Florida Olive News
North African Varieties for Low Chill Research
Most olives grown in Florida originate from European root-stocks. These cultivars are acclimated to the weather on the northern rim of the Mediterranean Sea (Spain, Italy, Greece). These areas generally receive sufficient chill (200 hours min.) to induce flowering. Areas south of 1-4 (28 degrees N. Lat.) receive less than 200 chill hours* annually. The Florida Olive and the UF-IFAS Department of Horticulture embarked on a program to find a “low chill” olive that will reliably produce south of 1-4 where greening disease (HLB) has decimated over 50% of the citrus groves. Researchers believe there may be olive varieties native to the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) more compatible with south-central Florida’s climate and soils. Click here to download.
Florida Agriculture News – March 2021 – Are olives the new Orange for Florida?
International Olive News
Florida Olives in the News
Small and large farm olive seminar at UF-IFAS Jay, FL
Olives the Next Orange in Florida? Central Florida Ag News March 2021
Establishing an Olive Industry in Florida – Specialty Crop News (2020)
Olives Featured in October issue of Vegetable and Specialty Crop News
March 2020 – Natural Awakenings Magazine p.13
North Florida Olive-2019 featured on Panama City Television
NEWS FLASH: The American Association of Olive Oil Producers (AOOPA) petitioned the U.S. Federal Drug Administration (11/5/2019) to develop and enforce standards of olive oil quality. If the regulations are approved, truth–in-labeling will be required. This will ensure consumers are protected from unscrupulous vendors. Click for copy of petition. Click for copy of news story.
Growing Olives on Phosphate Strip Mine Land
Story of a Small Florida Olive Grower
Large shipment of olive oil to U.S. is fake – MailTribune/Associated Press
German Olive Oil Analysis Detects Fatal Flaws in 50% of Imported EVVO
Florida olive story in Greek publication (translated)
Olives as Alternative Crop – FreshPlaza
U.S. International Trade Commission Testimony – Fair Olive Oil Trade –Truth in Olive Oil
Radio Interview Alternative Crops for Florida – WGCU Ft. Myers
Growers Hope to Develop Olive Trees that Flourish in Florida – Gainesville Sun
Olives Florida’s Next Big Crop? – Tampa Bay Times
Richard Williams Interview – WFTV (30 sec commercial at head of clip)
UF-IFAS takes role in olive research – Grown In Georgia magazine
Olives Next Big Thing – Palm Beach Post
Olives and Citrus Greening in Florida – Olive Oil Times
Olive Research at UF-IFAS – Gainesville Sun
Retiree Proves Olives can Survive in Florida Panhandle – Orlando Sentinel
Olives: A High-Value Crop for Marginal Land – myfarmlife.com
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The Florida Olive Council is a non-profit organization certified under Federal tax code 501(c)(3) and Florida statutes Chapter 617. We are supported by your contributions. Ninety-five (95%) of your donation goes directly to supporting olive research. Our directors and officers receive no salary or other compensation. Donate