The Olive Tree: From Ancient Roots to Modern Challenges

with Dr. Kelly Ablard

The olive (Olea europaea) tree, cherished over millennia, and central to both ancient and modern cultures, has enriched humanity with its medicinal and culinary gifts while supporting healthy ecosystems. Today, climate change and a bacterium threaten olive trees, jeopardizing olive oil production. Rising olive oil adulteration compromises not only its culinary and health benefits, but also its value in aromatherapy, where purity is essential for therapeutic use. Advanced detection methods help ensure purity, yet vulnerabilities persist, highlighting the need for rigorous standards. Looking forward, it is crucial to support sustainable cultivation practices for the olive tree, alongside stronger regulations and a commitment to ethical sourcing. The future of this precious tree, and the numerous ecosystems and local communities it supports, depends on a shared commitment to preserving its cultural and environmental significance for future generations.

More about Kelly:

Kelly Ablard, PhD, is a certified Conservation Aromatherapist™ with advanced degrees in Biology and Conservation. As Founder and CEO of the nonprofit Airmid Institute, she focuses on scientific research using threatened aromatics and the sustainability of medicinal and aromatic plants. Her global projects span conservation biology, evolutionary biology, and behavioral ecology. She has delivered lectures worldwide, published numerous peer-reviewed articles, and co-authored the children’s book No Place for Plants. She is Co-owner and Co-Principal of Essence of Thyme College of Holistic Studies and serves on the ARQAT board. Her leadership at Airmid Institute earned her Simon Fraser University's outstanding alumnus honor in 2022, and the AIA Outstanding Contribution Award in 2024.