It is not true that the IOC kept experts from non-IOC member countries out of the recent chemists’ meeting. The fact of the matter is that all observers were barred from attending the meeting, regardless of whether they were from IOC member or non-member countries.
The meeting was restricted to official government representatives. It is normal that the IOC should wish to hold a Members-only meeting now and then. If an Organisation usually gives open access to its meetings and freely circulates the meeting documentation, this doesn’t mean it must always do so. It’s quite entitled to allow observers to attend or not. When other Organisations (WHO, WTO, …) have restricted the access to some of their meetings, I’ve never heard complaints from journalists.
SEE ALSO:
Non-Member Chemists Kept Out of Olive Council Meeting
Nor is it true to say that some people were denied access to the IOC web site. The truth is that, quite logically, observers were denied access to the documents circulated on the agenda business for this particular meeting.
Last, IOC would be very interested to know about the “range of sources” that spoke about a debate “to reduce, or even eliminate, the use of sensory panels in determining olive oil quality”. Maybe it’s the people who like to give a dog a bad name and hang him, or who want to create their own panel recognition scheme and oust the IOC from this activity. Whoever they may be, I can assure you that at the IOC we think very highly of our sensory testing method (which was not actually discussed at the chemists’ meeting) and we consider it to be an essential quality criterion.
The fact that we’re making constant efforts to involve more panels in our proficiency check tests for IOC recognition and that we’re offering help to train new panels is ample proof that we have no intention of abandoning it.
Related Articles
Dec. 12, 2023
Role of Women in Sector Takes Center Stage at World Olive Day
Celebrated at the International Olive Council’s headquarters in Madrid, the event spotlighted the role women play in the olive sector.
Jun. 24, 2024
Olive Council Incorporates Germplasm Bank Into Global Treaty
By joining the treaty, the IOC plans to facilitate greater cooperation to preserve genetic diversity and find solutions to climate change-related challenges.
Nov. 7, 2024
China Begins Talks to Become Olive Council Member
With a fledgling olive oil production sector and a growing appetite for the product, China has signaled interest in becoming the latest International Olive Council member.
Jan. 16, 2024
IOC Leader Focuses on Expanding Cultivation, Fighting Climate Change
The International Olive Council director, Jaime Lillo, says the future of olive oil production lies beyond the Mediterranean.
May. 29, 2024
Azerbaijan Joins Olive Council
Investors believe joining the International Olive Council will improve quality and standards in Azerbaijan while facilitating access to international markets.