Extra Virgin Olive Oil: The Liquid Gold of Humanity

Event Description 

Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) is a flagship product of European agriculture—integral to culinary traditions and a recognised component of healthy, sustainable diets. Its production embodies EU values around quality, traceability, and regional identity. As consumer demand for authentic, high-quality foods grows, EVOO remains at the forefront of products that unite heritage with innovation. However, the sector faces growing challenges. The spread of Xylella fastidiosa continues to threaten olive groves, impacting both the livelihoods of producers and the availability of quality oil. Addressing these challenges requires coordinated action across policy, research, and innovation. This event will examine how EU strategies can reinforce support for olive oil producers, ensure product authenticity, and promote health through diet. It will also highlight the potential of new genomic techniques and sustainable practices to support plant resilience and safeguard long-term production. 

Agenda

Moderator: MEP Dario Nardella 

13h00 - 13h10  Opening remarks by MEP Dario Nardella, Coordinator Agriculture S&D, and MEP Carmen Crespo Díaz, Chair of PECH Committee 

13h10 – 13h40 EVOO – A Timeless Treasure 

• MEP Antonio Decaro, Chair of ENVI Committee 

• Koen Dillen, Head of Unit Arable crops and olive oil (AGRI.E.4) EU Commission 

• Chiara Coricelli, President and CEO of Pietro Coricelli SPA 

13h40 – 13h50  Evidence-based presentation on the nutritional and health-promoting properties of EVOO 

• Francesco Visioli, Professor of Human Nutrition, University of Padua 

13h50 – 14h00 Addressing Fraud in Olive Oil Production - Advanced traceability solutions, including DNA-based technologies 

• Athanasia-Maria Dourou, Co-founder and Chief Technology Officer of BioCoS 

14h00 – 14h10 Xylella Fastidiosa and Olive Grove Conservation 

• Maria Saponari, Researcher in plant pathology at the Institute for Sustainable Plant Protection of the Italian National Research Council 

• Ahmad Seyar Rashidi – MedMyc start up 

14h10 – 14h20 Focus on local production  

• Gionni Pruneti – Owner Frantoio Pruneti 

• Maria Francesca Di Martino – Owner Aziende Agricole Di Martino 

• Bernardo Bianchi – Director Colle Bereto 

14h20 – 14h50 Q&A Session with all Speakers 

14h50 – 15h00 Closing remarks by MEPs Dario Nardella and Carmen Crespo Díaz