Calabria olive oil sector faces emergency call for rescue plan

Agricultural associations Confeuro and Asu have called for an extraordinary emergency plan to address the severe crisis facing the olive oil industry in Calabria. The organizations are urging immediate operational interventions to prevent the collapse of the regional sector.

Proposed measures include accelerating tenders to purchase 100% Italian extra virgin olive oil for low-income families and welfare agencies to absorb excess stock. Additionally, they are calling for strengthened anti-fraud controls using advanced analysis techniques, such as DNA and isotopic testing, to combat counterfeiting and speculation.

To address liquidity issues, the associations are requesting a fund to cover interest payments for businesses and a bank moratorium to help farms and mills manage the upcoming campaign.