5th International Congress on Olive Oils, the Olive Grove and Health

Focusing on olive oil’s positive health attributes

On Wednesday 8 May, IOC Executive Director Jaime Lillo inaugurated the 5^th International Congress on Olive Oils, the Olive Grove and Health alongside the Spanish Minister for Agriculture, Luis Planas, and other high-level representatives in Jaén’s Provincial Palace. The congress, which was organized by the University Institute for Research in Olive Grove and Olive Oils (INUO) with the support of the Jaén Provincial Council, brought together international experts, scientists, researchers and health professionals to address topics such as olive oil’s countless health benefits, its gastronomic relevance and its role in tackling climate change.

Juan Antonio Polo Palomino, Head of the IOC’s Olive Oil Technology and Environment Department, also participated in the congress’ fifth session on “Climate change, production and consumption of olive oil” and delivered a presentation on the olive tree’s role in facing climate change, highlighting its positive carbon balance and its function as a carbon sink.

This timely international congress, which is running in its 5^th edition, was organized by the INUO, the University of Jaén’s research institute for olive groves and olive oils. The IOC and the University of Jaén have a longstanding collaboration aimed at advancing research, education, and innovation in the olive oil sector.