’s major farmers association attributes the bulk of losses to the shutdown of the nation’s foodservice sector during the pandemic and a precipitous drop in tourism.
Jul. 13, 2020
Portugal Bans Nocturnal Olive Harvesting Practice for Upcoming Season
While conservationists have hailed the move as a step in the right direction, many of them have urged the country's ministry fo agriculture to make the ban permanent.