The origins of olive growing in Argentina can be traced to the Spanish colonisation when the first orchards were planted in Arauco (La Rioja). A 400-yearold specimen survives to this day as testimony to that period (Photo 1). However, it was not until the late 19th century that olive cultivation started to develop to cope with demand from the influx of Italian and Spanish immigrants which supplies from the existing Argentinean market were unable to meet. In 1953 there were estimated to be 7.5 million olive trees in the country, some of which were planted near urban areas (Photo 2). Olive growing started to decline in 1960 as it came up against competition from sunflower and corn oil (theoretically healthier and cheaper). Farm profitability decreased and olive orchards were abandoned or grafted to convert them to table olive or dualpurpose varieties. By 1984, only 3.72 million olive trees were cultivated, many in inadequate conditions.