When you think of issues that might require the help of an international agreement through the United Nations, chances are that olive oil is not the first to come to mind.

  Chances are even greater that you didn't know there is an agreement concerning this golden commodity—six consecutive agreements in all since 1956.

• facilitating international cooperation on world problems affecting olive products
• promoting research and development to modernize olive cultivation and the industries that produce olives
• studying and applying measures to expand international trade in olive products
• balancing production and consumption, especially by increasing consumption ("Have another olive?")
• reducing the effects of fluctuating marketing supplies
• stopping unfair competition practices and guaranteeing delivery of goods complying with the contracts sighed
• coordinating policies covering olive products
• expanding market access
• guaranteeing reliable supplies