The GoodRoots olive groves

The olive tree stands as a symbol of resilience in the Mediterranean landscape — shaped by heat, drought, wind, and time. At GoodRoots, we see in the olive tree a model for our communities and local economies: deeply rooted, adaptive, and capable of long-term abundance.

Lesvos is home to an estimated 11 million olive trees. Olive cultivation is not just an agricultural activity here; it is woven into the identity and economic life of rural communities. Yet today the sector faces mounting pressures. Erratic weather, soil degradation, prolonged drought, rising production costs, and unstable prices leave farmers investing more while receiving increasingly uncertain returns. This trajectory is neither inevitable nor sustainable.

We believe another model is possible — one where the wellbeing of farmers and ecosystems is placed at the centre. Through our pilot initiative, the Good Roots olive groves, we collaborate with landowners to transition olive landscapes toward regenerative and ecological management. By working with natural processes, we rebuild soil health, restore biodiversity, and strengthen the overall functioning of the ecosystem. In doing so, we enhance tree vitality and long-term productivity. Challenges such as the olive fly, are approached holistically by fostering biodiversity and ecological balance. Resilient systems protect themselves.

These practices not only improve yield stability and long-term resilience, but also sequester atmospheric carbon — contributing to climate change mitigation while continuing to provide nourishment and livelihood.

The outcome is more than olive oil. It is a product that carries ecological and social value: improved soils, restored pollinator habitat, moderated local microclimates, and strengthened rural economies. To ensure that farmers receive fair recognition and reward for this work, we are developing the GoodRoots olive oil label, connecting producers with markets that value their stewardship.

From cultivation to market access, our aim is to support farmers throughout the entire process — building an olive oil sector that sustains both land and livelihood for generations to come.

If you are a landowner or farmer interested in transitioning your olive groves to regenerative management, we invite you to get in touch and explore how we can work together.