—The inability to respond to rising consumption (1990–2004) —The dynamics of new olive groves and the emergence of a dual system (2005–present) —Olive-growing systems, innovation and rural development The study begins with a series of historical references and an analysis of olive cultivation in Portugal, highlighting the ‘revolution’ initiated by Alexandre Herculano in the late 1850s in a sector that was then in a state of considerable decline, and the shift in the uses of olive oil between 1850 and 1950, from lighting to food, which had a major impact on improving quality. It describes the dominant olive-growing systems in the country over the last two centuries and examines the main changes that have taken place from the mid-19th century to the present day, referring to the technological and structural changes that have occurred. In particular, it refers to the pressure exerted on the sector by the authorisation to market peanut oil as edible oil as early as 1929, as well as the creation of the National Olive Oil Board shortly afterwards, in 1937, and later the emergence of a cooperative system with strong state support, accompanying the gradual increase in the importance of olive groves in terms of area, production and quality during this period. It highlights the crisis in production and consumption brought about by the emergence, in the 1960s, of other edible oils derived from oilseeds such as safflower and sunflower, which were cheaper and well promoted through marketing. The crisis was exacerbated by rural depopulation and land abandonment, which were felt very strongly during this period. It also highlights how mechanisation, despite its advantages, disrupted a certain ecological balance by removing working animals – which were a source of soil fertility – thereby contributing to soil degradation and erosion. In the 1990s, reports on the health benefits of the Mediterranean diet – and of olive oil as its main source of fat – led to a further shift in consumption patterns, with domestic producers struggling to meet this increased demand. The sector has continued to evolve, but the second major ‘revolution’ took place with the commissioning of the Alqueva Multi-Purpose Project and the completion of the first phase of its irrigation scheme, at the start of the 21st century. Thus, throughout this document, the changes in olive cultivation that have been taking place are discussed, along with the various factors that have influenced these changes, as well as the policies adopted regarding olive cultivation, the production and consumption of olive oil, and the technological advances that have led to a marked improvement in quality. Finally, the study also reflects on current olivegrowing systems and their relationship with innovation and rural development. As mentioned, its analysis already covers the impact of new hydroagricultural developments in the Alentejo region and refers to the emergence of the dualism in olive cultivation currently existing in our country, which has been the subject of various public policies: on the one hand, traditional rain-fed olive groves; on the other, new large-scale, irrigated olive groves managed in vase or hedgerow systems using the most modern technology and applying much of the knowledge acquired in the meantime. It concludes with a chapter devoted to olivegrowing systems, innovation and rural development, which emphasises this duality in existing production systems and the dynamics associated with them, concluding with the need for public policies targeting both systems, as well as research and innovation. This work dates back to 2014, and it is worth noting that this has effectively been the guiding principle of the public policies adopted by Portugal under the Common Agricultural Policy in its successive implementations: maintaining support interventions for traditional olive groves whilst, at the same time, supporting producers’ efforts in new irrigated plantations, which have completely transformed the landscape of olive production in the country and enabled Portugal to become a net exporter of high-quality olive oil. 140 CULTIVAR ANALYSIS AND PROSPECTIVE STUDIES No. 35 Olive groves and olive oil
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