Dane Podmenik, dr. Barbara Lampič, dr. Martina Bavec Organic olive production in the Northern Adriatic region with specific emphasis on the Slovenian Istria Dane Podmenik, dr. Barbara Lampič, dr. Martina Bavec

Organic olive production in the Northern Adriatic Favorable natural conditions for olive growing main restrictive factor are lower temperatures (sub-mediterranean climate) resulting in possibilities of winter and early spring frosts olive growing is more “risky” than in southern parts of Mediterranean For example in Slovene Istria in average, every 20 years a major frost occur. The most devastating was the frost in 1929 when cca. 90 % of all olive trees were destroyed. Last one was in 1996 when most of the one year old trees were destroyed But olive oil from northern parts has the best quality, what means also higher selling price Climate changes ??? “positive” effect: due to higher temperatures more areas will be suitable for growing olives trees, but “negative” effect: more pests and diseases, more frequent “extraordinary” weather events (storms, frosts…)

Organic olive production in the Northern Adriatic Italy - most of organic olive plantations are in the southern parts and in Tuscany in northern Adriatic regions (Friuli, Veneto and Emilia-Romagna) there are 930 ha of organic olive plantations. That is less than 1 % of all organic land in the regions. Organic oil production do not play significant role. Croatia organic farming started to develop recently olive trees area: 100 ha in 2008 and 322 ha in 2010 (1% of all organic land) around half of olive plantations are in Istria (Northern Adriatic)

Organic olive production in the Northern Adriatic- Slovene Istria Slovenia: all organic olive tree plantations are located in Slovene Istria, share of olive trees is less than 1 % of all organic land in Slovenia Favorable natural conditions for (organic) farming Organic farming started to develop quickly in recent years- mainly due to wine and olive growers converting in organic Most of the olive growers are in organic control less than 3 years Around 20 % of all olive tree plantations are in organic control

Organic olive production in the Northern Adriatic- Slovene Istria 24 of 48 organic farms are exclusive orientated in olive oil production

Organic olive production in the Northern Adriatic- Slovene Istria Average size of organic farm in Slovene Istria is 5,7 ha (average in Slovenia is 15 ha) Organic farms orientated in olive oil production are a lot smaller- in average from 0,6 to 1,5 ha There are only few olive tree plantations with more than 2 ha and only one with around 5 ha

Organic olive production in the Northern Adriatic- Slovene Istria Most of the olive tree plantations are in hinterland hilly areas 150-300m above sea level (Krkavče, Truške, Šmarje, Cetore…) here are the best conditions for olive growing (and less possibilities for pests- “olive fly”) Distribution and size of olive plantations by cadastral communities

Organic olive production in the Northern Adriatic- Slovene Istria Olive oil production- around 20.000 liter (in 2009) Yields- in average around 3000 kg of olives per ha. This is very similar to yields for integrated and conventional farmers. Main reason is that most of farmers have entered just recently in conversion. Farmers who are 5 or more years in control have lower yields. Around 20 % of farmers have yields lower than 1000 kg- this is due young plantations. Highest yield- 6000 kg/ha!!!

Organic olive production in the Northern Adriatic- Slovene Istria Socio-economic indicators Olive growers are mainly “part-time” or “hobby” farmers. Only few are “full-time” farmers with incomes exclusive or mainly from farming Very high formal educational level. Around half of the farmers have higher or high educational level Positive age structure of farmers and families

Organic olive production in the Northern Adriatic- Slovene Istria (Organic) agriculture practices and characteristics farms are mainly monocultural with no livestock most of the farmers are buying fertilizers (briquettes) or do not use any fertilizers/manure (this is due of using mineral fertilizers in past years) a lot of farmers do not practice “green manure” or they are even plowing the plantations only two farmers practicing husbandry in olive plantations level of knowledge and information about organic farming/practices is (very) low a lot of farmers have converted due to economic factors (expecting higher prices of oil) Signs of “conventionalization” of organic farming !!!

Organic olive production in the Northern Adriatic- Slovene Istria Further growth of olive plantations converting in organic farming is expected Already signs of marketing problems: a lot of farmers has not develop marketing channels (mainly selling “at home”), marketing strategies and recognazible brands, lack of cooperation between farmers / individualism, for a lot of consumers prices of oil are too high (in average between 14-20 €/l). More promotion and education of consumers about quality of olive oil from Istria is needed, low consumption of olive oil in Slovenia (average just over 1l per person a year) Marketing potentials selling to supermarkets, restaurants, hotels and public sector export to other EU regions/countries cooperation between farmers and possibly common brand will be needed to enter in supermarkets, turistic sector and for export

Contact: Dane.Podmenik@gmail.com