--- title: Extra Virgin Alliance (Plus Factors) description: Learn about the Plus Factors that set EVA-certified olive oils apart in quality and taste. --- Translate this page - [![United States of America (US)](https://518490.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/518490/United%20States%20of%20America%20(US).svg) ](https://www.aboutoliveoil.org/eva-plus-factors#googtrans/en) - [![Spain (ES)-1](https://518490.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/518490/Spain%20(ES)-1.svg) ](https://www.aboutoliveoil.org/eva-plus-factors#googtrans/es) - [![portugal](https://518490.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/518490/portugal.svg) ](https://www.aboutoliveoil.org/eva-plus-factors#googtrans/pt) - [![francia](https://518490.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/518490/francia.svg) ](https://www.aboutoliveoil.org/eva-plus-factors#googtrans/fr) - [![italia](https://518490.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/518490/italia.svg) ](https://www.aboutoliveoil.org/eva-plus-factors#googtrans/it) - [![greece](https://518490.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/518490/greece.svg) ](https://www.aboutoliveoil.org/eva-plus-factors#googtrans/el) - [![arabic-1](https://518490.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/518490/arabic-1.svg) ](https://www.aboutoliveoil.org/eva-plus-factors#googtrans/ar) - [![turkia](https://518490.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/518490/turkia.svg) ](https://www.aboutoliveoil.org/eva-plus-factors#googtrans/tr) - [![japon](https://518490.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/518490/japon.svg) ](https://www.aboutoliveoil.org/eva-plus-factors#googtrans/ja) - [![china-1](https://518490.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/518490/china-1.svg) ](https://www.aboutoliveoil.org/eva-plus-factors#googtrans/zh-TW) [Membership](https://www.aboutoliveoil.org/members) [Member Login](https://my.naooa.org/MIC/login) # Extra Virgin Alliance ![eva-logo](https://www.aboutoliveoil.org/hubfs/eva-logo.png) [<< Back to Extra Virgin Alliance Home Page](https://www.aboutoliveoil.org/extra-virgin-alliance) #### About the EVA +Factors For each product certified by EVA, producers must complete a detailed questionnaire to assess practices in three +Factor categories – The Oil, The Land and The People. The surveys address a wide range of practices including farming, production, environmental stewardship, transparency, social responsibility, and community engagement. EVA maintains these surveys and proof of any certifications listed. To qualify for EVA certification, an olive oil must demonstrate a noteworthy measure of +Factors. The EVA [Product Directory](https://www.aboutoliveoil.org/extra-virgin-alliance#hs_cos_wrapper_module_16660137137743_) uses a set of +Factor Icons as an easy reference for details about these oils and how they are produced. | #### The Oil These are things that relate directly to the extra virgin olive oil itself | | | --- | --- | | ![Use of inert gas blankets storage tanks / bottles and other methods for protecting quality (e.g. temperature controls in production, storage and/or shipping)](https://www.aboutoliveoil.org/hubfs/plus-factors/Storage.svg "Use of inert gas blankets storage tanks / bottles and other methods for protecting quality (e.g. temperature controls in production, storage and/or shipping)") |   Best practices in storage The enemies of olive oil freshness are Heat, Air and Light. Proper storage, packaging and transport will protect quality. Be sure to store your olive oil tightly capped in a cool dark place once you get it home! | | ![Label and/or website descriptions of the positive attributes—bitterness, pungency and the range of fruity flavors—and serving suggestions](https://www.aboutoliveoil.org/hubfs/plus-factors/Tasting.svg "Label and/or website descriptions of the positive attributes—bitterness, pungency and the range of fruity flavors—and serving suggestions") |   Tasting notes Extra virgin olive oils vary in style and intensity, just like wine! Oils can range from mild to robust with a variety of olive fruit flavors from green to ripe, to complement many different dishes and tasting notes can help you appreciate these delightful differences. | | ![Offering consumers access to traceability information (e.g., QR Codes, blockchain, etc.) Special recognition given to third-party verification](https://www.aboutoliveoil.org/hubfs/plus-factors/tracibility.svg "Offering consumers access to traceability information (e.g., QR Codes, blockchain, etc.) Special recognition given to third-party verification") |   Traceability and transparency Tracing your extra virgin olive oil from grove to grocery to give you knowledge and confidence, through blockchain, QR codes, etc, with special recognition given to third-party verification | | ![On-package declaration of documented quantities of polyphenols (per EC EFSA regulation and other government-sanctioned (poly)phenol health claims)](https://www.aboutoliveoil.org/hubfs/plus-factors/polyphenol.svg "On-package declaration of documented quantities of polyphenols (per EC EFSA regulation and other government-sanctioned (poly)phenol health claims)") |   Official polyphenol content declaration A growing body of research suggests the health benefits of phenolics and other compounds abundant in extra virgin olive oil—in addition to the recognized value of the monounsaturated fats found in all olive oils | | ![Declaration on the label and/or the website of olive cultivar(s) used to produce the oil](https://www.aboutoliveoil.org/hubfs/plus-factors/cultivars.svg "Declaration on the label and/or the website of olive cultivar(s) used to produce the oil") |   Cultivars Just as with wine, the variety (or cultivar) used to make an olive oil has a big effect on the flavor! There are monocultivar oils, made from a single variety, and blends (also called coupages), made from multiple varieties | | #### The Land These relate to the farm, agricultural practices, and stewardship of the environment | | | ![Grown & milled on a single estate](https://www.aboutoliveoil.org/hubfs/plus-factors/estate%20produced.svg "Grown & milled on a single estate") |   Estate produced Estate production has different tiers but always means that you are buying the oil from the people who produce it so there is a high degree of control and total traceability. "Estate produced" means that the olives both grown and milled on the property | | ![Grown on a single estate](https://www.aboutoliveoil.org/hubfs/plus-factors/estate%20grown.svg "Grown on a single estate") |   Estate grown Estate production has different tiers but always means that you are buying the oil from the people who produce it so there is a high degree of control and total traceability. "Estate grown" means that the olive farmer is also the brand owner. "Estate produced" means that the olives both grown and milled on the property | | ![Certification of origin / denomination as indicated by official EU-listed regional production areas ](https://www.aboutoliveoil.org/hubfs/plus-factors/certified%20origin.svg "Certification of origin / denomination as indicated by official EU-listed regional production areas ") |   Certified origin Documented origin programs help support local food production and authenticity | | ![Certification of origin as indicated by regional authority certifying origin](https://www.aboutoliveoil.org/hubfs/plus-factors/certified%20origin%202.svg "Certification of origin as indicated by regional authority certifying origin") |   Certified origin Documented origin programs help support local food production and authenticity | | ![Hedgerows, insectary planting, owl boxes, cover cropping, interplanting and other practices to bring more diversity to the plant, animal and microbial communities in the grove; recognition for certification programs](https://www.aboutoliveoil.org/hubfs/plus-factors/biodiverse%20groves.svg "Hedgerows, insectary planting, owl boxes, cover cropping, interplanting and other practices to bring more diversity to the plant, animal and microbial communities in the grove; recognition for certification programs") |   Biodiverse groves Farming practices that increase biodiversity in the olive grove can provide habitat for birds and animals, decrease pesticide use, and improve the health of the soil. Several certification programs exist to support increasing biodiversity | | ![Reforestation and rewilding projects](https://www.aboutoliveoil.org/hubfs/plus-factors/habitat%20restoration.svg "Reforestation and rewilding projects") |   Habitat restoration As good stewards of the land, many farmers are giving acreage back to nature and restoring the plant community that existed before the land was cultivated or grazed, encouraging wildlife | | ![Sustainable and regenerative agricultural practices, including water conservation, organic material and mill by-product recycling/composting, cover cropping, soil building, renewable energy, etc](https://www.aboutoliveoil.org/hubfs/plus-factors/sustainable.svg "Sustainable and regenerative agricultural practices, including water conservation, organic material and mill by-product recycling/composting, cover cropping, soil building, renewable energy, etc") |   Sustainable production Olives are a permanent and thrifty crop, requiring lower inputs of fertilizer and water than most other crops. Beyond that, however, there are numerous ways producers can go further to increase the sustainability of olive oil production. | | ![Organic certification by government authorized agency](https://www.aboutoliveoil.org/hubfs/plus-factors/certified%20organic.svg "Organic certification by government authorized agency") |   Certified organic Organic certification indicates that both farming and milling were carried out under organic guidelines that prohibit the use of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers. Some certifiers also mandate a farm plan with a soil-building program and other requirements | | ![Certified biodynamic farming](https://www.aboutoliveoil.org/hubfs/plus-factors/certified%20biodynamic.svg "Certified biodynamic farming") |   Certified Biodynamic Biodynamic certification by Demeter International indicates compliance with organic farming standards that go beyond the requirements of organic certification | | ![Indicates certification by a third-party entity that audits companies' carbon footprint](https://www.aboutoliveoil.org/hubfs/plus-factors/low%20carbon.svg "Indicates certification by a third-party entity that audits companies' carbon footprint") |   Certified low carbon Olive groves are a permanent crop and carbon sink, unlike most other cooking oil crops. The carbon footprint of a company is calculated based on agricultural practices, milling and transport | | ![Made with minimum 80% local cultivars](https://www.aboutoliveoil.org/hubfs/plus-factors/heritage%20varieties.svg "Made with minimum 80% local cultivars") |   Heritage varieties Preserving olive diversity is important, especially in this time of climate change. The genetic material represented by these local varieties will provide a crucial resource as agriculture adapts to changing conditions | | ![50% of the olive trees are over 100 years old](https://www.aboutoliveoil.org/hubfs/plus-factors/centenial%20trees.svg "50% of the olive trees are over 100 years old") |   Centennial trees Ancient olive trees are cultural, social and biological treasures. In addition to their historical role, these trees bring culinary and genetic diversity. | | #### The People These relate to the people behind the product | | | ![Brand is owned and operated by a family company](https://www.aboutoliveoil.org/hubfs/plus-factors/family%20owned.svg "Brand is owned and operated by a family company") |   Family owned & operated Family pride in ownership of the olive oil brand assures an especially high degree of control and accountability | | ![Buys olives from family farmers](https://www.aboutoliveoil.org/hubfs/plus-factors/small%20farm.svg "Buys olives from family farmers") |   Small farm sourcing Supporting independent family farmers builds strong rural communities | | ![Premium is paid to farmers for high quality fruit](https://www.aboutoliveoil.org/hubfs/plus-factors/purchasing.svg "Premium is paid to farmers for high quality fruit") |   Progressive purchasing Growing the finest olives takes more money and effort, and purchasing policies recognize this by paying higher prices for premium quality fruit | | ![Involvement in community projects and philanthropy](https://www.aboutoliveoil.org/hubfs/plus-factors/community.svg "Involvement in community projects and philanthropy") |   Community programs Participation in olive and olive oil-related programs, including school and youth projects, philanthropy and support for research | ## The Oil These are things that relate directly to the extra virgin olive oil itself ![Use of inert gas blankets storage tanks / bottles and other methods for protecting quality (e.g. temperature controls in production, storage and/or shipping)](https://www.aboutoliveoil.org/hubfs/plus-factors/Storage.svg) Use of inert gas blankets storage tanks / bottles and other methods for protecting quality (e.g. temperature controls in production, storage and/or shipping) **Best practices in storage** The enemies of olive oil freshness are Heat, Air and Light. Proper storage, packaging and transport will protect quality. Be sure to store your olive oil tightly capped in a cool dark place once you get it home! ![Label and/or website descriptions of the positive attributes—bitterness, pungency and the range of fruity flavors—and serving suggestions](https://www.aboutoliveoil.org/hubfs/plus-factors/Tasting.svg) Label and/or website descriptions of the positive attributes—bitterness, pungency and the range of fruity flavors—and serving suggestions **Tasting notes** Extra virgin olive oils vary in style and intensity, just like wine! Oils can range from mild to robust with a variety of olive fruit flavors from green to ripe, to complement many different dishes and tasting notes can help you appreciate these delightful differences. ![Offering consumers access to traceability information (e.g., QR Codes, blockchain, etc.) Special recognition given to third-party verification](https://www.aboutoliveoil.org/hubfs/plus-factors/tracibility.svg) Offering consumers access to traceability information (e.g., QR Codes, blockchain, etc.) Special recognition given to third-party verification **Traceability and transparency** Tracing your extra virgin olive oil from grove to grocery to give you knowledge and confidence, through blockchain, QR codes, etc, with special recognition given to third-party verification ![On-package declaration of documented quantities of polyphenols (per EC EFSA regulation and other government-sanctioned (poly)phenol health claims)](https://www.aboutoliveoil.org/hubfs/plus-factors/polyphenol.svg) On-package declaration of documented quantities of polyphenols (per EC EFSA regulation and other government-sanctioned (poly)phenol health claims) **Official polyphenol content declaration** A growing body of research suggests the health benefits of phenolics and other compounds abundant in extra virgin olive oil—in addition to the recognized value of the monounsaturated fats found in all olive oils ![Declaration on the label and/or the website of olive cultivar(s) used to produce the oil](https://www.aboutoliveoil.org/hubfs/plus-factors/cultivars.svg) Declaration on the label and/or the website of olive cultivar(s) used to produce the oil **Cultivars** Just as with wine, the variety (or cultivar) used to make an olive oil has a big effect on the flavor! There are monocultivar oils, made from a single variety, and blends (also called coupages), made from multiple varieties ## The Land These relate to the farm, agricultural practices, and stewardship of the environment ![Grown & milled on a single estate](https://www.aboutoliveoil.org/hubfs/plus-factors/estate%20produced.svg) Grown & milled on a single estate **Estate produced** Estate production has different tiers but always means that you are buying the oil from the people who produce it so there is a high degree of control and total traceability. "Estate produced" means that the olives are both grown and milled on the property ![Grown on a single estate](https://www.aboutoliveoil.org/hubfs/plus-factors/estate%20grown.svg) Grown on a single estate **Estate grown** Estate production has different tiers but always means that you are buying the oil from the people who produce it so there is a high degree of control and total traceability. "Estate grown" means that the olive farmer is also the brand owner.  ![Certification of origin/denomination as indicated by official EU-listed regional production areas](https://www.aboutoliveoil.org/hubfs/plus-factors/certified%20origin.svg) Certification of origin/denomination as indicated by official EU-listed regional production areas **Certified origin** EU certified origin programs that help support local food production and authenticity ![Certification of origin as indicated by regional authority certifying origin](https://www.aboutoliveoil.org/hubfs/plus-factors/certified%20origin%202.svg) Certification of origin as indicated by regional authority certifying origin **Certified origin** Documented origin programs help support local food production and authenticity ![Hedgerows, insectary planting, owl boxes, cover cropping, interplanting and other practices to bring more diversity to the plant, animal and microbial communities in the grove; recognition for certification programs](https://www.aboutoliveoil.org/hubfs/plus-factors/biodiverse%20groves.svg) Hedgerows, insectary planting, owl boxes, cover cropping, interplanting and other practices to bring more diversity to the plant, animal and microbial communities in the grove; recognition for certification programs **Biodiverse groves** Farming practices that increase biodiversity in the olive grove can provide habitat for birds and animals, decrease pesticide use, and improve the health of the soil. Several certification programs exist to support increasing biodiversity ![Reforestation and rewilding projects](https://www.aboutoliveoil.org/hubfs/plus-factors/habitat%20restoration.svg) Reforestation and rewilding projects **Habitat restoration** As good stewards of the land, many farmers are giving acreage back to nature and restoring the plant community that existed before the land was cultivated or grazed, encouraging wildlife ![Sustainable and regenerative agricultural practices, including water conservation, organic material and mill by-product recycling/composting, cover cropping, soil building, renewable energy, etc](https://www.aboutoliveoil.org/hubfs/plus-factors/sustainable.svg) Sustainable and regenerative agricultural practices, including water conservation, organic material and mill by-product recycling/composting, cover cropping, soil building, renewable energy, etc **Sustainable production** Olives are a permanent and thrifty crop, requiring lower inputs of fertilizer and water than most other crops. Beyond that, however, there are numerous ways producers can go further to increase the sustainability of olive oil production. ![Organic certification by government authorized agency](https://www.aboutoliveoil.org/hubfs/plus-factors/certified%20organic.svg) Organic certification by government authorized agency **Certified organic** Organic certification indicates that both farming and milling were carried out under organic guidelines that prohibit the use of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers. Some certifiers also mandate a farm plan with a soil-building program and other requirements ![Certified biodynamic farming](https://www.aboutoliveoil.org/hubfs/plus-factors/certified%20biodynamic.svg) Certified biodynamic farming **Certified Biodynamic** Biodynamic certification by Demeter International indicates compliance with organic farming standards that go beyond the requirements of organic certification ![Indicates certification by a third-party entity that audits companies' carbon footprint](https://www.aboutoliveoil.org/hubfs/plus-factors/low%20carbon.svg) Indicates certification by a third-party entity that audits companies' carbon footprint **Certified low carbon** Olive groves are a permanent crop and carbon sink, unlike most other cooking oil crops. The carbon footprint of a company is calculated based on agricultural practices, milling and transport ![Made with minimum 80% local cultivars](https://www.aboutoliveoil.org/hubfs/plus-factors/heritage%20varieties.svg) Made with minimum 80% local cultivars **Heritage varieties** Preserving olive diversity is important, especially in this time of climate change. The genetic material represented by these local varieties will provide a crucial resource as agriculture adapts to changing conditions ![50% of the olive trees are over 100 years old](https://www.aboutoliveoil.org/hubfs/plus-factors/centenial%20trees.svg) 50% of the olive trees are over 100 years old **Centennial trees** Ancient olive trees are cultural, social and biological treasures. In addition to their historical role, these trees bring culinary and genetic diversity. ## The People These relate to the people behind the product ![Brand is owned and operated by a family company](https://www.aboutoliveoil.org/hubfs/plus-factors/family%20owned.svg) Brand is owned and operated by a family company **Family owned & operated** Family pride in ownership of the olive oil brand assures an especially high degree of control and accountability ![Buys olives from family farmers](https://www.aboutoliveoil.org/hubfs/plus-factors/small%20farm.svg) Buys olives from family farmers **Small farm sourcing** Supporting independent family farmers builds strong rural communities ![Premium is paid to farmers for high quality fruit](https://www.aboutoliveoil.org/hubfs/plus-factors/purchasing.svg) Premium is paid to farmers for high quality fruit **Progressive purchasing** Growing the finest olives takes more money and effort, and purchasing policies recognize this by paying higher prices for premium quality fruit ![Involvement in community projects and philanthropy](https://www.aboutoliveoil.org/hubfs/plus-factors/community.svg) Involvement in community projects and philanthropy **Community programs** Participation in olive and olive oil-related programs, including school and youth projects, philanthropy and support for research ## For more information --- Sign up for our newsletter to receive announcements and alerts about upcoming blogs and information. ![logo-certified](https://www.aboutoliveoil.org/hubfs/logo-certified.svg)The North American Olive Oil Association is committed to supplying North American consumers with quality products in a fair and competitive environment; to fostering a clear understanding of the different grades of olive oil; and to expounding the benefits of olive oil in nutrition, health, and the culinary arts. | © North American Olive Oil Association. 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