Successful pilot phase of the Olive Carbon Footprint Project

The project, launched by the International Olive Council (IOC), so far hosts data from more than 400,000 ha of olive groves in 29 countriesSuccessful pilot phase of the Olive Carbon Balance ProjectOn Tuesday 4 June 2025, the International Olive Council (IOC) successfully launched the pilot phase of its Carbon Balance Project with a dedicated training session.

The meeting brought together experts and participants from across the olive sector and marked a crucial step in the validation of a pioneering tool to assess the carbon balance of the olive grove.

The event was opened by IOC Executive Director Jaime Lillo and Deputy Executive Director Abderraouf Laajimi, who welcomed participants and reaffirmed the organisation's commitment to promoting sustainability and climate-resilient practices in the olive sector.

Key figures and participation

The pilot phase has already exceeded expectations, with more than 600 registrations from 29 countries, covering more than 400,000 hectares of olive groves.

This broad and diverse participation is essential to meet the project's objectives and reflects the strong interest and momentum within the sector regarding voluntary carbon markets.

Expert contributions and regulatory context

The session featured presentations by leading experts in carbon accounting and sustainability:

Thus, Roberto García presented the methodological framework for the calculation of carbon and CO₂ balances in olive groves, focusing on both accounting approaches and the generation of carbon credits.

In turn, Emilio González addressed the broader issue of sustainability in agriculture, highlighting the importance of sustainable agronomic practices.

Ricardo Beck also provided information on the new EU Regulation on Carbon Sequestration and Carbon Farming (EU-CRCF), including its main provisions, current progress and anticipated developments relevant to the olive sector.

Pilot phase and training highlights

Participants were given an overview of the objectives, structure and timetable of the pilot phase. This was followed by a practical training session, demonstrating the use of the new web-based IT tool.

Attendees were given detailed instructions on the data required and the methodology on which the tool is based.

A 45-minute question and answer session allowed participants to ask questions, all of which were documented for follow-up. This interaction will help shape a comprehensive FAQ document that will be shared with all pilot users.

Next steps

Participants will soon receive a personalised link to register and access the tool. A dedicated support channel has been set up via info.cbproject@aenor.com to provide assistance and collect queries, which will inform the FAQs.

The pilot phase aims to validate and refine the tool and its methodology based on user experience. This process will help improve the operational functionality and ensure that the tool meets the needs and expectations of its future users.

The Carbon Balance Project is a central component of the IOC's efforts to improve sustainability, support data-driven decision-making and position the olive sector as a leader in climate-smart agriculture.