Answer given by Mr Hogan on behalf of the Commission
10.1.2018
Based on the figures estimated by the Executive Secretariat of the International Olive Council (IOC) the world production of olive oils for the harvest year 2017/2018 will amount to 2 894 000 tonnes while the world consumption will amount to 2 954 000 tonnes.
Similarly, the total world consumption for the period 2012/2017 is bigger than the total world production for the same period. Based on Member States declarations and IOC data it is estimated that Union production figures for 2017/2018 harvest will be slightly below the average of the last five harvests, that the Union consumption will increase by 5% and the stocks at the end of the current harvest will decrease by 15%. It is therefore expected that the Union olive oil market situation will be balanced during this 2017/2018 harvest.
As regards the instruments to support olive oil exports the Union is promoting its food products, including olive oil, both internally and in third countries, through its promotion policy for agricultural and food products[1]. Promotion measures aim to increase consumers’ awareness of the merits of the Union’s agricultural products and production methods, to increase the awareness and recognition of Union quality schemes and to increase the competitiveness, consumption and market shares of Union agricultural products.
Under the recently adopted annual work programme for 2018,[2] EUR 155.1 million will be available for promotion programmes that target either the internal market or third countries for which olive oil and olives are eligible. Publication of calls for proposals is expected for January 2018.
With regard to imports of olive oil under conditions provided for in existing trade agreements between the EU and third countries the EU respects its commitments.
- [1] Regulation (EU) No 1144/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 22 October 2014 on information provision and promotion measures concerning agricultural products implemented in the internal market and in third countries and repealing Council Regulation (EC) No 3/2008, OJ L 317, 4.11.2014, p. 56.
- [2] Commission Implementing Decision C(2017) 7475 final of 15.11.2017 on the adoption of the work programme for 2018 of information provision and promotion measures concerning agricultural products implemented in the internal market and in third countries More information on the policy is available on the Consumers, Health, Agriculture and Food Executive Agency website https://ec.europa.eu/chafea/agri/.