Traditional (economically vulnerable) olive groves. An approach to their conceptualization and spatial delimitation based on the Spanish case

Abstract The term “traditional olive grove” is widely used, yet remains imprecise from a scientific standpoint. Despite this, traditional olive groves are already the subject of specific subsidies and differentiated treatment by public administrations, as they are considered to be less economically competitive than intensive or super-intensive systems, while offering superior environmental and social benefits. The term is also employed as a marketing tool on olive oil labeling aimed at distinguishing products by emphasizing this specific origin. This study seeks to approach the concept of traditional olive groves in Spain from a conceptual, quantitative, and spatial perspective. To this end, we first reviewed the scientific and gray literature on this type of olive cultivation, as well as the regulations and other resources aimed at promoting its continued existence. The main finding is that although numerous sources refer to the concept of "traditional olive groves," there is no clear consensus on a conceptual definition of the term. Next, we developed a spatial database using the 2023 version of the Agricultural Plots Geographic Information System (SIGPAC) as the primary source. From this database, we selected key variables to establish different identification criteria based on agronomic and economic criteria. The main result is a statistical and spatial definition of what we identify as “economically vulnerable olive groves.” The findings of this research support the targeted design of policy measures to backing olive oil producers operating in these less competitive systems that nevertheless provide valuable public goods.