reforming the olive oil sector following publication of a number reports by commission parliament and court auditors it has been confirmed that there is need for far reaching reform support regime while virtually unquestioned structure future market organisation contrast subject fierce controversy purpose this factsheet therefore to set out transitional arrangements adopted council in july 1998 explains challenges ahead opportunities be availed traditionally european whose importance recognised both on economic grounds maintaining environmental social balance producing regions an important business expanding union eu largest producer consumer world always basic component mediterranean cooking its use across community steadily increasing gradually becoming part culinary habits new consumers who have learned appreciate consumption 1996 97 stood at 1 620 000 tonnes
