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CIHEAM Zaragoza and the Fundación del Olivar sign a framework agreement reinforcing their commitment to the sustainable development of olive growing and olive oil production
CIHEAM > AGENDAS > CIHEAM Zaragoza and the Fundación del Olivar sign a framework agreement reinforcing their commitment to the sustainable development of olive growing and olive oil production
  • This framework agreement reflects the commitment of both institutions to the sustainable development of olive growing and olive oil production, by reinforcing the training of professionals and supporting research and innovation.

Zaragoza, 11 September 2024 – CIHEAM Zaragoza and the Spanish body for the promotion and development of olive growing and olive oil production – Fundación para la Promoción y el Desarrollo del Olivar y del Aceite de Oliva – have signed a framework agreement to strengthen relations between the two institutions and promote active cooperation in technical, scientific, academic and professional affairs.

Both institutions share the conviction that international collaboration between stakeholders in the olive oil production system is essential to improve knowledge and to enable the implementation of better policies and business strategies. Sustainable development in this sector is only possible through the participation of institutions engaged in training, research, outreach and innovation.

Key areas in this framework agreement include development and collaboration in scientific and technological research projects and dissemination of their results, as well as the joint organisation of activities such as courses, conferences, congresses and symposia. The agreement also considers exchanges between students and training staff as well as periods of research and practicals conducted at either of the two institutions, as well as participation in technical committees and working groups required to organise activities of common interest.

According to Raúl Compés, director of CIHEAM Zaragoza, "Olive growing and olive oil production play a central role in our training, research, and knowledge transfer activities. This agreement reinforces our alliances in support of activities to improve production conditions and meet consumer demands across the Mediterranean".

To quote Soledad Aranda Martínez, executive president of the Fundación del Olivar and territorial delegate of the Department of Agriculture of the Regional Government of Andalusia, “This agreement is a great opportunity for us to move forward in the training of professionals in the sector and promote research in more sustainable techniques. Our goal is for the olive grove to become a point of reference, not only in terms of quality and tradition, but also of innovation and respect for the environment”.

The context of this agreement is marked by the threat of climate change, but also presents an opportunity to boost consumption by enhancing the role of both institutions as strategic players to drive the scientific and technological development of this relevant sector for Spain and the Mediterranean.

About the Foundation for the Promotion and Development of the Olive Grove and Olive Oil

Fundación del Olivar was created as a result of efforts in the production sector, the public administration, and financial bodies to develop olive growing, promote olive oil and enhance its reputation. Over the last thirty-five years, since its creation in 1990, the Foundation has focused on research, on the training of professionals, and on the dissemination of technical knowledge, favouring the sustainable development of the olive grove by improving the quality and competitivity of olive oil on an international scale. Fruit of this endeavour, there are some essential instruments available today to support the olive oil sector, namely EXPOLIVA, POOLred, and INTRAPANEL… Furthermore, the Foundation works in close collaboration with academic bodies, research centres and key players in the olive sector to drive innovation and technological development based on an approach ranging from sustainability to excellence in production.

About CIHEAM Zaragoza

The International Centre for Advanced Mediterranean Agronomic Studies (CIHEAM), created in 1962, is an intergovernmental organisation with 13 member countries (Albania, Algeria, Egypt, France, Greece, Italy, Lebanon, Malta, Morocco, Portugal, Spain, Tunisia and Türkiye) promoting international cooperation in topics related to agriculture and food. CIHEAM Zaragoza is the headquarters of the Organisation in Spain. Founded in 1969, CIHEAM Zaragoza offers quality and excellence in training and promoting international cooperation through research to overcome the challenges faced by Mediterranean agri-food systems. Current activities focus on the following areas of expertise: sustainable agrifood systems; fisheries and aquaculture; water, soil and ecosystems; forest management; and territorial and inclusive development.