The PGI ‘Olio di Calabria’ has been published in the Official Journal of the European Union. After a five-month period to allow the other member states to submit any objection, the new PGI will be registered.
Another Italian region is set to acquire the Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) after Tuscany and more recently Sicily.
The definitive application for the registration of PGI for extra virgin olive oil from Calabria has been published in the Official Journal of the European Union and now the procedure requires five months to allow the other member states to submit any objection. If there is no opposition, after registration the indication ‘Olio di Calabria IGP’ will be official.
The PGI will reward commitment, sacrifice and professionalism of Calabrian farmers who produce high-quality extra virgin olive oil.- Calabria President Mario Oliverio
“This is the last step before the final registration of the quality mark certified and recognized by the EU,” announced the president of the Calabria Region Mario Oliverio in a note. “The PGI will reward commitment, sacrifice and professionalism of Calabrian farmers who produce high-quality extra virgin olive oil and will certify that cultivation, milling and production process are entirely realized in Calabria.
“This will protect the Calabrian olive oil sector and will recognized the excellence of its production on Italian, European and international market.” The region, also within the framework of Community support, will continue to pursue the promotion of quality by sustaining producers and encouraging excellence. Moreover, certification will protect consumers since the traceability of the entire production chain will be guaranteed.
The president of Confagricoltura Calabria, Alberto Statti, and the president of the national association of young farmers ANGA Calabria, Giuseppe Barbaro, in a joint statement welcomed the publication in the OJEU as “another important and decisive step. Regional production will be promoted, commercialized and especially safeguarded thanks to a unique quality certification. The name of the PGI ‘Olio di Calabria’ will appear in clear characters on the label, where the year of production shall be specified and the reference to organic production will be allowed.”
According to specification, the PGI ‘Olio di Calabria’ should consist of 90 percent exclusively of extra virgin olive oil produced from local cultivars that are widespread in the region including Carolea, Dolce di Rossano, Sinopolese, Grossa di Gerace, Tondina, Ottobratica, Grossa di Cassano, Tonda di Strongoli, individually or jointly. The remaining 10 percent may come from less widespread local varieties like Nostrana, Spezzanese, Santomauro, Dolce di Cerchiara, Tombarello, Ciciarello, Zinzifarica, Galatrese, Tonda di Filocaso, Tonda di Filadelfia, Borgese, Pennulara, Mafra, Vraja, Agristigna, Corniola, while up to 3 percent may come from other national cultivars that serve as pollinators.
The logo is made up of a reproduction of the Riace bronzes (two naked bearded warriors probably of Greek origin from the fifth century BC, found on the seabed of the Ionian coast near Riace in 1972 and now preserved in the National Archaeological Museum of Reggio Calabria). The emblems of Calabria and its strong connection with the countries around the Mediterranean, are embraced by two stylized branches of olive tree linked by three olives at the onset of ripening, with the intention to suggest the concepts of quality, territory and newness.
More articles on: Protected Geographical Indications, Italy
Aug. 24, 2023
Cultural Events in Southern Italy Combine Music, Nature and Olive Oil
The warm Italian summer nights are being brightened by events that combine extra virgin olive oil with artistic and cultural expressions.
May. 23, 2024
First OlivitalyMed Festival Hailed as Success in Cilento
The event, which spotlighted extra virgin olive oil in Campania and Italy, also hosted conferences on cooking, health, tourism and science.
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.
Sep. 26, 2023
How Monovarietal Olive Oils Promote Ecological Farming, Safeguard Landscapes
Producing monovarietal extra virgin olive oil promotes endemic varieties, which require fewer phytosanitary interventions, preserve landscapes and promote biodiversity.
Mar. 6, 2024
Europe Strengthens Protections for Geographical Indications
The reforms provide protection for PDO and PGI extra virgin olive oil from online fraud and ease the process of registering new ones with the European Commission.
Nov. 21, 2023
The Agronomic and Macroeconomic Forces Behind Olive Oil Prices in Italy
Despite an anticipated production rebound in Italy, prices will likely remain high. Farmers will need to adapt to a new reality.
Oct. 11, 2023
Small-Scale, Regenerative Farming Drives Quality for Maraviglia in Tuscany
Since 2019, the producer behind Agricola Maraviglia has found a symbiotic balance between nurturing the landscape and producing award-winning olive oil.