Citoliva presents 'The olive grove in a time of change' of the professor at the University of Córdoba, Luis Rallo

Under the heading 'El Olivar in a time of change', the first of the numbers has been made by the Professor of the University of Córdoba in the area of plant production, Luis Rallo, which has counted for this work with Professor Concepción Muñoz. In his presentation, which has counted with the presence of the President of Citoliva, José Juan Gaforio, and the head of the area of sectoral coordination of the General Bureau of planning and Control food of the MARM, Teresa Calvo Sanz, Luis Rallo has seeded the content of the book which reviews the current cultivation of the olive treeEmphasizing the contrast between traditional empirical practices with the new emerging techniques and advancing the strategic keys for the immediate future of the sector.

Urban farmhouse has been the framework for the presentation of 'Citoliva Edition', a business project in publications of high value, with which Citoliva aims to increase its commitment with the olive oil sector, its evolution, innovation, and projection. This is a series of studies and research multi-thematic seeking to have an impact in the olive oil sector, with the help of well-known experts and researchers.

"New varieties of olive growing, based on the traditional, are necessary to meet growing conditions that have not previously had been raised," commented Rallo, who pointed out that the major changes that have occurred in recent years in the olive sector come hand in hand with innovation and research. "They have been the key to the transition from the traditional olive grove to the current".

But not only the varieties were modified. The professor has had an impact in the "big" change that have led to new production systems, with the step towards plantations in seto; the methods of crop management, with systems that prevent the erosion of the soil, with the use of vegetation; or irrigation, whose improvement "has been instrumental in the growth of production", said Luis Rallo.

And it is that according to the expert, with the exception of some cases that may be found his opportunity in a niche market for oil of high quality and price, "the vast majority of existing olive groves of low productivity will face a crisis of difficult solution".

Also, the inclusion of technology and innovation has allowed a better control of pests and diseases, the reduction of production costs with the mechanization of harvesting, the improvement of the development, giving rise to a healthy olive oil quality and quantity.

This new situation, according to Rallo, "leads to the development of a new olive growing, the need for an efficient system in r & d and a necessary adaptation to the global market, emphasizing the promotion, giving added value to the product".