World Olive Tree Day: EVO Oil, Health, and Innovation
On World Olive Tree Day, I released a statement that numerous news agencies and media outlets have featured. The goal is to celebrate a millennial symbol of the Mediterranean lifestyle, highlighting its value for health, the economy, and culture. Here is my reflection:
World Olive Tree Day: EVO Oil, Health, and Innovation
Today, on World Olive Tree Day, we pay tribute to a millennial plant, a symbol of longevity and the rich cultural heritage of the Mediterranean. Its precious fruit, extra virgin olive oil (EVO), is an indispensable ally for health, an economic pillar, and a fundamental element of the Mediterranean Diet.
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EVO oil is the cornerstone of the Mediterranean Diet, a model of balance and prevention. It promotes a healthy lifestyle, enhancing flavors while protecting our health. Rich in polyphenols and oleic acid, it safeguards the heart, reduces bad cholesterol, and combats oxidative stress, preventing chronic and neurodegenerative diseases. It is a symbol of nutraceutical excellence, blending taste with therapeutic benefits. For this reason, it is essential to encourage its consumption and inform consumers about its benefits, making them aware of the value of this extraordinary food.
However, high-quality EVO oil costs remain steep, often exceeding €16–18 per liter. This issue can be addressed by incentivizing production and consumption or through targeted consumer education and adequate promotion.
Global olive oil production is still insufficient, especially in Italy, where we will not exceed 220,000 tons this year. This places us far behind Spain and below countries like Turkey and Tunisia. The production crisis calls for innovative policies and investments to tackle climate change, labor shortages, and to stimulate innovation. It is also necessary to move beyond outdated protectionist legacies. We are not self-sufficient, and we never will be, especially if we want to continue exporting quality oil. Therefore, we must embrace the import of oil from more productive countries, focusing on excellence in foreign production.
EVO oil symbolizes the millennial balance of Mediterranean tradition. Promoting and revitalizing this excellence requires bold and innovative policies that combine tradition and innovation to ensure a sustainable and competitive future.
