Concern marked the meeting between the Communal Olive Heritage Foundation and the councils of Martos, Montoro, and Porcuna following the news of the closure of two of its centers and the dismissal of staff. Local administrations have urged for urgent dialogue with the Foundation's Board to protect these facilities, considered key to the economy and territorial cohesion.
The mayors of Martos, Emilio Torres; Porcuna, Miguel Moreno; and the mayoress of Montoro, Lola de Amo, along with council members and Foundation representatives, were not convinced by the explanations provided. The municipal leaders concluded that the lack of clarity has heightened unease, prompting a request to the Board – which includes the Spanish Government, the Regional Government of Andalusia, agricultural organizations, and sector companies – for an urgent dialogue to safeguard these sites.
According to the mayors, the closure is justified by the Foundation's economic losses, an argument they deem unfounded, particularly from Martos. In this regard, Emilio Torres announced actions to protect the Martos facilities, located in an archaeological protection zone. A protection expediente will be initiated, and the General Urban Planning Plan (PGOU) and the urbanistic file will be modified to prevent the closure and disappearance of the facilities.
The town councils of Montoro and Martos had already expressed their displeasure in a joint statement on July 3rd. They emphasized that the Foundation's decision signifies the disappearance of historical centers linked to the Andalusian olive oil sector, impacting territories whose identity and development have been closely tied to olive cultivation. They insisted that while aware of the Foundation's management autonomy, such a significant decision should consider the strategic role these facilities have played in serving the sector and rural areas, beyond internal operational or profitability parameters.
