On May 14, the 22nd Expoliva 2025 International Scientific-Technical Symposium officially opened its doors. This event has become an essential gathering for analysis, debate, and reflection on the present and future of the olive oil sector. Organized by the Fundación del Olivar (Olive Grove Foundation), it has firmly established itself as the leading forum for researchers, technicians, producers, and professionals involved in olive growing and olive oil.
Sustainability and Efficient Water Management in Olive Groves
One of the main themes of the Expoliva 2025 Scientific-Technical Symposium was the sustainability of olive cultivation, particularly from the perspective of efficient irrigation water management. In a context defined by water scarcity and growing demand for natural resources, it is imperative to develop strategies that optimize water use in olive groves while ensuring both environmental sustainability and economic viability.
On Thursday morning, the session titled “Water and Olive Groves” was held in the Guadalquivir Auditorium. It was opened by Manuel Gómez Galera, Secretary General for Agriculture, Livestock, and Food, who presented the First Andalusian Strategy for the Olive Sector 2023–2027. The strategy includes 52 measures and 11 objectives, with sustainability as a key focus area, backed by a budget of €750 million.
The session also highlighted successful case studies and innovative experiences in water management, fostering knowledge exchange and collaboration among various stakeholders. During the presentation “Sustainability as a Key Factor in the Development of Olive Groves”, Francisco Vañó, founding partner of Castillo de Canena, showcased the initiatives undertaken by the company to promote sustainability. Thanks to these efforts, Castillo de Canena has positioned itself as a leader in sustainable development within the olive oil sector.
During the roundtable “Key Factors for the Environmental Sustainability of Olive Growing Systems”, moderated by Gabriel Vigil, Head of the Olive Oil Unit at the European Commission, several prominent experts took part: Juan Antonio Polo, Head of the Technology and Environment Department at the International Olive Council (IOC); Mª Carmen Campillo García, Director of ETSIAM; José Alfonso Gómez Calero, researcher at CSIC-IAS; and Roberto García, Professor of Ecology at the University Institute of Research on Olive Grove and Olive Oils of the University of Jaén.
The discussion focused on the importance of adopting a comprehensive approach that considers soil conservation, biodiversity, and the mitigation of climate change effects. The panel emphasized that the vast heterogeneity of olive grove soils requires tailored, site-specific solutions rather than general conservation measures. Moreover, there was unanimous agreement on the urgent need to address soil erosion in Andalusian olive groves, identified as one of the sector’s most pressing environmental challenges.
To conclude the day, the Oral Communications Session of the Olive Grove and Sustainability Forum by Probelte took place in the afternoon, moderated by Dr. Jorge Malo, R&D Manager at Probelte. During this session, Evangelina Pareja and Pablo Domouso, researchers at INUO, presented two communications on CO₂ capture in olive groves, highlighting a new methodology for calculating carbon sequestration in olive cultivation.
In addition, Almudena Benítez de la Torre, from the University of Córdoba, and Sara Velilla, from the Water Institute of the University of Granada, presented progress on the use of composted alperujo (olive pomace), both for the development of olive pomace-based batteries and its application as compost.
Source: INUO, 19th may 2025
