The 26th of November is the World Olive Day proclaimed by UNESCO, an anniversary that aims at focusing the spotlight on the precious role of this plant in the context of the economy, culture and development of the territories.
The idea of celebrating to the olive tree and its strategic importance for men and environment was born in 2019. Lebanon and Tunisia submitted to the UNESCO Executive Committee the idea of enhancing this tree of ancient origins and the values it embodies. The olive tree, in fact, is a universally recognized symbol of peace, harmony, sustainability and deep connection to the territory.
This request immediately found full support of UNESCO, which proclaimed the World Olive Day and invited the member countries to give importance and visibility to the event. There are many reasons of social and economic nature behind this decision. Let’s explore the main ones.
The olive tree and its strategic importance in the economy
The olive tree can grow and develop at the most different latitudes in the world.
There are many rural communities that get their livelihood from olive groves, thanks to the production of olive oil, table olives and derived products.
Olive growing is practiced in almost 60 countries in the planet and is particularly concentrated in the Mediterranean basin. Italy is among the world top producers along with Spain, Turkey, Tunisia, Morocco, Portugal, Slovenia and Greece.
Companies focused on the design of professional tools allow olive growers to maximize their harvest results, producing systems that take care of the well-being of the operators and the health of the plant. Campagnola is one of these and for decades has been making its contribution to the positive evolution of olive growing, placing the land and the needs of the user and of the olive trees at the center of all its strategies.
Olives and oil: a source of health for men and the planet
In addition to their economic and cultural value, olive groves also represent a barrier against desertification and soil erosion and actively contribute to the fight against global warming. The olive tree, in fact, can absorb large quantities of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
The role of olive oil in nutrition is also indispensable: table olives and extra-virgin oil are among the protagonists of the Mediterranean diet, as a source of essential nutrients for the health. The taste and aroma of olives and oil enter the kitchen as a characterizing element of many typical recipes and contribute to making Mediterranean cuisine, especially the Italian one, an inspiration for the world.
The reasons that convinced UNESCO to create a World Olive Day are numerous.
Stressing the importance of olive growing is strategic also to attract public and private investments for the protection and promotion of the olive tree and its products. This motivates the manufacturers to engage in the search for technological solutions that are always adequate to the changing needs of olive growers.
Campagnola is at the forefront of this mission, with all the enthusiasm that characterizes it.