Initially,
the cooperative simply extracted olive oil, but it now also has the
role of marketing olive oil for local growers. To meet this new challenge,
those in charge decided to set up a marketing operation with the full
legal status of a SARL (private limited company). You can now buy
oil produced in the Clermont mill all year round, along with other
products like olive oil soaps and articles made of wood. Wine from
cooperatives in the Hérault, and locally produced honey, are
also on sale. The Oli d'oc company has been able to create six jobs
and there is also a full-time employee at the cooperative. |
We
are now seeing an expansion of the olive groves in the Hérault.
Trees that had been neglected are again being cared for. Factors influencing
this resurgence of interest include the favourable local climate,
growing consumer interest in natural produce and the fact that doctors
now explicitly recommend olive oil. Also, European funds are now available
to encourage replanting. Since 1996, the cooperative has been the
driving force behind a renovation scheme. A total 70 hectares have
been planted to date and, in face of the success so far, the Agriculture
Ministry is funding further development. |