The Agricultural Ministry approved the registration of the name “Crete” as a Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) for olive oil on Wednesday. 

Olive oil export, an industry dating as far back as the 17th century on the island, is an important part of Cretan economy, and proof of production of the regions “liquid gold” has been traced as far back as 4500 BC. Cretans claim to have two of the oldest olive trees in the world, and today the island is estimated to boast approximately 30 million trees, covering one-fifth to one-quarter of the land.

The request for the designation for the geographical origin of the island’s olive oil had been submitted by four agricultural federations from the island of Crete.