The Pursuit of Perfection: Our Journey Towards PDO Certification.

Croatia has several PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) certifications for its olive oils.

Croatia is one of the European countries with PDO-certified extra virgin olive oils. For example, one region is:

• "EKSTRA DJEVICANSKO MASLINOVO ULJE CRES DOP." (Extra Virgin Olive Oil Cres PDO)

This means that olive oil bearing the "Cres PDO" label must be produced entirely within the designated geographical area of the island of Cres, using specific olive varietals and traditional methods that contribute to its unique characteristics.

Having a PDO designation is a significant mark of quality and authenticity, ensuring that the oil's unique characteristics are directly linked to its origin and traditional production methods. For our Cypress Hill Grove project on Ošljak, this is highly relevant, as it demonstrates the value and recognition of geographically specific olive oils in Croatia.

The current Croatian PDOs for olive oil are:

• Istra (Istria)

• Bračko maslinovo ulje (Brač olive oil)

• Korčulansko maslinovo ulje (Korčula olive oil)

• Krčko maslinovo ulje (Krk olive oil)

• Šoltansko maslinovo ulje (Šolta olive oil)

• Ekstra djevičansko maslinovo ulje Cres (Cres Extra Virgin Olive Oil)

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While the island of Ugljan (near Zadar and Cypress Hill Grove) has a rich history of olive oil production and even an ancient oil mill replica in Muline, it does not currently hold it's own distinct PDO certification for olive oil. We hope to change that.

Next steps

Obtaining a PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) certification for olive oil from a specific area like Ugljan (or a broader region encompassing Ugljan and Ošljak) is a rigorous, multi-step process governed by European Union regulations. It requires a significant collective effort from growers, producers, and local authorities. We are excited to roll up our sleeves and get busy with this project!

Here's a general outline of how a our group would go about getting such a certification:

Phase 1: National Level (Croatia)

1. Form a Producer Group/Association:

   • The first and most crucial step is for olive growers and oil producers from the specific geographical area (e.g., Ugljan Island, or a defined part of it) to form a recognized legal entity, such as an association or cooperative. This group will be the applicant. This ensures collective interest and responsibility.

2. Define the Geographical Area:

   • Precisely define the geographical boundaries of the area where the olives are grown, harvested, and processed. This must be a well-demarcated region with specific environmental and human factors contributing to the oil's unique characteristics.

3. Develop a Product Specification (Specifikacija proizvoda): This is the most critical document and the heart of the PDO application. It must meticulously detail:

   • Product Name: The specific name to be protected (e.g., "Ugljansko maslinovo ulje" - Ugljan Olive Oil).

   • Product Description: A detailed description of the olive oil, including its physical, chemical, and organoleptic (sensory) characteristics (e.g., color, aroma, taste, acidity levels, polyphenol content).

   • Raw Materials: The specific olive varietals that can be used (e.g., Oblica, Levantinka, Lastovka, etc., and their permitted percentages). These must be indigenous or traditionally cultivated in the defined area.

   • Production Method: Detailed description of every stage, from cultivation practices (e.g., pruning, harvesting methods – often emphasizing traditional hand-picking), to oil extraction (e.g., cold pressing, temperature limits, time from harvest to pressing), and storage. Crucially, all these steps must occur within the defined geographical area.

   • Link to the Geographical Area: A thorough explanation of how the unique qualities or characteristics of the olive oil are exclusively or essentially due to the specific geographical environment (soil, climate, microclimate) and the traditional human factors (know-how, historical practices) of Ugljan. This requires historical evidence and scientific data.

   • Inspection Body: Identification of the independent control body that will verify compliance with the product specification.

   • Labeling Requirements: How the PDO logo and name must appear on the final product.

4. Submit Application to the Croatian Ministry of Agriculture:

   • The producer group submits the completed product specification and application forms to the Croatian Ministry of Agriculture (Ministarstvo poljoprivrede).

   • The Ministry reviews the application for completeness and compliance with national and EU regulations.

   • An expert commission may be involved in evaluating the product and its link to the origin.

5. National Opposition Procedure:

   • Once deemed compliant, the application is published in the Croatian Official Gazette. This opens a period (usually 30-60 days) during which any interested party with a legitimate interest can lodge an objection.

6. Decision on Transitional National Protection:

   • If no valid objections are raised or they are resolved, the Ministry issues a decision granting "transitional national protection" to the name. This means the name is protected within Croatia while the EU application is pending.

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Phase 2: European Union Level

1. Submission to the European Commission:

   • After national protection is granted, the Croatian Ministry of Agriculture formally submits the application dossier (including the product specification and single document summary) to the European Commission.

2. EU Scrutiny and Opposition Procedure:

   • The European Commission conducts its own detailed review (typically around 6 months).

   • The application is then published in the Official Journal of the European Union. This opens another, broader opposition period (usually 3 months) for any EU member state or third country with a legitimate interest to object.

3. Official EU Registration:

   • If no valid objections are raised or they are resolved, the European Commission issues an Implementing Regulation to register the name in the EU Register of Protected Designations of Origin.

   • Once registered, the name (e.g., "Ugljan Olive Oil PDO") is protected across all EU member states and in countries with which the EU has relevant agreements.

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Key Challenges and Considerations:

• Scientific Evidence: Demonstrating the unique link between Ugljan's specific geographical environment and the olive oil's characteristics is crucial. This often requires soil analysis, climate data, and sensory evaluation.

• Historical Proof: Providing historical evidence of traditional olive growing and oil production on Ugljan, showing a long-standing reputation.

• Collective Effort: This is not something an individual producer can do alone. It requires strong cooperation and consensus among all producers in the defined area.

• Compliance and Control: All producers wishing to use the PDO label must strictly adhere to the product specification and undergo regular inspections by the designated control body.

• Time and Cost: The entire process can take several years (often 2-4 years or more) and involves significant administrative, legal, and technical costs.

• Marketing and Value: Once certified, the PDO status provides a powerful marketing tool, indicating high quality, authenticity, and a unique connection to the region.

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Given Ošljak's proximity to Ugljan and its shared olive-growing traditions, a joint effort with Ugljan producers will be the logical path to explore for a PDO that will encompass both islands.