Date: Sunday, 18 October 2026
Juan Vilar is a leading international expert in olive oil economics and cultivation, known for his comprehensive analyses, strategic recommendations, and authoritative publications on global olive growing.
Juan Vilar, PhD in Economics and professor at the University of Jaén, coordinated the International Olive Growing: Worldwide Analysis and Summary — a detailed manual covering the history, geography, economics, and cultivation practices of olives in 58 countries juanvilar.com. The work synthesizes data from the IOC, FAO, and nearly 400 contributors across five continents, offering:
Historical and geographical context of olive cultivation
Economic sector analysis and value chain strategies
Country-by-country cultivation profiles
He also emphasizes that olive growing faces structural challenges: over 66% of global olive land is rainfed, much of it on steep slopes, and many regions suffer from low productivity, water scarcity, and volatile oil prices juanvilar.com.
Vilar notes that global olive production now spans 11.6 million hectares in 64 countries, but many farms are in decline due to:
High production costs in traditional groves
Limited water access and climate dependency
Falling olive oil prices
Land scarcity and secondary use of olive farming juanvilar.com
In Mediterranean countries, these issues have led to abandoned groves in Spain, Italy, Greece, Tunisia, and others juanvilar.com.
In his writings and events, Vilar advocates differentiation and efficiency to improve profitability eComercio Agrario:
Macro-level: Public–private campaigns to boost olive oil consumption
Micro-level: Cost reduction via cooperation, vertical/horizontal integration, service companies, and intensification
Modernization: Mechanization, farm consolidation, and adoption of new technologies insights.tridge.com
He also highlights the need for generational renewal, land value management, and economies of scale to maintain economic viability insights.tridge.com.
Adapt to climate and water constraints: Invest in irrigation efficiency and drought resilience
Diversify income streams: Combine olive oil with value-added products or services
Leverage technology: Mechanization and precision agriculture to reduce costs
Collaborate: Cooperatives and shared services can improve competitiveness
Follow market signals: Adjust production and quality strategies to price trends
For deeper study, Vilar’s International Olive Growing manual and his recent talks (e.g., Aula Oleícola Innova) provide both technical and strategic guidance for modern olive cultivation juanvilar.com+1.
