Olives and olive oil are instantly recognizable signifiers of Italian food and culture – but Italy isn't the only country where olives have played an important role in agricultural development. Nearly 12,000 kilometers away on the other side of the Equator, the South American country of Argentina has also had a love affair with the olive tree – but the history of Argentine olive cultivation is a much more checkered one. At Lucini Italia, we're passionate about crafting the finest extra virgin olive oils and other gourmet Italian ingredients, so we wanted to delve into the tumultuous history Argentine olive cultivation.