The IOC takes part in the international olive sustainability conference

The first edition of the International Olive Sustainability Conference (IOSC) took place from 5 to 7 September 2024 at the University of California at Davis (UC Davis). The International Olive Council (IOC), one of the organising partners of the UC Davis’ Olive Center, played an active role in this international event. The IOSC brought together numerous representatives from the international olive sector and the academic and research worlds, as well as professionals and national and international organisations.

During the opening session, IOC Deputy Executive Director Abderraouf Laajimi devoted his speech to the current situation and the challenges facing the world olive sector in terms of sustainable development. He took the opportunity to present the global olive sector, highlighting the role of the IOC, the only intergovernmental organisation devoted to the olive world, in an international context that calls for dialogue to meet the sector’s challenges and leverage the opportunities at hand. In particular, he stressed that this future vision was based on the following three fundamental pillars:

1. Produce more sustainably in the face of globalisation by facilitating trade, defending quality and authenticity standards, and protecting consumers.
2. Highlight the contribution of olive oil to human health.
3. Promote the vital role of this unique product in supporting planetary health. The aim is to foster the sustainable development of the olive sector in the context of climate change, through targeted training and greater awareness. This can contribute to a balanced carbon cycle and help ensure a healthier planet for future generations.

The IOC’s second contribution to the conference was devoted to the carbon balance of olive growing and its contribution to fighting climate change. Lhassane Sikaoui, Head of the IOC’s Olive Growing, Olive Oil Technology and Environment Unit, presented the Organisation’s strategy in this area, underlining the fundamental role of olive growing as a sustainable alternative considering its low impact in terms water and energy resource use, as well as its positive carbon balance.

The UC Davis Olive Center is a renowned research and education centre at the University of California, Davis, established in 2008 and dedicated to the study and promotion of olives and olive oil. It is one of the Robert Mondavi Institute’s centres of excellence.