You have probably seen it on the labels of Occhiolino olive oil new harvest 2020: the European organic label. A new recognition for our product which is continuously improving. We are proud to offer you an oil that is now certified organic. However, at the beginning, this label was far from being a priority for Occhiolino, or even a step that was not planned.
Our olive groves, located on a hillside on the outskirts of the village of Vico del Gargano, have been providing us with exceptional olives for the production of olive oil for several years. We have never used pesticides, herbicides or fertilizers on them, and we obtain excellent quality, although we have to admit that the yield is lower in some years. Since the beginning, we have accepted this periodicity in the yield, the risk imposed by the climate and the other hazards of a natural production, always taking care to avoid bringing toxic products to the trees. Tracing back as far as we can, we estimate that for 15 years our plots have not seen the shadow of a sprayer. In Italy, it is not always easy to have precise data.
Thanks to this production method, completely natural, with the only human action being the maintenance and pruning of the branches, our plots have been able to find the balance that produces this extra virgin olive oil so fresh and tasty. From this point on, what is the use of an organic certification? If we are sure of our product, if the customer trusts us, what is the point of undergoing organic controls and paying organic fees? Just for this leaf made of stars on a green background?
The switch to organic farming was actually done a long time ago. What we did in 2020 was just complete the formalities with an approved body. And we got it for the production of olive oil 2020.
This label was a necessity to allow Occhiolino to continue developing its activities. Indeed, at the start with the 2019 harvest, some doors remained closed with the only argument: no organic label. Some stores, for example, can only sell certified organic products. Occhiolino olive oil could not be included in their assortments. Moreover, we are well aware that this label represents a security for the consumer. In particular, for those who discover the brand for the first time, this label reassures and attests to the commitment of the producer.
Our olive oil remains the same: same quality, same intensity and same aromas. Apart from some administrative procedures, the organic certification has not changed anything in our olive cultivation, harvesting or oil extraction. The 2019 Occhiolino extra virgin olive oil was natural, the 2020 one is natural and organic: even more extra, right?