ISLAMABAD, September 16: Pakistan has joined an international alliance backing the Lisbon Manifesto on extra virgin olive oil, linking the country’s growing olive sector with global research, nutrition and public health initiatives, the Ministry of National Food Security and Research said on Wednesday.
The Lisbon Manifesto, “Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Scientific Evidence for Global Health,” was launched following the Olive Oil World Congress 2026 and has been endorsed by more than 60 organisations from 18 countries across four continents.
The signatories include universities, research centres, farmers’ organisations, industry associations, sector bodies and government representatives.
Pakistan’s participation comes as the government seeks to expand domestic olive production while strengthening research, processing, quality standards and value addition across the sector.
Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain said joining the initiative reflected Pakistan’s efforts to connect agricultural development with nutrition, scientific research and public health.
He said growing international interest in the nutritional properties of extra virgin olive oil presented an opportunity for Pakistan to further develop its olive industry through modern research, improved production practices and stronger quality standards.
According to the minister, the government is focusing on the entire olive value chain — from cultivation and quality planting material to processing, certification, marketing and consumer awareness.
The approach is intended to help farmers benefit from the sector’s growth potential while improving the quality and marketability of olive oil produced in Pakistan.
Pakistan Eyes Growth in Olive Production and Value Addition
Rana Tanveer said scientific research and international cooperation would be important for developing a competitive and sustainable olive industry.
He called for closer cooperation among agricultural research institutions, universities, farmers and the private sector to increase production and improve the quality of Pakistani olive oil.
The minister said expansion of the olive sector could support agricultural diversification and farmers’ livelihoods while contributing to food and nutrition security and creating opportunities for value-added products and new markets.
Pakistan has increasingly focused on olive cultivation as part of efforts to diversify agriculture and develop domestic production capacity.
The Ministry of National Food Security and Research said its National Olive Programme would continue facilitating cooperation among researchers, universities, growers, industry and international partners.
What Does the Lisbon Manifesto Propose?
The Lisbon Manifesto calls for extra virgin olive oil to be given a preferred position among dietary sources of fat and for policymakers to consider its role in public health strategies addressing chronic non-communicable diseases.
The document points to scientific research on the nutritional and bioactive properties of extra virgin olive oil, including its polyphenol content, when consumed as part of a balanced diet.
It also calls for further scientific research and professional training, along with improved access to quality olive oil in public institutions such as hospitals, care homes and school canteens.
Another focus of the initiative is strengthening standards covering olive oil quality, authenticity and traceability, as well as providing consumers with clearer information about products.
The manifesto’s recommendations represent the position of its signatories and will now be taken to governments, health systems and other relevant authorities for consideration.
The Olive Oil World Congress also plans to submit the document to international organisations including the World Health Organization, Food and Agriculture Organization and Pan American Health Organization.
Pakistan’s participation gives the country an opportunity to deepen international cooperation on olive research and production while developing stronger links between agriculture, nutrition and value-added food industries.
Rana Tanveer said the government would continue working with national and international partners to strengthen scientific research, quality production and value addition as Pakistan seeks to expand its olive sector.