MARKET INFORMATION AND MONITORING PLAN

HARVEST CAPACITY

The dissemination and improvement of information from the sector, in addition to an improved understanding and transparency of the market, are two of the aims of the Interprofessional Table Olive Organisation.

In order to fulfil this mission, an impartial capacity forecast must be produced, based on reliable, standardised procedures.

As mentioned previously, periodic olive production forecasts are produced, although for reasons of commercial interest these estimates are at times skewed.

This results in a poorly operating market because of a lack of transparency, meaning that neither buyers nor sellers have access to precise information. Those involved in the market have vigorously called for such transparency.

With the aim of resolving the need to provide the sector with a harvest forecast information system, the Interprofessional Table Olive Organisation decided to commission a consultant to develop a table olive production capacity system.

The system devised is live and dynamic, and can draw on the information which it itself generates, leading to ever more precise results being produced, in addition to a greater and superior supply of information.

The capacity system comprises the following elements:

1.    Database. This structures and stores the available information (SIGPAC, Declarations..) about plots, samples, estimates, the market.
2.    Sampling procedures. The solution adopted to obtain reliable data involves applying a probabilistic sampling design to the plot database. Data harvesting will be performed by specialist experts.
3.    Estimation procedures. Specific estimation methods based on sample and historical data have been devised.
4.    Computerised tool. To support and extend the capacities of the above elements:

a.    Allows system data to be queried, updated and added to. It also features powerful applied data analysis tools.

b.    Selection of samples and administration of questionnaires.

c.    Generation and analysis of estimates.

d.    Transfer of estimate data to websites or external systems.

The aims of this plan for 2009 focus on the administration and exploitation of the table olive production capacity system already developed, which will require the selection of appropriate mechanisms in order to start up system operations: definition of sample plots, implementation of information gathering procedures, quality control, input of information into the system, analysis and exploitation of information.

Adjustments, improvements and updates will also need to be applied both to the historical information contained within the system and the calculation algorithms, in order to maintain the computerised model up to date.