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Boomster > Dreamsearcher > How to Buy an Olive Farm and Make Olive Oil in Tuscany

How to Buy an Olive Farm and Make Olive Oil in Tuscany

I'd like to buy a farm in Tuscany where I can grow olives and make wonderful olive oil. How can I get started?

To be of most help this particular Dream requires an interview with the Dreamer. I need to determine...only Tuscany? Gentleman farmer? Permanent or part-time resident? On-site presence? Interested in a currently working farm and/or producing grove? Is the oil for personal consumption? For distribution within Italy, or the EU? For export? There are many complicating factors, but useful general information is available.

photo: http://www.flickr.com/photos/prakhar/2580230409/

What you can do from home

Contact the International Olive Oil Council

International Olive Oil Council
Principe de Vergara 154
Madrid E-28002, Spain
Phone: 34 91 5903638
URL: Olive Oil Association
e-mail: iooc@internationaloliveoil.org

The Council ..."Administers the International Agreement on Olive Oil and Table Olives. Designs and promotes programs of technical cooperation in olive cultivation, oil extraction and processing. Works to eliminate unfair competition through the preparation of a code of standard fair trade practices, adoption of standard international contracts for transactions involving olive products, and the development of an international conciliation and arbitration office to deal with disputes. Conducts research programs and undertakes any activities and measures that could highlight the biological value of olive oil and table olives with particular reference to their national qualities and therapeutic properties. Fosters the coordination of production, industrialization and marketing policies of these products."

It publishes various industry magazine and directories including The World Catalogue of Olive Varieties.

Contact the North American Olive Oil Association

North American Olive Oil Association
3301 Rte. 66, Bldg. C, Ste. 205
Neptune, NJ 07753-2705
Phone: (732) 922-3008
URL: http://naooa.mytradeassociation.org
e-mail: info@afius.org

This organization represents importers, processors, and distributors of olive oil. It holds an annual conference.

Find out about the industry specifics:

http://www.campobellooil.com/resource.html

http://www.italiancookingandliving.com/olive_oil/olive_oil_center.html

"...Besides running the Italian Olive Oil Club, the Italian Olive Oil & Specialty Food Center offers unique classes on olive oil making and gourmet extra-virgin olive oils and other Italian specialty products, such as saffron and porcini mushrooms, for sale at our store..."

What you can investigate in Tuscany

Property for sale in Tuscany with olive groves

http://www.keyitaly.com/property/189361/
Wine and olive oil producing estate for sale near Pisa, Tuscany
EUR €450,000 Negotiable price
http://www.keyitaly.com/property/188833/
Property for sale in Tuscany - farmhouse near Bagni di Lucca
EUR €450,000

Owning property

How property is taxed in Italy. http://www.properties-in-europe.com/info_italy_tax.htm.

A brief look at finalizing you property purchase. http://www.keyitaly.com/article/final-contract/

Celebrating olive oil!

Contact information for olive oil producers in all regions of Italy

photo: http://www.flickr.com/photos/brian-fitzgerald/295527102/

Learning about making olive oil closer to home
The Italian Culinary Center
302 5th Avenue, 9th Floor
New York, NY 10001
Phone: 212-725-8764

"These distinctive classes feature a four-course lunch showcasing different types of olive oils, from mild to spicy and fruity oils."

You'll proceed to learn how olive oil is made through a slide show and a live demonstration.

Finally, you'll taste and compare different kinds of olive oils yourself. You'll become an expert as we show you how to evaluate oil based on sensory characteristics like flavor, bouquet, and color. This course is perfect for the casual cook and the professional chef alike.

A buffet of antipasti specials ensures you'll go home full as well as more enologically savvy!

Minimum: 21 participants

Caveats
The Olive Oil Seems Fine. Whether It's Italian Is the Issue.
By CLIFFORD J. LEVY
Published: May 7, 2004
http://www.nytimes.com/2004/05/07/international/europe/07tusc.html?ex=1399262400&en=7f6170c429c605ae&ei=5007&partner=USERLAND

Good luck.