Bastia, France. The Paphos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Evep) took part in a three-day meeting in Bastia, Corsica, under the Olive Oil Med Net project to strengthen cooperation and know-how exchange in the Mediterranean olive oil sector.
Meeting focus and participation
According to the chamber, the discussions brought together representatives from Mediterranean regions, with the Paphos body stating that its participation reflected its commitment to promoting quality and innovation in the industry.
Technical discussions and site visits
The meetings focused on exchanging best practices and experience, with attention given to quality issues, chemical analysis and the identification of olive oil varieties. Participants also visited local olive mills to gain insight into production processes and link technical discussions with on-the-ground application.
Network established
The meetings concluded with the creation of the Mediterranean Olive Oil Network, bringing together 31 organisations and laying the groundwork for future cooperation and joint initiatives in the sector.
Project scope and objectives
Co-funded by the Interreg Euro-Med 2021-2027 programme, the OliveOilMedNet project is designed to address territorial challenges while helping policy makers and companies produce more competitive, “authentic,” and “green” olive oil products.
The project focuses on machine learning authentication by developing methodologies to certify the authenticity and geographical origin of extra virgin olive oils based on organoleptic and chemical characteristics.
It also promotes sustainability through the introduction of eco-friendly cultivation techniques and sustainable technological solutions for both olive groves and mills. To build climate resilience, the initiative establishes a stakeholder network to foster sustainable production and consumption patterns while mitigating the environmental impacts of climate change.
Finally, it aims to strengthen institutional capacity by enhancing cooperation between academic institutions and local authorities to improve policy-making and help businesses adopt innovative practices developed in previous research projects.
What role do you think regional networks can play in improving olive oil quality and sustainability across the Mediterranean?