The European Soil O-Live project, coordinated by the University of Jaén in partnership with Deoleo, is launching its sustainability training programme for the third consecutive year, a completely free initiative aimed at farmers. To date, nearly a thousand professionals have managed to improve their harvests, strengthen the health of their soils and optimise the profitability of their farms thanks to the technical knowledge acquired in these sessions.
Participants have seen first-hand how the application of regenerative and conservation farming practices not only protects the natural environment, but also translates into a real economic impact. By optimising resources and raising quality standards, these practices consolidate the excellence of olive oils produced under sustainable criteria.
This initiative, which has already covered almost 3,000 kilometres in countries such as Spain, Portugal and Greece, prioritises educating olive growers on the implementation of techniques that respect the ecosystem and essential soil care. The programme, funded by the European Union, has the collaboration of large groups in the sector such as Jaencoop, Almaliva, Interóleo and Viñaoliva.
This year’s Soil O-Live and Deoleo workshop programme will kick off on 18 March at S.C. Nuestra Señora de Perales in Arroyo de Serván (Badajoz). During the month of April, the sessions will continue on the 15th at the Almazara de la Subbética in Carcabuey (Córdoba), where the certifier Intertek will also participate, explaining the auditors’ perception of the implementation of the protocol. On the 22nd, it will be held at the SCA San Francisco de Villanueva del Arzobispo (Jaén).
May will be a busy month for training activities, beginning on the 6th at Almazara de Luque SCA (Córdoba) and on the 7th at Molino del Genil SL in Écija (Seville). The sessions will continue on 12 May at the SCA Olivarera de Lucena (Córdoba), on 14 May at the SCA San Francisco de Arroyo del Ojanco (Jaén) and will end on 27 May at the SCA San Blas de Sorihuela de Guadalimar (Jaén).
Finally, the series of workshops for the first half of the year will conclude in June with three events: on the 2nd at SCA Nuestra Señora de Nazaret in Chiclana de Segura (Jaén), on the 3rd at Nuestra Señora del Rosario in Castil de Campos (Córdoba) and on the 8th of June at SCA Nuestra Señora de la Asunción in Orcera (Jaén). A workshop is also planned in Italy, with the location and date to be determined.