International Olive Council

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International Olive Council

The International Olive Council (IOC) is an intergovernmental organization dedicated to the promotion of olive oil and table olives. Established in 1959, the IOC is headquartered in Madrid, Spain. The organization operates under the auspices of the United Nations and is the only international body dedicated to the olive and olive oil sector.

History

The IOC was established in 1959 under the auspices of the United Nations to administer the International Agreement on Olive Oil and Table Olives. The organization has undergone several changes and updates to its mandate, with the most recent agreement being the International Agreement on Olive Oil and Table Olives, 2015.

Objectives

The main objectives of the IOC include:

• Promoting international trade and consumption of olive oil and table olives.
• Ensuring the quality and authenticity of olive oil and table olives.
• Conducting research and development in the olive sector.
• Providing technical assistance and training to member countries.
• Collecting and disseminating information on the olive and olive oil sector.

Membership

The IOC is composed of member countries that are significant producers or consumers of olive oil and table olives. Membership is open to any country that is willing to adhere to the International Agreement on Olive Oil and Table Olives. As of 2023, the IOC has 17 member countries, including major producers such as Spain, Italy, Greece, and Turkey.

Structure

The IOC is governed by the Council of Members, which is composed of representatives from each member country. The Council of Members meets at least once a year to discuss and make decisions on the organization's activities and policies. The Executive Secretariat, headed by an Executive Director, is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the IOC.

Activities

The IOC undertakes a wide range of activities to achieve its objectives, including:

• Organizing international conferences, seminars, and workshops on olive oil and table olives.
• Conducting research and development projects in collaboration with research institutions and universities.
• Developing and updating standards for olive oil and table olives to ensure quality and authenticity.
• Providing technical assistance and training to member countries to improve production and processing techniques.
• Promoting the health benefits of olive oil and table olives through public awareness campaigns.

Related Pages

• Olive oil
• Table olives
• United Nations
• Spain
• Italy
• Greece
• Turkey

See Also

• Olive
• Mediterranean diet
• Agriculture