In the heart of the Alentejo region, where tradition meets innovation, the city of Beja—ancient Pax Julia—hosted a vibrant dialogue on sustainability during the conference “From the Field to the Table,” held on June 8 as part of the 10th Beja Romana Festival. The event brought together voices from across generations and sectors to explore the cultural, historical, and environmental dimensions of olive oil production.

Joana Galvão, representing the Check-IN Association and the CIRCOLIVE project, joined the stage to share insights on how circular economy principles can transform the olive oil sector. Her presentation emphasized the valorisation of by-products and waste, highlighting how these practices not only reduce environmental impact but also open doors to innovation and sustainable business models.

The conference featured contributions from João Dias, professor at the Polytechnic Institute of Beja, Sandra Bettencourt, teacher at School n.º 2 of Beja, and João Gomes, an olive oil quality consultant. Each brought a unique perspective to the discussion—linking education, agriculture, and youth engagement in building a greener future.

Held in a city rich with Roman heritage, the event beautifully blended history and forward-thinking action. It reinforced the importance of cross-generational dialogue, local traditions, and the active role of young people in shaping sustainable agricultural and food systems.

With projects like CIRCOLIVE at its center, Beja’s celebration was more than a cultural festival—it was a commitment to sustainability from the field to the table.