When people think of Oregon, they typically don’t think of olive trees and olive oil production; that’s been the purview of the Mediterranean and our neighbor to the south, California. Javier Fernandez-Salvador, assistant professor of practice at North Willamette Research and Extension Center, believes Oregon’s growing environment produces exceptional olive oil and he is embarking on research to expand the nascent industry.

Javier is Scott Reed’s guest for this month’s First Monday Update. Learn more about how Javier is responding to and working with the emerging industry. To learn more about the Oregon olive industry visit Olive Growers of Oregon.

Since we’re on the topic of olives, tell us how you use olives in your life by posting a comment on the blog. It might be a garnish for a favorite beverage, an ingredient in a favorite salad, or . . . ?