Meaning and etymology of the term ‘organic’

Before delving into the meaning of organic, it is important to distinguish this certification from another quality guarantee: PDO (Protected Designation of Origin).

While PDO certifies only the geographical origin and traditional characteristics of a product, organic certification ensures the adoption of sustainable agricultural and livestock practices, without the use of pesticides or synthetic fertilisers.

The word “organic” derives from the Greek bios (life) and logos (study) and indicates a production method that respects natural cycles and the health of ecosystems.

Nowadays, “organic” is not only a choice of sustainability but a true integrated system that embraces standards, techniques and certifications, all to ensure products free of chemicals and GMOs.

EU regulatory framework and controls

Since 1991, the European Union has regulated organic farming, establishing the criteria and rules that crops and livestock must comply with in order to obtain the designation “organic” through EC Regulation 2092/91. The key points of the regulatory system are:

• Complete traceability: every stage, from seed to finished product, is recorded in a documentation system;
• Annual checks: carried out by accredited certification bodies (e.g. ICEA, CCPB);
• Protected labelling: obligation to affix the ‘Euro leaf’ and the code of the control body;
• Switching to organic farming: farm-level conversion period of at least 24 months for cultivated land.

Only by meeting these requirements can a product bear the European logo and the word ‘organic’ on its label.

Agronomic principles and organic farming

Organic farming practices are based on:

• Crop rotation and association: to maintain soil fertility and prevent plant diseases;
• Use of green manure and organic compost: to provide nutrients slowly and naturally;
• Controllo biologico dei parassiti: attraverso insetti antagonisti, trappole e repellenti naturali;
• Biological pest control: using antagonistic insects, traps and natural repellents;
• Animal welfare: grazing areas, natural feed and veterinary care only when necessary.

Environmental and social benefits

Organic farming plays a decisive role in protecting biodiversity, conserving water and reducing our planet’s carbon footprint.

Further information
The Italian organic market exceeded €5 billion in 2024, recording an 8% annual growth rate over the last three years, confirming consumers’ growing interest in genuine and transparent products.

How to recognise a genuine organic product

When purchasing, it is easy to verify authenticity if you pay attention to:

• Euro leaf logo: guarantees EU compliance;
• Control body code: usually an alphanumeric code next to the organic label;
• Indication ‘EU Agriculture’ or ‘Non-EU Agriculture’: for origin and traceability;
• QR code or traceability URL: more and more companies are providing a direct link to supply chain information sheets.

Organic olive oil: characteristics and qualities

Organic olive oil comes from certified organic olive groves, where synthetic pesticides and chemical fertilisers are not permitted. The trees benefit from crop rotation with legumes and green manure crops, improving soil structure and naturally increasing fertility.

Processing and chemical parameters

Manual harvesting or gentle mechanical picking preserves the integrity of the fruit. Cold pressing (≤27 °C) takes place within 24 hours of harvesting, ensuring acidity <0.3% and high levels of polyphenols (>300 mg/kg), which are essential for antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Sensory profile

The blend of Coratina, Peranzana and Ogliarola cultivars ensures green notes of artichoke and fresh grass, accompanied by a balanced bitterness and a spicy aftertaste, hallmarks of a high-quality oil with proven aromatic intensity.

Oilalà: Italian excellence

Oilalà offers its ICEA-certified Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil, with a traceable supply chain and ‘plant-to-bottle’ control. Each bottle:

• Contains cold-pressed oil that has been naturally decanted;
• It will present an organoleptic profile tested by a panel of experts;
• It will be accompanied by a chemical-physical analysis sheet.

Discover the authentic taste and health benefits: a product that combines tradition, innovation and environmental responsibility.