Lisbon, July 2, 2026 (Lusa) - Portugal's Minister for Agriculture and the Sea argued on Thursday in Lisbon that the future of the olive oil sector depends on innovation, but also on investment, calling for the new Common Agricultural Policy not to lose sight of what is already working.
“Olive oil is the cornerstone of Mediterranean cultures, with well-known health benefits and cultural value, and promoting this will be crucial to achieving a greater global presence. The future depends on our ability to innovate, whilst maintaining tradition,” said the Minister for Agriculture, José Manuel Fernandes, at the opening of the World Olive Oil Congress in Lisbon.
In the minister’s view, the sector needs to continue innovating, but it also requires investment, technology, competitiveness, sustainability and cohesion.
The former MEP emphasised that agriculture “is also a matter of defence”, as it is essential to ensure that food reaches the table.
However, he warned that it is not possible to do more with less, and so José Manuel Fernandes noted that Portugal is one of the largest exporters of olive oil and that the sector has undergone a huge transformation in recent decades, as a result of modernisation, new technologies and specialisation.
He also highlighted the country’s legacy in terms of protecting olive varieties and quality standards.
The minister also spoke of the olive oil sector’s international reputation, “the result of a collective effort to strengthen the agri-food sector”, but also of the major global challenges, which require “a coordinated response”. These include climate change, water and sustainability.
“Although olive oil is known as a high-quality product, there is still room for improvement through investment and promotion. We have a duty to share our solutions on a global scale,” he noted, adding that olive trees are a symbol of “patience, resilience, peace, prosperity and long life – things the world needs and people want”.
At the same session, the Executive Director of the International Olive Council (IOC), Jaime Lillo, pointed out that although olive oil has its “deep historical roots” in Mediterranean countries, it is now produced and consumed across all five continents.
Whilst emphasising that table olive oil production is reaching record levels worldwide, Lillo pointed out that this is taking place against a very complex geopolitical backdrop.
With particular regard to the olive oil sector in Portugal, the IOC director said that the country boasts “the highest levels” in terms of sustainability, competitiveness and the intelligent management of water resources.
Between today and Friday, Portugal is hosting the ‘Olive Oil World Congress’ (OOWC), the largest event dedicated to the olive oil sector, which will bring together researchers, producers and companies from various countries.
The event, organised by Agrifood Comunicación, will take place at the Belém Cultural Centre in Lisbon, following a first edition held in Madrid in 2024.
The programme includes discussions on topics such as the future of the sector, including adaptation to climate change, digitalisation and the application of artificial intelligence.
According to figures released by the Government, production for the 2025/2026 season is estimated at around 179,000 tonnes, a figure similar to that of the previous year.
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