H2020 olive oil research project
An international research project on olive oil authentication is expected to begin within the next twelve months following a conference in Spain.
The project is expected to receive funding from Horizon 2020 , the EU’s next research and innovation Framework Programme, and follows discussions at the ‘Scientific workshop on olive oil authentication’ held in Madrid. The conference was attended by 22 leading experts working in the field of olive oil authentication and it’s hoped the project will help increase detection of counterfeit olive oil. It is understood delegates have helped determine the terms of reference of the study, which will be open to EU members states and other associated countries of Horizon 2020.
The event was organised by European Commission’s Directorate-General for Agriculture and the Joint Research Centre (JRC), as well as Institute of Reference Materials and Measurements at the JRC and the International Olive Council.
The European Union produces 73% of the world’s olive oil whilst consuming 66% of the commodity, making it a world leader in both categories.
