Canino is a district renowned for its olive-growing, and there is historical evidence that agricultural activities connected with the cultivation of the fruit were carried on in Etruscan times. Although olive-growing remained a common activity in the ensuing centuries, it was given a powerful boost in 1950 when the lands of Prince Torlonia where expropriated and distributed to peasants as part of a sweeping agrarian reform. 
       From this historic moment, which was followed by the founding of the Oleificio Sociale Cooperativo di Canino (Canino Oil-Making Social Cooperative) and the emergence of several private firms, the olive became a significant economic crop, especially as the oils produced were sold to external markets. This trend continued and intensified; nowadays, eighty-five percent or so of the oil produced by the area is destined for the national market. The DOP certification is available only for extra virgin olive oil in which the Caninese, Leccino, Pendolino, Maurino and Frantoio varieties are singly or severally present and account for one hundred percent of the cultivars in the groves. 
       Olio Extravergine d'Oliva Canino has a maximum acidity of 0.50 percent, and is emerald green in colour with tones of gold. Its flavour is reminiscent of wholesome fresh fruit plucked at the moment of perfect ripeness. The flavour is robust, and there is a bitter and peppery aftertaste. The olives destined for the production of Olio Extravergine d'Oliva Canino must be grown within the Canino district of the province of Viterbo.

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