The Advisory Committee on Olive Oil and Table Olives is a fundamental talking partner for the Council of Members. Its representatives are drawn from all the branches of the olive industry (producers, processors, marketers and consumers) in the member countries. It was established to voice the opinions of business circles and to tap their hands-on knowledge to help the Executive Secretariat to find effective solutions to problems and to keep its finger on the pulse of the industry.
When meeting in Marseille in July of this year for their 41st meeting, the committee’s representatives put two issues on the conference table – quality strategies and the quality seals that are springing up on the marketplace – which the Executive Secretariat invited them to give deeper thought. Any committee representatives who wish to do so have therefore been invited to present their initiatives and schemes in this field at the next committee meeting due to take place on 25 October. Other speakers have been invited to do likewise, not only from the associations that are members of the olive oil quality control scheme in place in export markets but also from producers in Australia and California, as well as the international QVExtra! and EVA associations which seem to be the most advanced in this area.
Discussions are therefore expected to be instructive and productive at the meeting on 25 October. Besides quality strategies and self-monitoring quality schemes, the committee representatives will also be asked to provide input for the debate on the future of the IOC engaged by the member countries with a view to renewing the International Agreement.
As customary, the committee will also examine the situation on the world market for olive oil and table olives and it will be consulted about planned changes in the customs classification of the IOC member countries. Lastly, the Executive Secretariat will report its recent and future activities in terms of economic surveys, standardisation and promotion.
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