Organic Olive Oil

Organic olive oil online

Whether extra virgin or virgin quality, organic, Demeter or conventional - the choice of olive oil is incredibly large and buying it can therefore be somewhat confusing.

Is olive oil always organic?

No, olive oil is not always automatically "organic" or biological. Organic or ecological olive oil is made from olives grown using organic farming methods without the use of chemical pesticides or synthetic fertilizers. This approach aims to reduce the environmental impact and promote the sustainability of agriculture.

However, the decisive factor for the consumer is the organic certification, which is recognized by a seal. Organic olive oil is only certified if it has been produced from organically grown olives in accordance with the requirements of the European Regulation on organic production and labeling of organic products (EU standard 2018/848) and, in the case of organic association seals (Demeter, Naturland), if it is produced in accordance with the guidelines of the respective association.

Regardless of the organic certification, attention should also be paid to the quality class. In other words, whether the olive oil is virgin or extra virgin. You can find more information on this in our olive oil guide.

Organic olive oil certificates - an overview

The EU organic seal and olive oil

Since July 2010, the EU organic logo has been a mandatory label on all packaged organic food produced within the EU. It consists of a stylized leaf on a green background. The EU organic logo was introduced to provide consumers with immediate clarity as to whether a food product has been produced according to organic standards. The designation "organic olive oil" and the EU seal may only be used if the production process is carried out in accordance with the requirements of the European Regulation on organic production and labeling of organic products (EU standard 2018/848).

The Naturland + Naturland Fair seal and olive oil

The Naturland standards and the associated certificate are older than the EU's first legal regulations on organic farming. At the same time, these standards are considered stricter. In the case of olive oil and the cultivation of olive groves, this means that no chemical fertilizers or pesticides are used. This also includes the approach to certain pests such as the olive fruit fly, where only organic approaches are permitted. Although this approach is costly, it contributes to the conservation of soil, water and biodiversity.

Naturland Fair certification combines organic farming, social responsibility and fair trade in one seal. In the context of NL + NL Fair certification for olive oil, the producer Mani Bläuel is worth mentioning.

An important aspect of the implemented fairness is the appropriate remuneration of the farmers. In addition to fair producer prices, Mani Bläuel is committed to partnership-based trade relations and social engagement in the local community. This is reflected in its support for various social projects, including the civil society association GAIA, which provides the volunteer fire department, and the educational project Lyso Garten, which trains people with special needs in organic horticulture.

The Demeter seal and olive oil

Demeter guidelines are based on the teachings of Rudolf Steiner, the founder of anthroposophy. The aim here is biodynamic cultivation with the promotion of biodiversity and species diversity. Only natural fertilizers made from minerals, cow dung or herbs are used. In addition, Demeter seed varieties without hybrids are used. The biodynamic producer is mainly guided by the practices of our ancestors, when chemicals were not yet used in agriculture. This means that the phases of the moon and the seasons are taken into account during cultivation, care and harvesting. At the same time, the biodynamic producer relies on the power of observation of the plants and the cosmic elements.