Morocco was elected on Thursday in Cordoba to preside over the International Olive Council (IOC) for the year 2026, during the body's 122nd session. This election underscores the central importance of olive cultivation in Morocco, one of the eleven founding members of the IOC and a country that has played a historic and steady role within an organization representing 94% of global olive production. Founded in 1959 in Madrid under the auspices of the United Nations, the International Olive Council remains the world's only intergovernmental institution dedicated to olive oil and table olives. The 122nd session was marked by the adoption of the Córdoba Declaration, which sets out a shared vision for sustainable olive growing worldwide. Adopted by agriculture ministers and partner international organizations, the declaration reflects a collective commitment to promote, modernize, and strengthen the resilience of the olive sector. Through this document, signatory countries reaffirm the strategic importance of the olive tree, an ancient species and a universal symbol of peace, wisdom, and civilization. They also highlight its essential role in food security, human health, biodiversity protection, the fight against desertification, and climate change mitigation. During the session, the IOC emphasized its strategic mission to support the sector, enhance sustainability, and ensure product quality. Member states reviewed several priority initiatives, including the development of a carbon-footprint tool for olive groves, promotion of the IOC in Brazil, updates to the statistical dashboard, and improvements to quality standards and analytical methods.
