CHOICE Presentation at EXPOLIVA 2025: Participatory Approach and Sustainable Practices in the Olive Grove Sector
From May 14 to 16, 2025, the CHOICE project took part in EXPOLIVA 2025, the world’s premier commercial exhibition, dedicated to olive oil and related industries, held in Jaén, Andalusia. This prestigious event attracts thousands of professionals from across the globe, including scientists, producers, and industry experts, to share the latest advances, innovations, and research shaping the future of olive cultivation and olive oil production.
As part of EXPOLIVA’s scientific conference, CHOICE was proudly represented by our partners from CAAND (Cooperativas Agro-alimentarias de Andalucía), who delivered an oral presentation covering the overall CHOICE project with a focus on the sustainable olive grove practices promoted as part of the Spanish pilot activities and related awareness campaigns. In addition, a scientific poster highlighting these efforts was exhibited at the event.
CHOICE Presentation: Participatory Approach and Sustainable Practices
At EXPOLIVA 2025, CHOICE was showcased through an oral presentation delivered by Dr. Obdulia Parra Rivero, a key researcher involved in the Spanish pilot led by CAAND. Her presentation emphasized that the sustainable practices promoted by CHOICE within olive grove production were identified through participatory labs involving direct engagement with cooperative members.
These participatory sessions allowed farmers to discuss the practical challenges they face in adopting climate-friendly practices and helped define five priority sustainability goals—comprehensive sets of practices tailored to reduce carbon emissions and improve sustainability. The sustainability goals include:
- Strengthening Integrated Management — holistic sustainability measures such as waste reduction, optimized water use, and pesticide management.
- Increasing Innovation and Technology — precision agriculture tools like drones and sensors to enhance monitoring and efficiency.
- Reducing Water Consumption — improved irrigation efficiency, rainwater harvesting, and soil conservation.
- Enhancing Soil Health and Biodiversity — agroforestry, ground cover, and erosion control to promote ecosystem balance and reduce greenhouse gases.
- Organic Farming — a long-term goal with advisory and financial challenges.
Dr. Parra Rivero also highlighted specific sustainable practices linked to these priorities, including precision fertilization, biological pest control, and the use of renewable energy technologies.
Watch the Presentation
You can watch Dr. Obdulia Parra Rivero’s full presentation, available with Spanish audio and English subtitles, to learn more about CHOICE’s innovative work promoting sustainability in Andalusia’s olive groves.
Scientific Poster Highlights Spanish Pilot Insights and CHOICE approach
Alongside the oral presentation, CHOICE exhibited a scientific poster at EXPOLIVA, providing detailed insights into the Spanish pilot’s objectives, methodology, and early outcomes. The project’s presence attracted significant interest from researchers, business partners, and agricultural stakeholders, reinforcing CHOICE’s role in advancing sustainable olive oil production through science-based, locally tailored solutions.
Advancing Sustainability in Olive Oil Production
EXPOLIVA 2025 provided a unique platform for CHOICE to engage with a global network of experts and key stakeholders in the olive oil sector. The project’s participatory, locally grounded approach reinforces its commitment to promoting climate-smart agriculture and contributing to the EU’s green transition goals.
Through the participation of CAAND, CHOICE reached a targeted audience of business partners, researchers, and agricultural stakeholders, strengthening collaboration within Andalusia’s olive oil value chain.
Stay connected for further updates on CHOICE’s awareness and engagement campaigns in the Andalusia region and learn more about the pilot activities at [link].
