The Mediterranean Agronomic Institute of Saragossa (IAMZ-CIHEAM) and the International Olive Council (IOC) will organize between November 26th and 28th a seminar on the Present and Future of the Mediterranean Olive Sector.
The conference, whose last date for entries is November 15th, will last two days with presentations and scientific and technical discussions structured in three sessions. There will be roundtables with case studies and technical visits to Aragon to learn about the traditional and the modern PDOs and the intensive mill system.
The organizers have reported that the seminar will explore the future of olive farming in the Mediterranean, trying to answer questions like:
- Are intensive production systems sustainable?
- Will the future olive oil sector be based on these systems, or will it maintain traditional systems?
- What are the factors which have to be improved in processing technologies, especially in countries where a large part of their production cannot access markets which require strict attention to quality?
.
Besides the already widespread nutritional and functional properties of olive products, the seminar will also focus on the raw material for the “nutraceutical” (nutrition and pharmaceutical) industry and the keys to opening new markets and increase its presence in the already consolidated ones.
Olive cultivation is a key element of Mediterranean agriculture. According to the IOC figures, nearly 3.3 million tons of olive oil were produced worldwide in the campaign 2011/12, of which 97 percent corresponds to the Mediterranean region.
The production of olive oil and table olives has been increasing in a spectacular way in recent decades, more than doubling for olive oil and a 270 percent increase for table olives.
This increase is due in part to the establishment of plantations using intensive production systems which have achieved high yields and a strong degree of mechanization.
European Union subsidies have also played a decisive role in this production increase, as the largest climbs have occurred in the Mediterranean countries of the EU.
The consumption of olive products has followed the same trend. The Mediterranean region has the largest number of consumers, while other major countries such as U.S., Brazil, Australia, and Canada are becoming major consumers and importers.
Mediterranean Agronomic Institute of Saragossa
Mercacei articles also appear in Mercacei magazine and are not edited by Olive Oil Times.
Related Articles
Jan. 29, 2024
Production in Spain Expected to Fall Short of Initial Estimates
Production estimates range from 680,000 to 755,000 tons for the 2023/24 crop year, below expectations at the start of the harvest.
Dec. 5, 2023
Soaring Expenses Strain Producers in Southern Europe
Olive oil producers in Spain, Italy and Greece are grappling with challenges that threaten the viability of the sector.
Jun. 20, 2023
Spread of Xylella Slowing in Puglia, Researchers Say
As the number of severity of new infections deccreases in the southern Italian region, farmers begin to plant and graft resilient varieties.
Feb. 23, 2024
World Trade Organization Finds U.S. Noncompliant in Table Olive Trade Spat
The WTO ruled that the U.S. must remove tariffs on Spanish table olive imports, while a separate case is pending in the Court of Appeals.
Apr. 16, 2024
Researchers Investigate Solar Panel and Olive Grove Synergies
Solar panels between rows of high-density olive groves generate electricity with minimal impact on yields.
Jun. 13, 2023
The Best Olive Varieties for Hobby Growers in Northern California
Whether it is for ornamental purposes or for small-scale table olive or oil production, these olives are perfectly suited to Northern California backyards.
Jan. 3, 2024
Pakistan Celebrates Foreign Investment, Local Culture at World Olive Day Gala
The event, held in the national capital, brought together farmers, consumers, foreign investors and government officials to educate, network and celebrate.
Jul. 13, 2023
Spurred by Olives, Organic Farmland Grows in Italy
With a 25,600-hectare increase in surface area from 2021 to 2022, olive groves are the most significant crop in Italy’s expanding organic agricultural landscape.