International News/Trends
It was environmentally sustainable. But Negev Nectars wasn’t financially sustainable. Three years after launching, the company, which aimed to develop a North American market for small-scale Israeli farmers producing olive…
Read MoreThe European Commission has released a brief report on olive oil production expectations towards year 2020. Based mainly on statistical analysis and predictions about the progression of the oil industry…
Read MoreFinal details of the European Commission’s olive oil action plan may not be available until the end of September, according to sources close to European Commissioner for Agriculture Dacian Cioloş.…
Read MoreSpanish Extra Virgin Olive Oil producers, devastated by the world oversupply and the resulting low prices, are discussing the formation of a Spanish Extra Virgin Olive Oil Association. The intention…
Read MoreIn the foothills of Sierra Nevada Natural Park in Andalucia a rather special olive oil has recently gone into production. Benizalte organic extra-virgin olive oil, now being distributed in the UK exclusively by Alma Organics, has been created by a group of determined small-holders passionate about their craft and keen to find a new way of producing a high-quality oil while preserving centuries’ old methods of cultivation, and offering a fair price to the farmers concerned. The oil is being processed via cold extraction in the small organic mill of La Flor de Alpujarra in the market town of Orgiva, Granada. What makes this venture so unusual is that the farmers themselves own the mill as a co-operative.
Read MoreA few months ago at a bank auction of a confiscated luxury villa on the island of Mykonos no one was interested in acquiring it. On the contrary, at a similar bank auction of an olive grove of 125 acres in Messinia, southern Greece, there were no less than eight bids. Maybe this is only a coincidence, but then again it can mean that things are changing and people are thinking rationally again.
Read MoreVisits to the Museum of Olive Culture in Jaén were part of a recent program for disadvantaged children. The children participated in various olive oil education activities, including one known as “Know our olive grove,” which included a breakfast of typical products from the region, a guided museum tour and an initiation to olive oil tasting. The aim of the project was to provide education surrounding the healthy food to those who may not otherwise have the opportunity to learn about its benefits, history and the importance of the product to the region.
Read MoreFrench organisation Odyssée Agri has several skilled and experienced applicants looking for agricultural placements in the southern hemisphere. Odyssée Agri works to provide young French farming professionals with work experience abroad. All applicants are skilled and experienced in agricultural pursuits, including tractor and heavy vehicle operation, and many come from farming backgrounds. They come on working holiday visas and placements are free, generally lasting between six weeks and three months. More information, or for enquire about a placement,https://www.odyssee-agri.com/Introduction.
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