Olive oil producers in Spain debate future production models

Olive oil professionals in the Balearic Islands and Catalonia are convening to address the future of olive oil production amidst evolving economic and environmental challenges.

In the Balearic Islands, the first Technical Conference on the Future of the Olive Grove was organized by DO Oli de Mallorca, with support from IGP Oli de Menorca and IGP Oli d’Eivissa. Experts discussed the impact of climate change on water availability and crop yields, as well as the difficulties of competing in a globalized market due to the costs associated with island production. The event also addressed market tensions and the effects of speculative movements on producers.

In Catalonia, the third edition of the Forum for Extra Virgin Olive Oil (FOOVE) in Les Borges Blanques will focus on determining the ideal production model for the region. The debate encompasses various approaches, including intensive, super-intensive, traditional dryland, agroecological, and regenerative practices. The forum aims to balance economic profitability with the preservation of landscape, biodiversity, and cultural identity.