The International Olive Council (IOC) is the supervisory body for the project (IOC) (www.internationaloliveoil.org). It is an intergovernmental organization established in 1959 to administer the International Agreement on Olive Oil and Table Olives.

The IOC is a unique, multilateral organization facilitating international cooperation on olive products. It promotes research and development to modernize olive cultivation and the related industries through expert meetings and it provides a prime forum for discussions and decision-making to safeguard the future of olive growing.

It coordinates national policies for the production and marketing of olive products, adopts regulations and standards to ensure product authenticity and implements activities in the agronomic, technical, scientific and education/information spheres. It is thus the mainstay of the action taken to improve quality and promote olive growing and olive products.

Created over forty years ago, the current international reputation of the IOC is built on its membership and experience, which equip it to look ahead with determination and optimism.

[The growing prestige of olive oil beyond its Mediterranean borders confirms the legitimate wisdom of our forebears and augurs well for the future of this age-old tree, besides spurring the olive growing community to continue to work for the benefit of all those who earn a livelihood from this crop.]

The IOC allocates a portion of its resources to achieve its development objectives. In addition, it supplements its efforts and funding by seeking financial and technical assistance from competent international, regional or national organizations. It has the staff and facilities to ensure adequate supervision of the project.