CIHEAM Zaragoza and the Fundación del Olivar seal collaboration agreement

CIHEAM Zaragoza and the Fundación para la Promoción y el Desarrollo del Olivar y del Aceite de Oliva have signed a framework collaboration agreement with the aim of promoting relations between the two institutions and fostering active cooperation in technical, scientific, academic and professional areas.

The two institutions share the conviction that collaboration between the actors of the olive oil system at international level is essential to increase knowledge and enable the design of better policies and business strategies. Sustainable development in this sector is only possible with the participation of entities committed to training, research, dissemination and innovation.

Among the key areas of this collaboration are the development, collaboration and dissemination of scientific and technological research projects, as well as the joint organisation of activities such as courses, conferences, congresses and symposia. This agreement also contemplates the exchange of students and trainees, offering the opportunity to carry out research stays and internships in either of the two entities or the participation in technical commissions and working groups that are necessary to promote activities of common interest.

Raúl Compés, director of CIHEAM Zaragoza, said on the occasion of this agreement that ‘The olive tree and olive oil occupy a central role in our training, research and knowledge transfer activities, and this agreement strengthens our alliances to promote activities that contribute to improving production conditions and the interests of consumers in all Mediterranean countries’.

Soledad Aranda Martínez, Executive President of the Fundación del Olivar and Territorial Delegate of the Regional Ministry of Agriculture of the Andalusian Regional Government, pointed out that ‘This agreement represents a great opportunity to advance in the training of professionals in the sector and in research into new, more sustainable techniques. Our aim is for the olive grove to continue to be a benchmark for quality and tradition, but also for innovation and respect for the environment’.

In short, in a context marked by the threat of climate change, but also by the opportunity to increase consumption, this agreement strengthens the role of both institutions as strategic players in the scientific and technological development of this strategic sector for both Spain and the entire Mediterranean.