The battle for Olive Oil: a push for a healthier future

Joseph Profaci, executive director of the North American Olive Oil Association (NAOOA)

Sometimes, great battles begin in unexpected places. Today, one of them is being fought at the intersection of health, commerce, and an ancient product: olive oil. For many, it's just another ingredient in the kitchen; for others, it’s a crucial tool for public health.

For the past few months, the North American Olive Oil Association (NAOOA) has been virtually the only one to point out that olive oil tariffs would be at odds with the goal of Make America Healthy Again, which aims to promote healthy diets to combat obesity and chronic diseases. Since total U.S. production can supply only about 3% of the olive oil that Americans consume annually, these tariffs would lead to price increases that would make even the most affordable olive oils unaffordable for millions of low-income American families trying to improve their health.

However, suddenly this week, it seems we are no longer alone in this discussion. Rachel Sugar's opinion article in The Atlantic addresses this very issue, and a grassroots petition on Change.org has been launched against olive oil tariffs. This surge of support reflects that the issue is gaining visibility. We hope more voices will join in to convince policymakers that exempting olive oil from tariffs will contribute to a healthier and happier United States.

The NAOOA has been clear in its stance: olive oil is not a luxury, it is an essential food. The benefits of extra virgin olive oil are well-documented, from the prevention of cardiovascular diseases and metabolic conditions to its positive impact on brain health. Furthermore, it is a cornerstone of the Mediterranean diet, which is globally recognized for its positive impact on health and well-being.

However, the proposal to impose tariffs on olive oil in the United States puts the accessibility of this essential product at risk. When prices rise, it is not the higher-income families who stop buying it, but those who need it the most. If these tariffs are implemented, it would create an indirect tax on health for millions of Americans, especially those with low incomes trying to improve their well-being.

Fortunately, we are not alone in this fight. The Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) movement has placed preventive nutrition at the core of its agenda, recognizing that what we eat has a huge impact on our health. Legislators like Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. understand that the key to combating chronic diseases is not only in medical consultations but in what we can afford to bring to our tables.

On the international front, the World Olive Oil Congress (OOWC) has also supported this debate. During an event in Washington, D.C., in collaboration with the NAOOA, experts from around the world agreed that restricting access to olive oil in key markets like the U.S. would have significant health and social consequences. It is not just about protecting a food item, but supporting a more sustainable consumption model that aligns with the global health challenges of the 21st century.

Although commercial and political tensions make the road difficult, it is crucial to keep fighting on all fronts: legislative, media, and public. The recent temporary reduction in tariffs is a step in the right direction, but it is not enough. We must not lower our guard but double down on efforts to ensure that olive oil remains accessible to all Americans, especially those who need it the most.

Defending olive oil is much more than an act in favor of a food. It is a defense of fundamental principles: the right to healthy food, the coherence between economic and health policies, and the creation of a fairer and more sustainable food system. Although the road will be long, we know that the truth is on our side. We live it, we know it, and now it is time for everyone to hear it.