ARTOLIO project is part of the ENI CBC Med Framework Programme and has a total budget of 2.9 million euros, 90% of which is funded by the European Union. The project’s mission is to support small farmers involved in the production of extra virgin olive oil in the Mediterranean basin, and its partners are from Israel, Greece, France, Cyprus, Palestine and Spain. This project is coordinated by the Agricultural Research Organisation (ARO Volcani Center and partners of the ‘Cluster Beit Hakerem’) from Israel, the Palestinian Agricultural Research and Development Centre, the Post-Secondary Education and Training Association American Farm School (Greece), the Hellenic Agricultural Organisation DEMETER, the Department of Agriculture of the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment of Cyprus, the University of Jaén (in collaboration with the University Institute of Research on Olive Grove and Olive Oils) and Kellenfol Advertising S. L. (Spain).
However, this project culminates its first phase with a final meeting that was held from 9 to 11 October at the Petit Palace Museum Hotel in Barcelona (Spain), where the aim was to bring together partners, experts and producers in order to discuss the progress of the project and the results obtained, to explore cultural experiences and to recognise the research excellence generated within the ARTOLIO community. In addition, an analysis of the impact of its results was carried out and the possibility of continuing the studies in a second part of the ARTOLIO project was proposed.
During the event it was highlighted that, throughout ARTOLIO’s trajectory, not only has it prioritised the improvement of production processes, but it has also transcended its commitment to energy efficiency and sustainability, in addition to raising the quality standard of Extra Virgin Olive Oil. ARTOLIO has also improved its platform in order to continue empowering farmers and producers, providing them with a set of tools that will allow them to position their product in the market and even promote it internationally. On the other hand, the farmers will be provided with consultancy services so that they can work independently after the end of the project.
Ultimately, the event culminated its programme with the gala dinner and the presentation of the first ARTOLIO Awards, where attendees were given the opportunity to celebrate the achievements of outstanding sub-beneficiaries who have contributed significantly to the results of the ARTOLIO project. This celebration represented a unique opportunity to exchange knowledge, immerse themselves in the cultural experiences that enrich the project and witness the recognition of excellence in the context of Barcelona’s culture.
