Description of the Reference Region
The Betic mountain ranges extend along the south-southeast of the Iberian Peninsula.
Cordoba is one of the provinces with the largest areas of mountain olive groves. In particular, the olive grove of the Sierras Subbéticas is an element that contributes to defining the identity of a unique landscape, as reflected in its nomination for the UNESCO World Heritage List.
The effects of climate change, together with the problematic land management, sometimes provoke the abandonment or intensification of the crops, leading to the loss of biodiversity, of local varieties and other environmental impacts. In socio-economic terms, the competitiveness of the traditional mountain olive grove is under serious threat.
Selected Value Chain
The Organic Mountain Olive Oil value chain encompasses a wide range of interlinked activities and functions, from the cultivation of olive trees and tasks associated with the production of olives, their processing, distribution, and marketing to the final consumer.
In recent years, the organic mountain olive grove sector has grown considerably in certified production. Other synergies are emerging as new products based on collaboration between different sub-sectors such as culture, the environment and tourism. The international market absorbs most of the production, while consumption is lower in the domestic market.
The challenge of keeping the mountain olive grove alive lies in the non-productive functions carried out by this crop. The groves contribute to shaping the high landscape and heritage value areas, as well as maintaining the vitality of rural areas. Mountain olive groves generate environmental public goods by maintaining biodiversity, slowing erosion, reducing water pollution, or being relevant to climate change mitigation or fire prevention.
Multi-Actor Platform (MAP) members
The Multi-Actor Platform includes members of four groups: i) producers and companies; ii) associations, NGOs, citizens; iii) organisations, institutions, and research projects; iv) government and municipalities); and v) external experts.
Publications & events
Practice Abstract (2nd set): Adaptive capacity of organic mountain olive groves (EN & ES)
Article: A future scenario for the mountain olive grove of the Betic System
Video: Vulnerability and resilience of the mountain olive grove (ES & EN)
Article: Assessing vulnerability, sustainability, and resilience in mountain olive groves of Spain
Practice Abstract (1st set): Making mountain olive groves resilient
Article: Kick-off meeting of Betic Systems regional Multi-Actor Platform
Article: Vulnerability analysis in the Betic Systems of Spain
Article: Exploring the olive oil value chain in Baena
Article: MOVING: Meeting of the key stakeholders of the organic mountain olive oil value chain
Article: Expert opinions on the organic mountain olive grove in Cordoba (Spain)
Policy Brief: Organic Olive Oil
Video: MOVING: Valorización de la Montaña a través de la Interconectividad y del Crecimiento Sostenible