On 24 September, CIHEAM Zaragoza organised the international workshop on olive oil and sustainable development within the framework of the cooperation project OLIB “Strengthening Sustainable Development and Coexistence in Lebanon through Improved Olive Tree Yield and Productivity" funded by the Provincial Council of Zaragoza (DPZ). The event brought together representatives of public administrations, universities, associations and businesses involved in the olive sector.

The workshop was organised by CIHEAM Zaragoza in collaboration with the University of Zaragoza, and held at the Spanish headquarters of the International Centre for Advanced Mediterranean Agronomic Studies  (CIHEAM) in Zaragoza, and at the Provincial Council of Zaragoza. It focused on the role of olive growing and oil technology and explored different ways in which cooperation within the sector can lead to efficient and sustainable growth and enhance social and economic development.za.

Collaboration with the olive oil sector

The workshop attracted 102 participants from 15 countries, representing international organisations (International Olive Council, COI), governmental bodies working in favour of the environment (Spanish Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Lebanese Ministry of Agriculture), local authorities (Government of Aragon), ONGs (Association for the Development of Rural Capacities, ADR), universities (Cordoba, Extremadura, Madrid, Zaragoza and Lebanon), research centres (Lebanese Institute for Agricultural Research, Spanish National Research Council), businesses (Aceites Lis), cooperatives (Agri-food Cooperatives of Spain, Agri-food Cooperatives of Aragon, Spanish Olive Oil Interprofessional, Regulatory Council of the Designation of Origin ‘Aceite del Bajo Aragón’ and the Organic Farming and Beekeeping Cooperative of Deir Mimas and surroundings) as well as Civil-Military Cooperation (Brigada Aragón I deployed in southern Lebanon).

The event was divided into two parts. The morning programme took place in hybrid format and participants followed discussions online and in-person. The session commenced with an introduction to public policies for cooperation where the DPZ, and the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID) spoke about sustainable agriculture and cooperation for development in southern countries. COI went on to present an analysis of the current situation of olive production in the Mediterranean, underlining the environmental and social role of the olive grove. This was followed by debate with national and international experts revolving around 3 relevant topics of the olive oil sector: i) technological and agronomic innovation to face climate change, ii) institutional needs in support of olive growing and iii) the role of olive oil cooperatives in the Mediterranean.

Constructing a culture of peace

Activities continued in the afternoon at the Provincial Council of Zaragoza. The DPZ hosted a round table discussion focused on agri-food cooperation initiatives and actions to promote a culture of peace and contribute to the social and economic development”. This was organised to mark the celebrations of the International Day of Peace, held every year on 21 September and that this year coincided with the 25th Anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration and Programme of Action on a Culture of Peace by the General Assembly of the United Nations. The round table panel was composed of five experts from NGOs (The Garden of Peace, CERAI and ARAPAZ), and the Apadrina un olivo initiative, accompanied by representatives of the OLIB project (coordination and beneficiaries). The session was chaired by the Fundación Seminario de Investigación para la Paz and participants discussed the strengths and challenges of their projects for building a culture of peace. They shared information on the tools, methodologies and strategies they are using to foster harmonious co-existence and a culture of peace.

This international workshop provided a space for debate and reflexion on olive growing as an agricultural activity of great economic, social and cultural relevance in many regions of the world, especially in the countries of the Mediterranean. A financial and environmental approach is needed to strengthen the growth of the sector, supported by suitable agricultural policies and regulatory instruments, and by the adoption of new technologies and practices to enhance productivity. It is also necessary to overcome obstacles such as lack of training and capacity building, facilitate market access and rise to environmental challenges. Olive growing and olive oil production are influenced by a complex network of factors and in this sense, the event highlighted the important role played by different stakeholders in the sector and the challenges they must overcome to ensure profitability, attract investment, and obtain economic and social benefits, all key elements to sustain economic and social activity and strengthen territorial cohesion.