Sustainable olive grove: what requirements must an organic EVOO meet?
Agriculture has seen how progressively the legal requirements from Europe become increasingly stricter. Hence the recent protests in the sector. a major control that is especially exhaustive when we talk about organic crops, which already occupy 2,675,331 hectares in Spain (10.95% of the useful agricultural area). Of these, one in three is destined for the olive grove, according to data of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. In order to contextualize the situation of olive oil production and value the work of these farmers, the need arises to understand what a sustainable olive grove entails. Do you know the requirements that an organic EVOO must meet to be considered as such?
What is the organic olive grove?
The first thing is to know what a sustainable olive grove consists of. It is a cultivation model that prioritizes environmental sustainability and respect for ecosystems. Al mismo tiempo, el olivar ecológico u orgánico no sólo preserva el medio ambiente, sino que, entre otras advantages, positively impacts the health of citizens, by producing more natural olive oils, without chemicals and preserving the beneficial properties of a good EVOO.
More technically, he Regulation (EU) 2018/848 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 May 2018 on organic production and labeling of organic products regulates organic agriculture and livestock. Thus, in its explanatory statement, it defines ecological or organic production. It refers to it as “a general system of agricultural management and food production that combines the best environmental practices, a high level of biodiversity, the preservation of natural resources, the application of demanding standards on animal welfare and production in accordance with the preferences of certain consumers for products obtained from natural substances and processes.”
What requirements must an organic olive grove meet?
Therefore, in order to be classified as organic olive oil, The sustainable olive grove must be governed by strict regulations, both Spanish and European. Only in this way can we guarantee the quality and authenticity of the products and obtain the certifications that guarantee this commitment to the environment and excellence in the production of olive oil. What are the requirements of the organic olive grove?
- Ban on pesticides and chemicals. The use of pesticides, herbicides and other chemical products is totally prohibited in the organic olive grove. Alternatively, natural methods can be used to control pests and diseases, preserving the health of the soil and the surrounding ecosystem.
- Ban on genetically modified organisms (GMOs). The use of GMOs as a mechanism to preserve the environment and consumer health is also not possible in sustainable olive groves.
- Prohibition of ionizing radiation. This technique, aimed at extending the shelf life of food, is strictly prohibited in sustainable olive groves.
- Soil-friendly cultivation practices. This means respecting natural systems and cycles to enhance the maintenance and improvement of the state of soil, water and air, the health of plants and animals and the balance between them. Hence, in a sustainable olive grove we opt for traditional cultivation, as in Hacienda Guzmán, compared to intensive or super intensive systems, or crop rotation is applied that facilitates soil regeneration.
- Responsible use of natural resources. This means that production must be carried out through practices that promote the use of resources, such as water or organic matter, and that resources produced on site are prioritized to encourage self-sufficiency. For example, we talk about using the remains of pruning or the alpechín to create a green cover that acts as fertilizer or incorporating grazing to provide organic fertilizer to the soil. Did you know that Hacienda Guzmán Since 2015 we have been developing a initiative at our La Rinconada farm with nearly 200 Merino breed sheep?
- Reinforcement of native or appropriate species. In the sustainable olive grove you should also opt for olive tree varieties suitable for local conditions. For this reason, on our farm in La Rinconada we produce our EVOOs with the Manzanilla, Arbequina and Hojiblanca varieties, perfectly adapted to the environment.
- Promotion of natural heritage. Another requirement of the ecological olive grove is the development of policies aimed at the conservation of the natural landscape. An example would be the project promoted by the Juan Ramón Guillén Foundation, and in which Hacienda Guzmán is integrated, to include the Olive Grove Landscapes from Andalusia on the UNESCO World Heritage list.
- Traceability control. Given that the regulatory requirements of organic farming cover all production phases, the sustainable olive grove must keep an exhaustive record of all the activities carried out throughout the entire process, from agricultural work to labeling, packaging and transport.
- Ecological certification. Finally, the organic olive grove requires a final step: proving that it actually complies with the legal requirements. Thus, it is necessary to obtain certification by one of the authorized entities after appropriate verification.
Why is Hacienda Guzmán a sustainable and ecological olive grove?
If you are looking for EVOO from an organic oil mill, we invite you to discover the products of Hacienda Guzmán. As we have told you, we follow the guidelines established by the legislation. We don't say it ourselves: we have 340 hectares with Ecological Certification of the Andalusian Committee for Organic Agriculture that make us a benchmark for sustainable olive groves due to our commitment to quality and the environment.
At Hacienda Guzmán we have five centuries of history in which the balance between innovation and respect for sustainability. Hence our extra virgin olive oils capture the essence of tradition in version 3.0. And if you don't believe it, try our Premium EVOOs and verify it yourself. Discover the true taste of organic olive oil and join the green revolution!
