2020 NYIOOC BEST OLIVE OILS OF THE WORLD AWARD

Georgia… the new Mediterranean of the United States

“Seeing the trees bring fruit and winning this prestigious Award [NYIOOC World Olive Oil Competition Silver Award] is extremely humbling. This recognition provides the incentive to continue our expansions and market awareness of our product.” – Curtis Poling

by David Avery

In the last couple of decades a handful of innovative growers have introduced the art of producing olives to South Georgia. Among those individuals are Curtis and Tracy Poling of Tattnall County. In 2011 Tracy’s father passed away leaving her with 300 acres of land in the county that consisted mostly of long leaf and slash pines. In 2014 Curtis inquired of his wife what her thoughts were about selling their home in Brunswick and relocating to the farm. Obviously, she was open to the idea but they both were not exactly sure what they wanted to do with the land other than just grow pines… This brought on several years of research on their part that resulted in the decision to plant olive trees and get into the business of olive oil production.

Part of this research revealed that over one billion olive trees grow on 6 of the 7 continents. Some of those places include Spain, Italy, Greece, Morocco, Argentina, Australia and the United States to name a few. They discovered that 139 olive varieties (cultivars) that are grown in 23 different countries account for roughly 85% of the world’s olive production. Surprisingly, 90% of the olives being harvested worldwide are being used for oil production. The remaining 10% are processed as table olives. It is this 10% that piqued the interest of the Curtis and Tracy. 

When looking at soil and climate requirements, they discovered that, of course, olive trees originated from a dry, subtropical climate and are well-suited to extreme environmental conditions such as drought and high temperatures as we have in South Georgia. While the olive trees require aerated soil, they can adapt to a wide range of different soil types.

Interestingly enough olive trees can live hundreds of years and on up into thousands of years. The oldest know are 16 trees located in Lebanon near Bechealeh who are estimated to be 6,000 years old. History buffs will appreciate that they are claimed to be the source of the olive branch brought by the dove back to Noah heralding the end of the flood. At an altitude of 1300 meters, they are the highest planted olive trees. They still produce olives that are cold pressed to give an olive oil of extraordinary quality. The first trees in Georgia were planted on St. Catherine’s Island by the Spanish and further south on St Simons Island and Cumberland Island and are some 200 hundred years old.

When it got down to the business of selecting the variety of trees from the many that exist, they decided upon Arbequina from Spain. They are known for their good tasting fruit as well as producing a good quality olive oil.  story continues 

American producers took home a record-high 56 Gold and 18 Silver Awards at the world's premier olive oil quality competition. Only Spanish and Italian producers received more. Pamela Marvel, of Grumpy Goats Farm May. 18, 2020 By Daniel Dawson 

While the vast majority of American winners at the NYIOOC were California producers, two Golds and three Silvers were awarded to olive oil makers from outside of the Golden State.

Among these producers was Woodpecker Trail Olive Farm. The southern Georgian producer earned a Silver Award for its medium Arbequina.

“This is our first entry, from our first press, which makes this Silver award even more impressive,” CEO Curtis Poling, who runs the farm with his wife, Tracy, said. “We are very excited that our extra virgin olive oil lived up to our expectations.”

Poling said that producing olive oil in Georgia brings with it a unique set of problems, ones not faced as often by producers in California or Texas.

“Georgia is still working on getting a larger part of the extra virgin olive oil market,” he said. “We have different soil and weather conditions. A particular challenge in South Georgia is dealing with the heat and humidity.”

However, Poling and his wife believe this year’s award will help put Georgia on the world olive oil map and bring them some international attention.

“I believe that this prestigious award will bring much desired attention to our brand Woodpecker Trail Olive Farm and the historic Woodpecker Trail Route (Highway 121), which is where we are located,” Poling said.  https://www.oliveoiltimes.com/reviews/record-wins-for-american-producers-at-world-olive-oil-competition/81564 

 More articles on:  #NYIOOCWorld2020, California olive oil, NYIOOC World Olive Oil Competition  

 We are so excited! We were just announced as a Silver Award for the Best Olive Oil of the World by the NYIOOC Judges live a few minutes ago May 11 2020.  Tasting Sensations -Ripe Olives Cocoa Almond Walnut Almond. We are humbled. 

The 2019 harvest was challenging for many producers in many regions. Can you tell us about some of the challenges you faced?

Establishing best mix of nutrition, water and tree varietals mix is pioneering for us in Georgia US. There are many unknowns. We continue to add new varieties of trees. Balance of water has been a challenge considering our higher humidity. We keep close watch over the the orchard daily. We think history will be kind to our efforts.

How do you feel after winning at the NYIOOC? What does this mean for you and your company?

The efforts of our family past and present heritage on this land and our friends encouragements, local supporters continue to drive us. Seeing the trees bring fruit and win this prestigious best olive oil of worlds award is extremely humbling. This recognition provides the incentive to continue our expansions and market awareness of our product.