The latest research indicates that the carbon sink effect from olive trees in the biomass and soil is much higher than greenhouse gas emissions from production.
The significant number of scientific studies that have found powerful links between extra virgin olive oil and human health keep on coming, and the International Olive Council’s (IOC) June 2016 newsletter reports another exciting win-win, this time for the environment.
Our message could be that olive oil is both healthy and good for the environment.- International Olive Council
The latest research indicates that olive oil production as a whole gives back to the ecosystem more than it takes. “We now have evidence that when the appropriate agricultural practices are adopted, the carbon sink effect (or carbon sequestration) from olive trees in the biomass and soil is much higher than the greenhouse gas emissions from the production of one unit (one liter of virgin olive oil or extra virgin olive oil),” the report states.
Council members plan to create a proposal for a conference on the carbon sink effect of olive trees to be presented at COP22, a United Nations conference dedicated to climate change to be held in Marrakech in November.
That protection of this crop and consumption of its oil is a positive for the environment makes their very existence an ally in the fight against climate change. It’s “precisely the message the IOC wishes to share,” the IOC said. “Our message could be that ‘olive oil is both healthy and good for the environment.’”
The proposal will be drafted at the IOC’s upcoming meeting in Hammamet, Tunisia. The 27th extraordinary meeting begins July 11.
The council praised Tunisia as an active and valuable founding member of the IOC, contributing to research and development in the field of olive oil chemistry for 60 years. Tunisia, along with Belgium, France, Greece, Israel, Italy, Libya, Morocco, Portugal, Spain and the United Kingdom is a signatory of the first International Olive Oil Agreement, drafted in 1959.
Today, the country boasts the second-largest olive-growing area in the world after Spain, with some 800 million olive trees accounting for a full sixteen percent of world olive acreage.
“Olive growing is one of Tunisia’s main agricultural activities. It plays a fundamental social and economic role, given that sixty percent of the country’s farmers work in this area and draw all or part of their revenues from it,” the newsletter stated, also noting that the country is the second-largest exporter worldwide after the European Union.
More articles on: Editor's Picks, environment, International Olive Council (IOC)
Dec. 11, 2023
Organic Farm in Jaén Blazes a Trail for Selling Carbon Credits
O.Live generates about 4.5 carbon credits per hectare from its 1,000 hectares of organic groves, establishing a model for producers to increase revenue.
Aug. 10, 2023
Asphalt Made with Olive Oil Byproducts Used to Pave a Highway in Spain
Local officials said the experimental asphalt is more environmentally friendly to manufacture, safer for workers and could provide new revenue for producers.
Jul. 13, 2023
New Cleaning Equipment for Olive Mills Saves Water, Money, Study Finds
Cleaning with a SILAC system, which uses foam-based detergent ad air pressure, reduces the amount of time to clean milling equipment and saves water and money.
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.
Feb. 7, 2024
Oleocampo's 3,500 Members Overcome Harvest Challenges with Quality Intact
Farmers in the massive Jaén-based cooperative sacrificed yield for a tenth straight year of award-winning quality.
Aug. 17, 2023
Europe Passes Controversial Measure to Restore Nature
The new law, approved with a razor-thin margin, requires member states to introduce measures to restore twenty percent of land and sea by 2030.
Sep. 26, 2023
How Monovarietal Olive Oils Promote Ecological Farming, Safeguard Landscapes
Producing monovarietal extra virgin olive oil promotes endemic varieties, which require fewer phytosanitary interventions, preserve landscapes and promote biodiversity.
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.