SUSTAINABLE VERSUS CONVENTIONAL OLIVE OIL PRODUCTION IN MEDITERRANEAN COUNTRIES: A PANEL DATA ANALYSIS

Abstract

This study examines the impact of conventional and sustainable olive oil production methods on export levels in ten Mediterranean countries from 2011 to 2022. Using panelcorrected standard errors (PCSE) and feasible generalized least squares (FGLS), the analysis explores relationships between export quantity, production volume, average annual rainfall, and export levels. The countries are divided into two sub-panels: conventional and sustainable practices. Results reveal a significant positive relationship between export quantity and export levels. In the sustainable sub-panel, the production volume and export relationship are positive but insignificant, while in the conventional sub-panel, it is negative and insignificant. Average annual rainfall positively influences export levels in the conventional panel but has an insignificant effect in the sustainable panel. The study recommends adopting sustainable practices to enhance export levels due to their positive economic and environmental outcomes.

Keywords

• conventional production
• mediterranean region
• olive oil exports
• panel data analysis
• sustainable practices