New Missionaries

Abstract

Featuring a wide cast of players, from small-scale family-owned operations to large corporate enterprises, Flacks reports on contemporary olive oil production in California, presenting historical information, photos, and legislative testimony. Recent efforts to establish a mature California olive industry and standards, including those of the UC Davis Olive Center, the California Olive Oil Council, and state Senator Lois Wolk are described. The involvement of Spaniards in California olive oil production, from the earliest days of the state’s history, to current efforts to expand super high density olive groves, is highlighted.