- 50 participants from 13 countries gathered in İzmir to discuss future strategies for the olive sector across Eurasia.
- The course combined technical sessions and field visits covering the entire olive value chain, from cultivation and processing to quality, marketing and cooperation models.
Bringing together olive sector experts from across Eurasia
From 5 to 7 May 2026, the regional training course “From olive grove to market: future strategies for the olive sector in Eurasian countries” brought together experts, researchers and public-sector representatives in İzmir (Türkiye) to discuss the future of the olive sector across the region.
The course was organised by CIHEAM Zaragoza, the International Olive Council (IOC) and the Ministry of Trade of the Republic of Türkiye, in collaboration with Turkish local and national organisations.
More than 150 persons attended the inauguration of the event, and 50 participated in the course, including representatives of public administrations, research centres, cooperatives and professional organisations from 13 countries across the Eurasian and Mediterranean regions.
Reinforcing cooperation through institutional collaboration
The opening session featured interventions by Raúl Compés, Director of CIHEAM Zaragoza, Abderraouf Laajimi, Deputy Executive Director of the IOC; Dr Mustafa Tan, President of the National Olive and Olive Oil Council; and Mahmut Gürcan, Deputy Minister of Trade of the Republic of Türkiye.
The course forms part of the ongoing collaboration between the IOC and CIHEAM Zaragoza to strengthen technical capacities, foster scientific and institutional cooperation, and support more sustainable and resilient agri-food systems.
Addressing current challenges across the olive value chain
The regional course brought together experts, institutions and participants from several Eurasian countries to discuss the main challenges and opportunities facing the olive sector. Organized with the support of the International Olive Council (IOC), CIHEAM Zaragoza and national partners, the course aimed to strengthen capacities and promote regional cooperation across the olive value chain.
The programme addressed key topics ranging from olive cultivation and climate change adaptation to processing technologies, quality standards, marketing strategies and value addition. International experts delivered technical sessions on sustainable olive growing systems, harvesting and post-harvest practices, virgin olive oil quality, table olive processing, and innovation in mechanical extraction. Particular attention was given to IOC standards, circular economy approaches and branding strategies to enhance competitiveness in international markets.
The course also encouraged active participation through country presentations and discussions on priority needs and future cooperation opportunities among Eurasian countries. A technical field visit complemented the training activities, allowing participants to observe good agricultural and processing practices in olive groves, mills and facilities in the İzmir region, including a visit to TARIS.
The event highlighted the importance of innovation, sustainability and regional collaboration in ensuring the resilience and future development of the olive sector.
Technical visit connects theory with practice
As part of the course, participants also took part in a technical visit to the Olive Research Institute and the TARİŞ Olive and Olive Oil Cooperative in the İzmir region.
The visit provided practical insight into olive varietal diversity, olive oil quality assessment, sensory analysis and industrial processing practices, while also highlighting the role of cooperatives in strengthening producers’ capacities and improving market access.
Strengthening regional dialogue in the olive sector
By bringing together experts and public-sector representatives from across Eurasia, the initiative contributed to strengthening regional dialogue, sharing technical knowledge and promoting cooperation for the sustainable development and competitiveness of the olive sector.