What are the main objectives of the Italian Olive Oil Plan 2026-2030?

The Italian Official Gazette published on 14 August 2026 the Decree of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Forestry (MASAF), headed by Francesco Lollobrigida, approving the Italian Olive Oil Plan 2026–2030, following its registration by the Central Budget Office on 16 July and, days later, on 30 July, by the Court of Auditors.

According to recent statements by MASAF Undersecretary Senator Patrizio La Pietra, the launch of the National Olive Oil Plan 2026–2030 has been awaited by operators in the Italian olive oil sector for more than 20 years, and the Ministry has set itself the goal of relaunching the sector through the new Italian Olive Oil Plan 2026–2030.

La Pietra confirmed that the sector will soon have a comprehensive strategy to strengthen the competitiveness of the supply chain, increase domestic extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) production, support the incomes of olive growers and promote one of the most representative excellences of Made in Italy.

Among the priority objectives, the Undersecretary highlighted a 25% increase in domestic extra virgin olive oil production. This will be achieved through new plantings, the recovery of traditional olive groves, the modernisation of irrigation infrastructure and greater production stability, backed by an allocation of €300 million — €50 million for 2027, €200 million for 2028 and a further €50 million for 2029 — included in the national Coltivaitalia investment plan, which was approved at the beginning of August and will be allocated entirely to the olive oil sector.

"Our goal is to reduce production costs through the training of highly qualified personnel; the deployment of digital decision-support systems; the strengthening of olive mills and strategic supply-chain infrastructure; and the creation of a national observatory on production costs and market prices," La Pietra stressed.

The Plan will also pay particular attention to combating Xylella fastidiosa, through a structured monitoring and prevention programme managed by the National Extraordinary Commissioner, whose creation is envisaged under the Coltivaitalia measure. Around €12.2 million is expected to be allocated to this initiative, of which €3 million will go directly towards combating the disease, with the mandate running until 31 December 2028.

The Commissioner will coordinate local authorities, scientific research and emergency interventions to combat the spread of the disease in olive groves, supported by a team of five people and three deputy commissioners.

The strategy also includes strengthening Producer Organisations (POs) and cooperation throughout the supply chain, improving traceability through innovative systems and promoting certified nurseries to guarantee the quality of plant material intended for new plantings.

In addition to the structural measures, the Undersecretary concluded, the Plan introduces a major national campaign to promote Italian extra virgin olive oil, which is currently under way.

This campaign is complemented by nutrition education initiatives in schools and cooperation with the food service and restaurant sector, with the aim of spreading EVOO culture and enhancing its value among consumers.

Through Coltivaitalia, €9.2 million will be allocated to olive oil tourism (oleotourism) and wine tourism (enotourism), supporting accommodation and hospitality activities at farms in both sectors in rural areas.

Olive oil quality

Finally, the priorities include protecting the domestic market, combating unfair commercial practices and fraud, and strengthening controls to ensure transparency, fair competition and the full promotion of the quality of Italian olive oil.

Coltivaitalia has introduced into the national plan a ban on uprooting olive trees intended for the production of PDO and PGI olive oil in order to use the land for the construction of photovoltaic or wind farms, unless the trees are replanted in the same location or in nearby areas.

With the Italian Olive Oil Plan 2026–2030, the Italian Government, La Pietra stresses, is not only providing rapid responses to current critical issues but also defining a long-term vision for one of the flagship sectors of Italian agriculture, focusing on quality, sustainability, innovation and competitiveness to consolidate the Italian extra virgin olive oil sector in domestic and international markets.

According to recent statements by the MASAF Undersecretary, olive cultivation in Italy is a national strategic priority and, at last, deserves a comprehensive, stable medium- and long-term vision.

The aforementioned plan, which has been awaited by the Italian olive oil sector for years, "allows us to begin the process of structural revitalisation that, together with Minister Lollobrigida, we have set out to achieve in order to provide serious responses to the fragmentation of production, climate change and inadequate or even non-existent planning, which day after day, year after year, have eroded the potential of the Italian olive oil sector."

"We have created a far-reaching plan," La Pietra added, "capable of providing operational certainty and concrete tools to restore national production potential, with a particular focus on quality, combat the abandonment of olive groves, support the modernisation of facilities and promote the reduction of production costs."

In this regard, according to the Undersecretary, the role of the supply chain will be fundamental in improving the quality of Italian olive oil production, while the territories will also be strategic within the Plan, increasingly becoming drivers of social cohesion and environmental protection, particularly in Mediterranean areas and inland regions.

The Plan is not a series of measures imposed from above, but rather the result of dialogue with all stakeholders, who were asked to express their views on each point, including, for example, how to redefine the concept of “extra virgin olive oil” (EVOO) in order to present our oil with the greatest possible transparency.

"The quality and clarity of the product offered are the pillars of a marketing strategy capable of generating trust among those who buy Italian oil, knowing that they are not simply purchasing a condiment, but a food that symbolises the excellence of Made in Italy," La Pietra concluded.

Text of the Italian National Olive Oil Plan 2026–2030 [IT]