Organic olive groves are booming in Spain

The Organic Olive Sector in Spain

And Andalusia as the World Engine of Sustainable EVOO. In the last decade, the Spanish olive sector has undergone an irreversible structural transformation, with the organic olive grove transitioning from a niche to one of the main drivers of sustainable agriculture in Europe. Spain, the world leader in olive oil production, has seen the surface area dedicated to this crop grow by 73.4%, increasing from 168,800 hectares in 2013 to almost 293,000 hectares in 2024, according to data from the Ministry of Agriculture.

This growth is not accidental but responds to a convergence of factors: a greater consumer sensitivity toward sustainable products, a booming international market, and the commitment of thousands of farmers to a model that is more respectful of the environment and offers real added value to the product.

Andalusia, the Absolute Leader

Andalusia has consolidated itself as the region setting the pace of this transformation, establishing itself as the world engine of Sustainable Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO). The autonomous community accounts for 131,983 hectares of organic olive groves, which represents a spectacular increase of 127% in ten years, surpassing any other European territory in speed and scale of growth.

The importance of the organic olive grove is reflected in the fact that it already occupies 40% of all permanent organic agricultural land in Spain. At the industrial level, the Andalusian region houses more than 650 of the over 1,350 organic olive oil industries registered in Spain, which underlines its role as the productive and strategic heart of the sector nationally.

The Model of Value and Sustainability

The shift toward organic goes beyond economics, involving a deep cultural and environmental change. Experts and pioneering farmers highlight that this model, although it originated with a focus on quality, has proven to be as profitable as conventional agriculture, but with undeniable environmental, social, and health benefits.

Key Benefits of the organic olive grove:

 
• Environmental: Improves soil health, promotes biodiversity, and protects the ecosystem.

 

• Quality: Guarantees a completely natural, chemical-residue-free product, allowing for competition based on differentiation.

 

• Economic: For many small and medium producers, the commitment to quality, origin, and sustainability has become an essential way to maintain competitiveness and profitability.

International Projection

The Spanish organic olive grove, driven by Andalusian production, is increasingly focused on exports. Entities such as CAAE, the main organic certifier in Spain, play a crucial role in facilitating entry into the most demanding markets worldwide. This certifier is the only Spanish entity accredited to certify under the NOP standard in the United States and recognized by Japan (JAS standards), in addition to having an agreement to access the promising market in China (OFDC).

Ultimately, the organic olive grove is perceived as a commitment to the future for Spanish agriculture, as it promotes quality, protects the environment, generates specialized labor, retains population in rural areas, and connects with a global consumer who demands transparency and proven health benefits.