OM A106

Olive cultivation constitutes a key element of the Mediterranean agricultural sector, and Mediterranean countries clearly dominate world olive oil and table olive production and consumption. Production has increased dramatically in the last decades, partly due to the establishment of intensive olive plantations using new production systems. Nevertheless, traditional olive production systems should not be forgotten, as these systems are multifunctional and contribute to rural development, landscape conservation and protect the environment against erosion and desertification. Consumption of olive products has followed similar patterns, and non-traditionally consuming countries are becoming important consumers and importers. The growth of these markets is the result of the gastronomic qualities of olive products and their status as healthy food based on their nutritional and functional properties. There has also been an important improvement in post-harvest and processing in order to respond to the increasing demands for high quality standards. In this context, the Mediterranean Agronomic Institute of Zaragoza (IAMZ-CIHEAM) and the International Olive Council (IOC) organized the Seminar on "Present and future of the Mediterranean olive sector" from 26 to 28 November 2012. The aim of the Seminar was to promote debate on key questions challenging the olive sector, and it was structured in three scientific sessions: (i) Challenges and trends in olive growing and processing; (ii) Marketing strategies; (iii) Olive oil and olives, human health and nutrition; and a round table on Olive and olive oil development and promotion: policies and strategies. The third day was devoted to a technical visit. The current issue of Options Méditerranéennes includes the proceedings of the Seminar and contains 14 articles and 1 abstract of the contributions presented.