In Spain organic farming began at the end of the 80’s. At present we are the first European country and eight worldwide, when it comes to surface area dedicated to organic cultivation and our production levels are very high.
In Spain, there are 1.317.752 hectares dedicated to organic production. The organic olive groves cover 101.268, 21% of the total of olive groves. This means that 21% of the olive oil produced in Spain, is organic extra virgin olive oil.
Andalusia is the region with the largest surface area of organic olive groves (41.556 ha). It is followed by Extremadura (35.290 ha), and Castilla La Mancha (12.835 ha).
There are 2174 processors and production industries of organic extra virgin olive oil, of which 298 are organic oil mills.
To increase demand, both government and major distributor groups are carrying out promotion campaigns, developing new products and innovating in packaging and presentation. The goal is very clear: make the consumer aware of the differential elements and the benefits of the organic extra virgin olive oil.
Organic extra virgin olive oil must hold the stamp indicating that it has been produced in accordance with organic production system.
Regulation: Council regulation (EC) No. 834/2007 on organic production and labelling of organic products.
Prices: The results of several research studies undertaken by Organic agriculture Department of the Ministry, reveal that the average price difference between conventional olive oil and organic olive oil is around 25%. However they point out that the production of organic olive oil requires additional requirements that make elaboration more expensive and therefore raise its price. Likewise when demand raises distribution costs will be reduced, making final price reduces of organic olive oil as well.
