Por Redaccion 
The Board of Directors approved the first Andalusian Strategy for Horizon 2027 Olive Sector which has a budget of over 986 million euros and whose main objective is to improve the competitiveness of the Olive sector in Andalusia, contribute to the engine of wealth, job creation, and rural population settlement.
This document Contains 52 measures, classified into eleven thematic areas focusing on improving the competitiveness and sustainability of farms and industry; Promoting market orientation; increasing added value; Improving differentiated quality; Maintaining a balanced value chain and conquering markets; and stimulating circular economy and bioeconomy.
Also, advancing the digital transformation in the production value chain; Consolidating a scientific technology system that provides R&D D+I to the sector; Promoting training, advice, and knowledge transfer to the chain’s agents promoting their sector, products, and territories by spreading their benefits and Promoting administrative simplification and governance.
Among some of the included measures are the promotion of sustainable models and techniques in specific tips of integrated olive production groups; or the creation of Center for Olive Oil Quality (CRAO) in Jaén which will strengthen the control and diagnosis of commercial and differentiated quality of olive oil.
In terms of water, it will encourage the construction of reservoirs to provide more storage capacity and other measures to help irrigators increase energy efficiency in innovative irrigation systems and their modernization. Development of Circular bioeconomy by driving innovative initiatives or projects and collaborating with the sector on Olive Grove’s carbon loan opportunities.
Protecting and improving the quality and authenticity of olive oil productions is essential as it implies increasing the competitiveness of this sector in terms of other global production areas, and this requires constant involvement of public powers as well as their own. Olive sectorManufacturers and industries, seeking formulas that contribute to this Andalusian product that continues with the highest quality standards.
In the formulation of the strategy, both the sector’s concerns and needs were taken into account. Therefore, economic and social agents, interprofessional sector, olive oil industry associations, mass olive and apple oil, regulatory tips, The Olive Council of Andalusia, AgriFood Cooperatives, and producer organizations were included. Additionally, over 60% of the 254 contributions received during the public information process were included.
Andalusia is a world leader in olive oil production
The Olive sector is a fundamental pillar of the economy, culture, and landscape of Andalusia concentrating the largest surface of olives in the world, becoming a world leader in the production of olive oil, table olives, and apple oil. Besides its economic weight, generating thousands of jobs and energizing rural areas, Andalusian Olive Grove has an incalculable environmental value, contributing to soil conservation and biodiversity. It also represents a cultural identity that defines the gastronomy, traditions, and heritage of Andalusia.
Andalusia has Over 1.6 million hectares62% of national olive and 15% of global area. This sector generates around 20 million salaries in the campaign, representing approximately 40% of the employment generated in Andalusia. Olive and oil production generated 3,648 million euros in 2023, representing 58.7% of the agricultural branch production in Andalusia.
Olive Grove is the main crop in Andalusia, ranking as the world’s top producing region, with a processing industry that has 850 oil factories, 772 packers, 17 refineries, 41 orators, 225 packers, and 116 olive packers. It also The Andalusian product with the highest export value between January and November 2024. Exports for these eleven months amount to 4,250 million euros, representing a 43% increase compared to sales from the same period the previous year.