
W
hen you think of "olive oil," what geographic area comes to mind? Italy, Spain, Greece, Portugal…or California? Most Americans would think of one of these four European countries because they produce 93% of the world's olive oil. You find it surprising that while the golden state produces only a tiny percentage of olive oil for the US market, it produces 99% of all Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) made in the USA.
"California is the dominant player in the EVOO market due to the favorable Mediterranean climate and terroir that favors grapes as well as olives, and olive growers who are committed to producing the highest quality product using the latest equipment and technologies," said Patricia Darragh, executive director of the California Olive Oil Council (COOC). The Monterey Bay Farmers Market is pleased to have two such EVOO growers/producers participating at the markets: Valencia Creek Farms who makes Colline di Santa Cruz and Belle Farms.