Pakistan has joined an international alliance backing the Lisbon Manifesto, titled ‘Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Scientific Evidence for Global Health’, which was launched after the Olive Oil World Congress 2026.
Over 60 organizations from 18 countries across four continents have endorsed the document. They include universities, research centers, farmers’ groups, industry associations and government representatives.
Pakistan’s participation comes as the country seeks to expand its domestic olive industry and strengthen links between agricultural production, nutrition and scientific research.
Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research of Pakistan, Rana Tanveer Hussain said the initiative reflected the government’s efforts to connect agricultural development with nutrition, research and public health.
He said international research on the nutritional properties of extra virgin olive oil presented an opportunity for Pakistan to improve production methods, quality standards and value-added products.
The Federal Minister said Pakistan was focusing on strengthening the entire olive value chain, from cultivation and quality planting material to processing, certification, marketing and consumer awareness, so that farmers could benefit from the growing potential of the sector.
Tanveer Hussain said cooperation between research institutions, universities, farmers and private companies would be important to developing what he described as a competitive and sustainable olive sector.
He appreciated international partners and research institutions for promoting evidence-based work on olive oil and its nutritional properties.
He said Pakistan would continue to promote cooperation among agricultural research institutions, universities, farmers and the private sector to enhance olive production and improve the quality and marketability of Pakistani olive oil.
The Minister said the development of the olive sector could contribute to agricultural diversification, farmers’ livelihoods and food and nutrition security, while creating opportunities for value addition and new markets.
The Lisbon Manifesto calls for extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) to be given a preferred place among dietary sources of fat and for its role to be considered in public health strategies addressing chronic non-communicable diseases. It highlights scientific evidence concerning the nutritional and bioactive properties of EVOO, particularly its polyphenol content, within the context of a balanced diet.
The Manifesto also calls for stronger research and professional training, improved availability of quality olive oil in public institutions such as hospitals, care homes and school canteens, and stronger systems for quality assurance, authenticity, traceability and consumer information.
The signatories will present the Manifesto to their respective governments, health systems and relevant authorities, while the Olive Oil World Congress will submit it to international organizations including the World Health Organization (WHO), Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) for consideration.
The Ministry of National Food Security and Research, through its National Olive Program, will continue to facilitate collaboration among national research institutions, universities, farmers, industry and international partners to promote scientific research, quality production and value addition in Pakistan’s olive sector.
