Olive Oil Excellence and R&D Centre

Overall Objective(s): The aim of the project is to ensure the development of the highest quality olive and olive oil products in response to the changing climate, environment and human factors on olive production and to create an ecosystem to keep the olive culture alive in a sustainable way. In line with this objective, it is planned to establish a centre of excellence in the field of olive oil, a strategic product in the agriculture and food sector in which our university is strong as the main beneficiary and in line with our thematic development focus.

Spesific Objective(s): A more competitive and intelligent Mediterranean 1.1. In line with the specific objective of developing and increasing research and innovation capacities and the use of advanced technologies, various activities will be carried out to increase research and innovation capacities and the use of advanced technologies. In this context; - Development of innovative adulteration detection techniques to improve the quality of olive oil production, - Promotion of industrial symbiosis practices by optimising waste management, - Creation of sustainable production models using new generation processing technologies, - Biotechnological evaluation of olives and olive oil by-products, - Acceleration of technology transfer processes by bringing together industry and academia. Our project also includes activities that will directly contribute to the following programme priorities: 1.2 Increasing sustainable growth and competitiveness of SMEs and job creation in SMEs, including productive investments (In line with this priority, the project will implement a training programme to increase the institutional capacity of existing olive oil producers). 2.2 Adaptation to climate change, taking into account ecosystem-based approaches (In line with this priority, the project will assess the impact of climate change on the content and functional properties of olive oil and develop innovative practices by studying changes in the physiological structure of the olive tree. Sustainable solutions will be implemented through scientific research and demonstration studies.) 2.3 Promoting access to water and sustainable water management (Under this priority, new varieties will be developed to meet the water needs of the olive tree under climate change. In addition, extensive research will be carried out on alternative irrigation resources and workshops will be organised with the participation of experts). 2.4 A circular and resource-efficient approach supporting the transition to a circular economy (In line with this priority, the circular economy within the principles of industrial symbiosis of olive and olive by-products applications within the framework of the programme. In this context, wastes such as pomace, black water, seed pulp and olive oil soap will be supported through the development of alternative products such as pharmaceuticals and additives). 3.1 Accessible infrastructures for distance and online education and training, including by strengthening the resilience of inclusive and lifelong learning in education, training and lifelong learning through the development of improved equal access to quality services (In line with this priority, thanks to the cooperation network to be set up with international stakeholders, all information resources, documents and archives produced in the framework of will be collected on a digital platform. In this way, all relevant stakeholders will be able to work remotely and benefit from a web-based system where they can access information online). 4.1 Transnational exchange, bottom-up and participatory, to consider addressing issues of common interest at local level through approaches that take into account cross-sectoral, multi-level and cross-border strengthening the partnership between citizens, civil society actors and organisations local governance models by promoting cooperation and dialogue between and supporting their processes (In line with the priority, the consortium to be formed within the scope of the project, transnational business will bring together the public, private sector and academia by supporting unity designed in such a way. By involving stakeholders from all sectors in the project, the level of impact of the activities carried out will be maximised).