The International Olive Council (IOC) has officially opened registration for the pilot phase of its Carbon Balance project, a global initiative aimed at measuring the olive grove’s potential as a natural carbon sink.
The pilot phase, running from April 24 to May 30, 2025, invites farmers, cooperatives, associations, and researchers across the olive sector to test a free tool that calculates the net carbon balance of olive groves. The goal is to provide access to voluntary carbon credit markets, turning sustainability efforts into economic opportunities.
“This pilot phase is a key step in developing a scientific methodology and sector-specific tools,” said Jaime Lillo, Executive Director of the IOC.
Participation is open worldwide, and the methodology is designed to align with regulations in the EU, the US, North Africa, and Latin America. A technical training session will be held on June 4, both in person and online, for registered participants.
Collected data and feedback will help refine the tool, with results to be presented in November for World Olive Day. The IOC aims for the system to gain official recognition and inclusion in future certification schemes.
For more information or to register, visit: https://www.internationaloliveoil.org/carbon-balance-project-pilot-phase-registration-open/
