Editorial 9 This issue of CULTIVAR seeks precisely to contribute to this discussion, bringing together different national and international perspectives on a sector that today represents one of the most dynamic, resilient and strategic expressions of contemporary Mediterranean agriculture. The article by Jaime Lillo and Julia Álvarez, of the International Olive Council (IOC, which opens this issue, highlights that the global olive oil market is undergoing a structural transformation, characterised by growing demand, the modernisation of production and expansion into new markets. Despite price volatility, exacerbated by climate change, the sector has been adapting through innovation, a focus on quality and a commitment to sustainability. As the authors note, “olive oil is no longer merely a traditional agricultural product” but has established itself as a strategic commodity in global trade. Tawfik El Achchabi et al., from the Morocco’s Ministry of Agriculture, Marine Fisheries, Rural Development, Water and Forests, emphasise that Moroccan olive cultivation is a strategic sector, essential for the rural economy, employment and exports, which has been supported by policies such as the Green Morocco Plan and the Green Generation initiative. With over 1.24 million hectares of olive groves, Morocco has modernised production and strengthened its international presence, despite climatic and water-related challenges. The authors state that this is a sector “deeply rooted in the traditions of our rural areas” and with strong potential for sustainable growth. According to Lorenzo León et al., from the Andalusian Institute for Research and Training in Agriculture, Fisheries, Food and Organic Production (IFAPA), olive growing in Spain – with a history stretching back more than 2,500 years – has evolved from a traditional crop into a highly modernised sector and a world leader in olive oil production. Intensification, mechanisation, irrigation and varietal innovation have boosted competitiveness, despite the challenges posed by climate change, water scarcity and the fragmentation of farms. The authors emphasise that “the future of olive growing therefore has a solid foundation”, based on research, digitalisation and sustainability. Francisco Campello, of Agro.Ges, believes that Portugal has established itself as a global leader in the olive oil sector, thanks to the modernisation of olive cultivation and a focus on irrigation, mechanisation and quality — today, it is the world’s sixth-largest producer. However, he also warns that the sector faces challenges such as climate change, water scarcity, international competition and market volatility. In conclusion, the author stresses that “the future of the sector will depend on combining competitiveness, sustainability and differentiation”, placing value on innovation, brands and genetic heritage. For his part, José Gouveia, an olive expert and former lecturer at the Lisbon College of Agronomics (ISA), traces the history of the olive tree, from its possible origins in Asia Minor, spreading later throughout the Mediterranean and becoming a symbol of peace, wisdom and prosperity. Domesticated between 10,000 and 3,000 BC, this crop was spread by the Greeks, Romans and peoples of North Africa. Olive oil, defined by the author as ‘olive juice’ or ‘liquid gold’, stands out in the Mediterranean diet for its cardiovascular and nutritional benefits; today it is produced worldwide and valued both for its health benefits and in gastronomy. In the Observatory section, we begin with our now customary article taking the pulse of the sector, this time featuring contributions from Joaquim Moreira of Acushla, an organic olive oil producer based in Trás-os-Montes; Nuno Santos of Casa do Azeite – the Portuguese Olive Oil Association, Fernando do Rosário, from the Interprofessional Association of the Olive Sector (AIFO), and Gonçalo Moreira, from Olivum – the Association of Olive Growers and Oil Mills of Portugal and the Olive Oil Sustainability Programme (PSA). Next, José Pedro Salema, from the Alqueva Development and Infrastructure Enterprise (EDIA), demonstrates how the modern olive grove in Alqueva has transformed Portuguese
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