Join The Keep California Real — Truth in Olive Oil Labeling Campaign

Photo & Info McEvoy Ranch 

There's been much debate about the integrity and origins of the olive oil we see on the shelves here in the States for quite a few years. Not all olive oil is created equal, but misleading labeling might make you think otherwise!

Since we have several incredible high quality, first rate California olive oils widely available, it's confusing to the consumer when cheap oils with less integrity that are not native to the state continue to be labeled as such. 

As for olive oil producers, such as local gem McEvoy Ranch, it's imperative that current legislature sorts this out once and for all. And so it's time to join together with food lovers and farmers and KEEP CALIFORNIA REAL. Here's some info from our friends over at McEvoy:

What is Assembly Bill 535 currently in front of the California Legislature?
In short, it’s truth in olive oil labeling. The Bill will make it unlawful to make any representation that an olive oil is produced entirely from olives grown within California unless the representation is true.

Why Should You Care?
The truth matters, and you deserve to know where the olive oil you are buying comes from.

Did You Know?
Several olive oils currently on the market are labeled “California Olive Oil”, but are produced out of state, or even out of the country. Make sure products labeled with “California Olive Oil” support California farmers and local businesses, and KEEP CALIFORNIA REAL by helping to support AB 535.

What You Can Do?

1. Sign the Petition to support Assembly Bill 535.
2. Download KEEP CALIFORNIA REAL Assets so you can share your support for AB 535 with your network and community. When sharing use the official hashtags: #KeepCAReal #TruthInLabeling #RealCAOliveOil
3. Contact your Local Assembly Member and share a helpful pre-written letter. It takes under a minute!

 

“Hello Assembly Member,

I am writing to you to register my strong support for AB 535 and I very much hope that you vote for this bill which calls for greater truth in labeling on California Olive Oil.

The integrity of agriculture as a whole in California relies on truth in labeling, origin, and honest presentation of information to consumers. California is known as an agricultural leader, and we have a financial and ethical interest in defending our agricultural heritage and our future. Many foreign olive oils have a lower cost basis than California due to many factors including lower environmental and labor regulatory burdens. To sell this olive oil with "California" (or other regional claims to provenance) on the label undermines our local olive oil production and sales potential. And it is deceptive to olive oil customers. Please vote for AB 535.

Thank you,

Insert Your Name”

AB 535 Press
Check out Agri-Pulse's article covering Assembly Bill 535 where McEvoy Ranch president, Samantha Dorsey, highlights the bill's goal to protect truth in labeling.

“You guys have done a really good job of setting the bar high with labor standards, emission regulations, water usage controls, food quality standards, inspections, payroll taxes, equipment, taxes, property taxes,” said Dorsey to lawmakers in the hearing. “To be compliant in California, I have to charge a premium price for my product, because it's produced in a premium region. It's super disruptive to my business, and every other real California olive oil producer, when we have to compete against this foreign oil that's produced with fewer regulations at a significantly lower cost structure.”

 

When buying your next bottle, be sure to select an olive oil that you know has been grown and produced here in California. Better still, support local and buy directly from McEvoy Ranch online.