Olives and olive oil are a critical agri-business sector, especially for the European Union (EU) countries of the Mediterranean basin. Spain, Italy and Greece are the main producers and exporters of olive oil and its production significantly contributes to local economy and income. However, the olive oil production supply chain is associated with numerous environmental adverse affects, depending on the production methods adopted. Over the last thirty years, olive growing has become more intensified and mechanised, while, in most cases, irrigation and chemical fertilisation is standard practice. Olive processing has, also, been intensified, resulting in large quantities of solid waste and wastewater being generated. Evidently, addressing and assessing the environmental impacts of the olive oil supply chain becomes imperative. Scientific tools such as Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) can assist in understanding and evaluating those impacts and identify the areas for improvement. This dissertation focuses on analysing the different steps of the olive oil supply chain in Greece and Spain, and identifying, through the application of the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology, how and to which extent they impact the environment. It, mainly, focuses on the Agricultural and Processing phases, since they have the highest environmental impact. Special attention is given on the treatment of By-products. Finally, the Distribution phase, is, also, examined.
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