Jimmy Magro I The Olive Sector_Final.pptx

olive sector education

1. The Olive Sector in Malta & Gozo By Mr. Jimmy Magro The Olive Sector in Malta & Gozo ​ ​ By Mr. Jimmy Magro ​

2. T he Olive Tre e History: The olive was native to Asia Minor and spread from Iran, Syria and Palestine to the rest of the Mediterranean basin 6,000 years ago. It is among the oldest known cultivated trees in the world - being grown before the written language was invented.  For thousands of years the olive branch has been used as a sign of peace and goodwill; it is hence the attribute of Peace personified. The symbolism is deriving from the Biblical story (Genesis 8:10-11); the branch of olive brought back to the ark of Noah by the dove.

3. T he Olive Tree Symbol of the olive tree:  Peace and  Friendship​ Olive tree is known for:  Olive Oil and Table Olives.  80% of olives is for olive oil and 20% of olives for table olives​ Spiritually, it  represents faithfulness, endurance and new life.  The olive leaf has become a universal symbol of peace.​

4. T he Olive Tree The olive tree ranges in height from 3 to 12 meters or more and has numerous branches.   Its leaves, leathery and lance-shaped, are dark green above and silvery on the underside and are paired opposite each other on the twig.   The wood is resistant to decay.  The root system of the olive tree is so robust that it's capable of regenerating itself even when the above-ground structure of the tree is destroyed by frost, fire or disease.

5. Olive Tree Cultivation Malta & Gozo – Area under cultivation LOCALITY  Olive trees (ha) SIGGIEWI  15.1775 RABAT (Malta)  11.714 MELLIEHA  10.7072 SAN PAWL IL-BAHAR  9.2671 MGARR  8.2224 ZEBBUG (Malta)  6.346 XAGHRA  5.6446 DINGLI  5.0121 LUQA  4.1321 QALA  3.9889 Others  48.29 TOTAL (Top 10)  80.21 TOTAL Maltese Islands  128.5

6. Olive Tree Cultivars Genetic studies carried out at the University of Malta indicate that there are at least four (4) indigenous olive tree varieties in the Maltese Islands. These are il-Bidni, il-Malti, il-Bajda and an Olea Oleaster wild olive species. Many olive trees varieties that were planted in Malta in the last two (2) decades are Italian oil producing varieties such as Frantoio , Leccino , Carolea , Cipressino and Pendolino , as well as table olive varieties such as Uov o di Piccione and Bella di Spagna.

7. Fertile Soil Water Fertilizers Integrated Pest Management Cultivation B. C. D

8. Pests & Disease s  Olive lace bug  Olive tree blight  Olive knot  Peacock Spots  Olive Fruit Fly  Branch and Twig Borer  Weevils

9. Pests and Diseases

10. Constraints   Small agricultural holdings  No economies of scale  No critical mass  Little formal training  No olive oil testing facilities  No research institutions  Lack of knowledge on quality control  Low consumer awareness  Unfair competition

11. Cooperative The Olive Growers Cooperatives Limited established in 2023 To unite the olive growers in one strong entity To introduce quality standards Carry out educational and awareness campaigns Carry out training of olive growers  Enter into cooperation agreements with stakeholders Marketing of Olive Oil Testing of Olive Oil Promote cultivation of olive trees Introduce a set of best practices for olive tree cultivation l

12. Harvest   Harvest is carried out during September to December  Harvest is done by mechanical means or by hand  Nets are laid out on the ground  Olives are drawn from the olive tree  Olives are collected into plastic crates  Olives are taken to the olive mill within 24 hours of harvesting

13. Olive Mills  In Malta we have 9 registered olive mills  The olive mills are used to crush the olives  The olive mills produce olive oil  There are many varieties of olive oil  The highest grade is Extra Virgin Olive Oil  Must meet quality standards by EU & Maltese Legislation 

14. Making Olive Oil Olive oil manufacturing process Step 1: Process of olive harvesting Step 2: Grind the olives so they are clean Step 3: Process of crushing the olives Step 4: Press the olive to extract the oil juice Step 5: Decanting olive oil Step 6: Quality control of olive oil Step 7: Olive oil packaging

15. How Olive Oil is Made

16. By Products   Olive wood is very durable and can be used to make handles for tools  Olive trees require regular pruning, and the cut offs can be used for mulching after shredding  During the production of olive oil, olive pomace is produced which can be used as fertilizer or in biomass plants

17. T raceability

18. Extra Virgin Olive Oil Production of Olive Oil Regulations, 2014 Oils obtained from the fruit of the olive tree solely by mechanical or other physical means under conditions that do not lead to alterations in the oil, which have not undergone any treatment other than washing, decantation, centrifugation or filtration. Extra Virgin Olive Oil:  Virgin olive oil having a maximum free acidity, in terms of oleic acid, of 0.8g per 100g, the other characteristics of which comply with those laid down for this category.

19. What is EVOO?   It is of utmost importance to distinguish between genuine EVOO and low-quality olive oil   EVOO must have a degree of acidity of less than 0.8%  EVOO has a short shelf life of about one year  It must be produced by the cold extraction method  We need to have a digital traceability system to verify the supply chain    EVOO bottles must have a QR Code to verify the real origin k  

20. Benefits of EVOO   Rich in healthy fats  Eliminate bacteria  Reduce the risk of stroke  Aid in weight control  Source for antioxidants  Reduce the risk of type II diabetes  Reduce the risk of heart disease

21. Mediterranean Diet The Mediterranean diet is a healthy-eating plan. It's focused on plants and includes the traditional flavors and cooking methods of the region. Diet is known to influence long-term diseases. These include heart and blood vessel problems known as cardiovascular disease.  The Mediterranean Diet is a nutritional recommendation based on the traditional dietary patterns of Southern Europe. This diet is characterized by the high consumption of Extra Virgin Olive Oil, legumes, unrefined cereals, fruits and vegetables; moderate to high consumption of fish and dairy products; and low consumption of non-fish meat

22. UNESCO In 2013, UNESCO listed the Mediterranean diet as part of the intangible cultural heritage of humanity. Research shows that consuming between 25 and 50 ml of Extra Virgin Olive Oil per day is associated with health benefits, especially for heart health.

23. Conclusion: We must love and respect trees  We need to plant more olive trees  Olive Growers should join the        Cooperative  We must be informed consumers  Always choose local EVOO  Base your meals on the Mediterranean Diet  Have a regular intake of Extra Virgin Olive Oil

24. Thank you! Any questions?