A new CEN Workshop is being planned which will complement the activities of the EU Research project “Soil O-live”. This initiative focuses on the soil biodiversity and functionality of Mediterranean olive groves, seeking to provide a holistic analysis of the influence of land management on olive oil quality and safety.
It is no secret that the Mediterranean Region is of the utmost importance for virgin olive oil production. But the realities of pollution and land degradation mean that olive growers face very serious problems. The SOIL O-LIVE EU project seeks to examine how the challenges of intensive agriculture practices, land degradation, biodiversity loss, and functionality reduction can be met. The connection is drawn between soil health and the safety of olive oil, with the goal of establishing strict ecological thresholds for healthy European olive groves.
In line with the goals of the SOIL O-LIVE project, this CEN Workshop is tasked to establish a framework for the standardization of requirements for sustainable practices in olive orchards and olive oil mills for the production of Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO). All stages of production will be targeted, including cultivation, extraction and packaging. In this way, a comprehensive analysis will be provided with the overarching aim of extending sustainability policies to the entire supply chain.
The resulting CEN Workshop Agreement will outline general requirements for sustainable agricultural practices, efficient resource management and product quality improvement. To ensure a holistic approach, participation from various stakeholders from different EVOO producing regions is strongly encouraged. It is hoped that the CWA will develop into an effective tool for the olive oil sector to improve its activities in terms of social and environmental sustainability, as well as the business prosperity and operational resilience of all actors in the chain.
This Workshop is an important standardization initiative as it links the SOIL-O-LIVE project with the two EU environmental and agricultural strategies for 2030: the European Green Deal and the Farm to Fork Strategy. It also aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 2: Zero Hunger; SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being; SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production; SDG 13: Climate Action; and SDG 15: Life on Land). The development of a CWA is a highly effective method for translating this project’s results to policymakers, the market and society at large.
The kick-off meeting for the Workshop will take place remotely on Wednesday 26 November from 10.30 until 14.30 (CEST). To attend remotely, please use this link.
All interested parties are invited to submit comments on the draft Project Plan using the commenting form below, to the Workshop Secretary Rosa Cepas (UNE) (rcepas@une.org).
Download the documents:
· Workshop description and draft Project Plan
· Agenda of the Kick-off Meeting
