World Olive Tree Day Proclamation
World Olive Day
World Olive Day (WOD) is celebrated every year on 26 November, following its official proclamation by UNESCO in 2019. Also referred to as World Olive Tree Day, it is a global tribute to the olive tree and its profound cultural, environmental, and socio-economic significance.
The initiative was introduced by Lebanon and Tunisia and endorsed during the 206th session of UNESCO’s Executive Board. The resolution was unanimously adopted at the 40th session of the General Conference, recognising the olive tree as a universal symbol of peace, sustainability and resilience.
The IOC plays a central role in coordinating WOD celebrations around the world, working closely with member country delegations, local authorities, sector stakeholders, research institutions, and diplomatic missions. Events and campaigns aim to raise awareness of the olive tree’s contribution to sustainable development, climate action, and healthy diets.
Why WOD matters
- The olive tree is a symbol of peace and cultural heritage, deeply rooted in the Mediterranean but present across five continents.
- Olive growing supports millions of rural families, providing livelihoods, food security and environmental protection.
- Olive oil and table olives are essential to the Mediterranean diet, recognised for their nutritional and preventive health benefits.
- Olive groves contribute to the mitigation of climate change, thanks to their capacity to sequester atmospheric CO₂.
- The sector plays a strategic role in the global agri-food system, with IOC member countries representing over 94% of global production.
The role of the IOC
Established in 1959, the International Olive Council is the only international organisation dedicated to the olive sector. It promotes:
- Harmonisation of standards and quality control.
- Scientific research on health and nutrition.
- Sustainable olive cultivation and environmental stewardship.
- Reliable market data and statistics.
- The global promotion and responsible trade of olive products.
World Olive Day is more than a celebration — it is a call to action. It invites governments, institutions and citizens to protect the olive tree, support olive growers, and choose olives as allies for a healthier planet and population.
Proclamation of World Olive Day
You can read the official proclamation of World Olive Tree Day here:
World Olive Day Celebrations
In order to enhance transparency in the evolution of the international market, the IOC publishes, on a regular basis, producer and export prices for extra virgin olive oil, refined olive oil and olive pomace oil in representative markets. As these markets account for a significant share of global production, the producer prices recorded therein exert a considerable influence on prices in other international markets.
