CHOICE brought sustainable olive farming into focus at COMPETIOLIVAR 2026
On 9 September 2026, CHOICE participated in the COMPETIOLIVAR Participatory Day at the Monastery of Santa Clara in Beas de Segura, Jaén.
Representing CHOICE, Dr Obdulia Parra, R&D&I Technician at Cooperativas Agro-alimentarias de AndalucÃa, presented the work of the CHOICE Spanish pilot, with a focus on practical approaches for supporting more sustainable olive farming.
The event welcomed around 50 attendees to exchange knowledge on sustainable practices and priority areas for the olive sector. Discussions focused on the transition of traditional olive groves towards models that help prevent biodiversity loss, the valorisation of olive-sector and forestry by-products to produce biochar and compost, techniques to improve rainwater infiltration, and the digitalisation of cooperative services to support agricultural management.
Sustainable practices in olive farming today, a better future for tomorrow
During her presentation, Obdulia highlighted three CHOICE campaigns developed for the olive sector, each addressing a different aspect of sustainable farm management.
The campaigns focused on precision agriculture, integrated production and vegetative ground cover. Precision agriculture highlighted the value of technology and data for improving resource use and farm performance; integrated production focused on biological control and targeted pest management; while vegetative ground cover demonstrated the importance of protecting soil fertility, reducing erosion and supporting biodiversity.
Together, the campaigns illustrated how different farm-management choices can respond to environmental and economic challenges. Their themes also reflected several areas discussed during COMPETIOLIVAR, particularly biodiversity, digitalisation and the sustainable management of natural resources.
Turning knowledge into choices
CHOICE’s participation in COMPETIOLIVAR provided an opportunity to connect the project’s work with agricultural stakeholders and the day-to-day realities of the olive sector.
Within the CHOICE Spanish pilot, Cooperativas Agro-alimentarias de AndalucÃa coordinates activities aimed at encouraging the adoption of greener farming practices among olive and livestock producers. The pilot combines behavioural research, modelling, engagement campaigns and capacity-building activities to better understand what influences the adoption of sustainable practices.
By bringing these approaches into sector-focused events such as COMPETIOLIVAR, CHOICE helps make sustainability knowledge more accessible and relevant to farm-level decision-making, supporting farmers in assessing practical options for the future.
Explore the full presentation.
