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FROM SOL EXPO, A CALL TO THE EU TO EXTEND THE ITALIAN CONTROL MODEL TO NON-EU IMPORTS

The European Union should adopt Italy’s control system for monitoring olive oil imports from non-EU countries. This was the key message emerging from a debate held at Veronafiere during SOL Expo, within the conference titled “From the European Market to the Mediterranean and Mercosur”, moderated by journalist Alberto Grimelli (Teatro Naturale).

The discussion featured MEPs Stefano Cavedagna (European Parliament Committee on the Internal Market), Dario Nardella (European Parliament Committee on Agriculture), the Undersecretary of the Italian Ministry of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Forestry (Masaf) Patrizio La Pietra, and Javier Olmedo, Director of the Fundación del Olivar.

Patrizio La Pietra stated: “If frauds are uncovered in Italy, it is because controls are carried out. The Italian system is one of the best and should become a fully European system. Let us ensure that the European Customs Agency comes to Italy — this would add value to the entire sector.”

Dario Nardella agreed on the need for a European customs agency and stronger integration: “Today, controls on agri-food products stand at around 3%. Problems related to downgrading, illegal blending or adulteration often go undetected. This also harms producers who need to import legally. Extending the Italian model across Europe and ensuring cross-border interoperability is no longer an opportunity — it is a necessity. Barriers between member states, combined with weak controls, create structural problems.”

Stefano Cavedagna emphasized that the European Union must take a more proactive role: “Europe, as an economic entity responsible for protecting us, should act more decisively against these risks. There is still a mindset that does not fully recognize the economic quality and value of Mediterranean products. Italy must lead a small revolution in defending our production against market distortions.”

Javier Olmedo added that the Italian control model would also find support in Spain: “Most cooperatives and companies that operate responsibly would welcome an extension of this system. In some campaigns we need imported oil, but it must be high-quality and subject to proper controls. Let us extend the Italian system to all European borders to truly protect this quality product in both Italy and Spain.”

The participants also highlighted the need for Mediterranean countries to act jointly ahead of the new Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). Nardella concluded: “We must work as a team and make olive oil one of the pillars of the agri-food promotion strategy. We should propose a European Olive Plan and a strong Common Market Organisation (CMO) for extra virgin olive oil — as strong as the one for wine. This product can no longer be treated as wine’s smaller sibling.”