Speaking at the fifth annual olive oil and trees seminar organised by Peter Calamatta Garden Shop Nursery, the minister explained that Maltese olive oil is less acidic than that of any other European country and this should be exploited when marketing the product.

“The quality of Maltese soil makes the olive less acidic which can be used as a strong selling point for the olive oil produced on the island,” he said. The olive tree has a long history in Malta and the Mediterranean and therefore should be considered part of the

culture and lifestyle.

“If the right steps are taken, olive oil production can be something particular and unique to Malta, because the product will be improved to be of the highest quality,” the minister said.

At present, Maltese olive oil is always improving, but more can always be done. The minister said that during negotiations with the EU, a quota of 150 tonnes of olive oil production had been set. This quota has not yet been reached and Mr Pullicino therefore urged more farmers to cultivate olive trees

700 farmers have registered their land for the growing of olive trees and the minister hopes this number will increase. He said that registration of olive tree cultivation is vital for this small industry that has the potential to grow.

Apart from marketing, product promotion is also very important for this growing industry. Mr Pullicino said that an Italian olive oil expert will be visiting Malta during the last weekend of October to give an olive oil tasting course. This will be beneficial to restaurateurs who can learn about the different types of oil and which should be used with different foods, he said.

Mr Pullicino concluded by saying that if the government and the private sector work together, the olive oil industry can be cultivated into a success for all of Malta.