The Board of Directors of the Greek “Scientific Society of Olive Encyclopaedists” (4E), after carefully evaluating the reciprocal tariffs imposed by the Trump administration, has issued the following proposal to all relevant stakeholders.
The imposition of tariffs threatens the vital interests of the olive sector, with the U.S. market being the largest importer and consumer of olive oil, as well as a key player in the global olive oil trade and an important market for table olives.
In light of this looming threat, it is imperative that all olive-producing nations come together, setting aside any internal divisions, to safeguard their shared interests. Olive oil represents 1.5% of global oils & fats production and consumption, while table olives remain a unique product in the global market.
The International Olive Council (IOC) is the only intergovernmental body that can authentically and effectively represent the unified interests of the global olive sector. Therefore, the IOC must urgently take the lead in gathering the opinions of its member countries and subsequently negotiate a collective position with the Trump administration.
The request for an exemption from the tariffs rests on at least two compelling arguments:
a) The health of the American public: Olive oil, a cornerstone of the Mediterranean Diet, has been recognized as a highly beneficial fat by both the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and, more recently, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This aligns with the “Make America Healthy Again” policy promoted by Health Secretary R.F. Kennedy Jr.
b) Minimal impact on the U.S. economy and agricultural production: Imported olive oil does not compete with domestic U.S. production, which accounts for less than 5% of total consumption. As such, the imposition of tariffs on imported olive oil will not benefit American farmers.
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About the “Scientific Society of Olive Encyclopaedists” (4E)
The “Scientific Society of Olive Encyclopaedists” (4E) was established in 2018 by the authors of the “Encyclopedia of Olive Cultivation: Olive Oil.” It is an interdisciplinary team consisting of 70 scientists from various fields, such as agronomy, chemistry, nutrition, economics, and folklore, with the common goal of protecting, developing, and promoting olive cultivation. 4E organizes conferences and seminars, such as the 2023 international conference on olive fruit fly protection and the seminar on the role of women in olive cultivation. It seeks to shape a national strategy for olive oil and table olives, while remaining neutral on political and religious issues.