Lisbon, July 2, 2026 (Lusa) - Speaking in Lisbon on Thursday, the minister for agriculture and maritime affairs said that Portuguese olive oils are among the best in the world, and stressed that there is scope for growth not only in the European market but also in the US and Brazil.
“The olive oil sector involves a great deal of technology, precision farming, state-of-the-art mills, expertise and training. We are among the best in the world, and we can still grow,” said José Manuel Fernandes, speaking to Lusa on the sidelines of the World Olive Oil Congress, which is taking place in Lisbon until Friday.
For the minister, the fact that this congress is being held in Portugal is recognition of the country’s excellence and, in particular, of this sector, where there has been “staggering growth” in terms of production and productivity.
José Manuel Fernandes said that Portugal must strengthen its position in the markets where Portuguese olive oil is already present, but he believes there are opportunities for growth not only in Europe, but also in Brazil and the US.
When asked whether challenges relating to labour shortages and the instability caused by the war in the Middle East might affect this growth, the minister expressed confidence in the sector’s resilience, pointing to its mechanisation and to the “green channel for immigration”, a regulated labour migration scheme through which work visa applications are submitted for foreign nationals, which he said was working very well.
However, the minister pointed out that the rise in costs for olive oil producers, due to the war, “is evident” and that, for this reason, it is necessary to continue supporting farmers.
Still on the subject of the sector’s growth, the former MEP emphasised the importance of research in combating the diseases that affect the agri-food sector and can disrupt production.
Furthermore, he advocated for new plant-breeding technologies to make crops more resistant to water shortages, wind and disease.
“The European Union has a duty to find solutions and make them available on a global scale,” he insisted.
José Manuel Fernandes also noted that Portugal must promote itself by showcasing its companies to the outside world.
“Olive oil is part of our way of life; it dates back millennia, and the olive tree is an inspiring tree and a universal symbol,” he concluded.
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 the previous year.
PE/ADB // ADB.
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