Reviving the Mediterranean Olive Community.

This article presents the findings of a collaborative investigation by six nongovernment organisations (NGOs) from five European-Mediterranean countries to identify a framework for reversing rural marginalisation in Mediterranean communities through sustainable forms of community-based agricultural development. The project brought together knowledgeable community organisations, farming communities and experts to address systemic problems that continue to threaten the survival of rural agricultural communities. The investigation resulted in a framework for community revitalisation based on the principles of fair trade. The framework is intended as a guide to developing individual community economies as well as to foster effective linkages among Mediterranean olive oil producer communities and consumer markets.