Fungal diseases in olive trees are difficult to predict, and their preventive treatment poses environmental and economic challenges for the olive-growing sector. OLIVITECH is an Operational Group involving several Autonomous Communities from Spain, aiming to improve the prediction of fungal diseases and reduce the number of chemical treatments in olive groves through technological and aerobiological analysis. In doing so, OLIVITECH will help create a more sustainable and competitive olive sector by reducing the need for phytosanitary treatments and improving the quality of the olives produced.
To achieve this, OLIVITECH will use automatic aerobiological samplers to monitor spore concentrations in real time within olive groves. The project will also collect data on phenology, weather conditions, and the symptoms of the most common olive diseases (such as olive leaf spot, cercospora leaf spot, and anthracnose). This information will be integrated and analyzed using data mining techniques to develop an early warning system that provides tailored infection risk alerts and customized treatment recommendations for each olive grove.
OLIVITECH will also assess the impact of climate change on olive production, promoting a more competitive and sustainable sector. On one hand, OLIVITECH will help reduce the number of treatments and the costs associated with labor, machinery, and equipment. It will also contribute to improving the sector’s economic performance by facilitating access to higher-value markets, such as those focused on organic products and products with Protected Designation of Origin (PDO). On the other hand, OLIVITECH will support the development of more environmentally friendly farming practices by reducing the risk of water, air, and soil pollution.
In short, by reducing reliance on chemical treatments and maximizing intervention efficiency, OLIVITECH promises a revolution in the way olive trees are cultivated and cared for in Spain.
OLIVITECH is part of the Strategic Plan for the Common Agricultural Policy (PEPAC) 2023–2027, funded 80% by the European Union through the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD), and 20% by the Spanish Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAPA). The Directorate-General for Rural Development, Innovation and Agri-Food Training (DGDRIFA) is the authority responsible for implementing this support.
Last April, DEOLEO, a participant in the project, together with the University of Córdoba, organized a seminar for 50 students, during which the company provided a first-hand perspective on the project’s impact on transforming the olive sector. The event gave young attendees the opportunity to learn about cutting-edge technologies applied to olive cultivation, such as spore-monitoring biosensors—one of the project’s key tools. The session featured presentations by experts including Professor Carmen Galán from the University of Córdoba and José Antonio Oteros, who highlighted the progress in controlling olive diseases through the analysis of phenological, meteorological, and aerobiological data.
Transformation and sustainability from the source
OLIVITECH reflects Deoleo’s vision to transform the olive sector by integrating technological tools that improve the health of olive groves and reduce environmental impact. This strategy is aligned with Deoleo’s commitment to sustainability, as outlined in its recent Sustainability Report, which highlights the certification of over 330,000 hectares under its Protocol, involving nearly 60,000 farmers. Juan Carrasco, Deoleo’s Global Sustainability Manager, emphasizes that the project represents a paradigm shift in olive grove management, enabling more precise application of treatments—improving olive quality while optimizing resources and protecting the environment.
The video of the OLIVITECH Operational Group Technical Seminar, held at the Deoleo–Carbonell Factory facilities, is now available on the OLIVITECH YouTube channel via the following link.
