The assembly of members of Unaprol, Italy’s union of olive oil producers, renewed the board of directors and unanimously reelected David Granieri as president at a meeting in Rome.
Unaprol brings together 56 producer organizations. The renewal of the managerial positions of the group started in February with Nicola Di Noia’s direct appointment as new director-general.
Alongside Coldiretti, we are proposing a package of extraordinary measures to assist agricultural companies and mills.- David Granieri, president, Unaprol
“I sincerely thank all the associates for their trust, especially since today, more than ever, we need to work hard to relaunch the Italian olive sector,” said Granieri, a 41-year-old agricultural entrepreneur, who has been in office since 2014 and is also currently the vice-president of Coldiretti and president of Coldiretti Lazio.
According to Unaprol, the Covid-19 pandemic has caused €2 billion ($2.25 billion) in losses to the Italian olive oil sector, mostly due to the shutdown and difficult restart for bars, restaurants, and farmhouses.
The pandemic also has created new obstacles for exporters, led to a substantial drop in tourism and coincided with a 44 percent drop in prices, which is mostly attributed to abundant global olive oil stocks.
“In order to address these issues, we are calling for the activation of innovative tools in favor of the sector,” Granieri told Olive Oil Times. “Alongside Coldiretti, we are proposing a package of extraordinary measures to assist agricultural companies and mills.”
He said that priority would be given to producers most at risk, “with the immediate release of the resources already allocated for the enhancement of the olive oil supply chain.”
“Yet, we also need flexibility mechanisms, massive support for exports and an extraordinary communication plan on olive oil,” Granieri added. “Moreover, we will work to teach consumers to recognize and choose quality as well to support the companies that pursue it.”
Granieri stated that among the next objectives of the producer’s consortium is also the proposal for a revision of olive oil classifications with stricter parameters in order to assign the designation ‘extra virgin’ only to quality productions.
More articles on: Coldiretti, Italy, Unaprol
Jun. 25, 2024
Poets, Journalists, Researchers Awarded Literary Prize
Twelve awards were handed out in Rome for poetry, fiction and scientific research related to olive oil.
Oct. 31, 2023
Global Olive Oil Production Set for Second Straight Year of Decline
The world’s seven largest olive oil-producing countries are expected to yield 1.97 million tons in the 2023/24 crop year, 23 percent below the average of the previous four campaigns.
Jan. 5, 2024
Buoyed by Awards, the Pope’s Official EVOO Producer Looks Ahead to Harvest
Pontiffs have traditionally favored extra virgin olive oils of Lazio. Domenico Sperlonga is following in the footsteps of his forefathers to serve Pope Francis.
Apr. 18, 2024
Triumphant Producer Reveals Potential of Frosinone
An hour outside Rome, Frosinone is not widely known for olive oil production. Al Piglio hopes to change that with its World Competition win.
Mar. 25, 2024
Scientists Defend Study Finding Xylella Not Responsible for Most OQDS
Margherita Ciervo and Marco Scortichini defend their research that found Xylella fastidiosa was not responsible for most Apulian olive tree deaths over the past decade.
Feb. 26, 2024
New Law in Italy Establishes Role of Farmers in Protecting Environment
Along with protecting Italy’s natural landscapes and promoting the cultivation of traditional crops, the law seeks to curb the rural exodus with economic incentives.
May. 13, 2024
Sustainability, Biodiversity Good for Business, This Campania Farmer Believes
Case d'Alto produces organic extra virgin olive oils in Irpinia from autochthonous varieties. Owner Claudio De Luca says focusing on sustainability improves quality.
Apr. 9, 2024
Legacy Meets Innovation at Tuscany’s Azienda Pometti
The latest generation of farmers at the 600-year-old Azienda Pometti is using state-of-the-art methods to produce award-winning, sustainable olive oil.