Il FOA Italy has formalised its observations to the Ministry of Agriculture in order to offer a contribution to the definition of the new National olive oil plan, a draft of which was presented to the supply chain table, with the aim of fully meeting the millers' expectations.
This was communicated by President, Michele Librandi that explains: The measure to modernize olive oil mills, financed by NRRP funds, was important for our sector and demonstrated that operators were receptive to the opportunity offered. It should be added that this measure involved approximately 10% of Italy's olive oil mills, and that another significant percentage could be willing to make investments aimed at improving quality and sustainability. Therefore, it will be important for the Olive Oil Plan to take these expectations into account when defining resources. It should not be overlooked that some regions, as is the case in Calabria, have appropriately earmarked specific resources for olive oil mills when preparing their Olive Oil Plan. I believe that a National Olive Oil Plan can meet all the needs of the sector, as well as the entire supply chain, without neglecting anyone.
Beyond the resources to allow olive oil companies to plan investments to make their mills increasingly efficient, Librandi also emphasizes another theme, that of full valorization of oil by-products.
“It is rightly observed in the Plan that the rules on the prohibition of uprooting olive groves must be revised – highlights Librandi – Likewise, we believe that those regulating by-products leaving the mill also deserve reconsideration. Scientific research consistently presents us with innovative solutions for transforming olive processing waste into resources—just think of the reuse of polyphenols found in olive oil wastewater—and it will therefore be important that the law does not impede this virtuous path that can be undertaken.
