Article 1 Objectives of the Agreement

1. With respect to standardization and research:

To seek to achieve uniformity in national and international legislation relating to the physico-chemical and organoleptic characteristics of olive oils, olive pomace oils and table olives in order to prevent any obstacle to trade;

To conduct activities in the area of physico-chemical and organoleptic testing in order to add to the knowledge of the composition and quality characteristics of olive products, with a view to consolidating international standards and so enabling:

Product quality control;

International trade and its development;

Protection of consumer rights;

Prevention of fraudulent and misleading practices and adulteration.

To strengthen the role of the International Olive Council as a forum of excellence for the international scientific community in the area of olives and olive oil;

To coordinate studies and research on the nutritional qualities and other intrinsic properties of olive oil and table olives;

To facilitate the exchange of information on international trade flows.

2. With respect to olive growing, olive oil technology and technical cooperation:

To promote technical cooperation and research and development in the olive sector by encouraging the cooperation of public or private bodies and/or entities, whether national or international;

To conduct activities for the identification, preservation and utilization of the gene sources of olive trees;

To study the interaction between olive growing and the environment, particularly with a view to promoting environmental conservation and sustainable production, and to ensure the integrated and sustainable development of the sector;

To foster the transfer of technology through training activities in the fields connected with the olive sector by organizing international, regional and national activities;

To promote the protection of geographical indications of olive products in compliance with the corresponding international agreements to which a member may be a party;

To encourage the exchange of information and experience in the phytosanitary field on olive growing.

3. With respect to the promotion of olive products, dissemination of information and the olive economy: