Here at Calle del Príncipe de Vergara 156 stands a testament to international cooperation. This is the headquarters of the International Olive Council. It is the world’s only intergovernmental organization for olive oil and table olives. The International Olive Council’s story began in Madrid in 1959. It was established under the United Nations. For many years, it was known as the International Olive Oil Council or IOOC. The name changed in 2006.
The International Olive Council plays a crucial role. It contributes to the sustainable development of olive growing. It serves as a global forum. Policymaking issues are discussed here. Present and future challenges are tackled. The International Olive Council encourages international technical cooperation. This includes research and development projects. Training and technology transfer are also important.
The International Olive Council encourages the expansion of international trade. It draws up product trade standards. It also works to improve the quality of olive oil and table olives. Enhancing the environmental impact of olive growing is a key goal. The International Olive Council promotes world consumption of olive oil and table olives. It achieves this through innovative campaigns. Action plans are also used. Clear information and statistics are supplied. These relate to the world olive and olive oil market.
Government representatives and experts meet here regularly. They discuss problems and concerns. They fix priorities for International Olive Council action. The International Olive Council works in close partnership with the private sector. Its members include leading international producers and exporters. These members account for around 94% of world olive oil production. Most are located in the Mediterranean region.
The International Olive Council is committed to sustainable development. This applies to world olive growing. It translates this commitment into tangible advancement. This benefits member countries. It also benefits the people who earn their living from olive trees. The International Olive Council administers international commodity agreements. These agreements defend and promote olive growing. They also support olive oil and table olives.
The first International Olive Oil Agreement was adopted in 1955. Negotiations were convened in Geneva. The Secretary-General of the United Nations led them. The agreement stimulated international coordination. This applied to production, industrialization and marketing policies. The goal was to stabilize and expand trade. The International Olive Council was created in 1959 under this agreement. Madrid has been its home ever since.
The 1986 Agreement marked a milestone. For the first time, the title mentioned table olives. Specific references and measures were included for this product. Technical and promotional activities were strengthened. The 2005 Agreement emphasized closer relations. It brought industry and institutional representatives together. They worked out solutions to concerns and issues. Product quality was viewed as a key argument. This helped promote olive oil and table olives. It also helped balance supply and demand. Environmental protection and conservation were top priorities. The aim was to improve the environmental impact of olive growing.
The 2015 Agreement incorporates new features. These help the International Olive Council adapt. This is in response to the changing demands of the olive sector and society. The objectives highlight the importance of the International Olive Council. It serves as a world documentation and information center. It is a meeting point for all sectoral operators. Standardization and research are also highlighted.
Since its inception, the International Olive Council has signed Headquarters Agreements. These are with the Kingdom of Spain. They govern the rights, immunities and privileges. These apply to the International Olive Council headquarters, staff and representatives.