Young Olive Oil Days opens in Istria

President Grabar-Kitarović opens the event (Ured Presjednice)

ZAGREB, Nov 16 (Hina) – More than a hundred exhibitors from Italy, Slovenia, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia and Croatia are presenting their young olive oil, culinary products and farming equipment at the 14th Young Olive Oil Days in the Istria County town of Vodnjan, which opened on Friday and will run through to Sunday.

President Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic attended the opening, saying that olive oil and numerous other farm products show diversity and authenticity and bring multiple economic benefits such as jobs, rural development, improving tourism services and promoting Croatia in the world.

She said that this event is of exceptional importance because “we need to provide support to farmers so that we can strengthen their position on the market and show that we value their contribution to the development of the economy and rural communities.” She added that she advocates proactive economic policies toward rural areas and farm products that will reflect their strategic importance.

(Ured Presjednice)

“It is equally important that citizens realise how much work, know-how and dedication is required to produce quality food while at the same time respecting the postulate of sustainability, particularly in preserving the climate and environment,” Grabar-Kitarovic said, and added that the Young Olive Oil Days event is an excellent occasion to raise awareness and understanding in society about the importance of domestic farm products.

(Ured Presjednice)

“Between 15,000 and 20,000 people visit the Young Olive Oil Days each year and this year we expect even more during these three days. Fourteen years ago we wanted to tell the people how good young extra virgin olive oil is and that it is immediately ready for use in cooking. This event has grown in the number of visitors and exhibitors,” Vodnjan Mayor Klaudio Vitasovic said and added that Vodnjan has been branded as the town of olive oil and it is this event that has contributed to its promotion.

(Ured Presjednice)