Italy approves DAO electronic olive oil tracking document

The Italian Agricultural Policy Commission has officially approved the DAO (Documento elettronico di Accompagnamento Olivicolo), an electronic tracking document designed to protect 'Made in Italy' olive oil from unfair competition. The new measure extends traceability requirements to foreign, EU, and extra-EU olive oils.

To support short supply chains, producers transporting olives to mills or storage centers within a 40-kilometer radius of their groves are exempt from the obligation. Additionally, specific exemptions have been introduced for small-scale olive growers producing modest quantities to protect small producers.

Industry groups, including Orgoglio Olivicolo and CIA (Confederazione Italiana Agricoltori), have welcomed the decision as a significant step forward. While some groups previously urged for immediate implementation to match Spanish regulatory standards, the approval is seen as a vital tool for real-time monitoring of production, transport, and transformation processes.