On September 25th, 2024, the CIRCOLIVE Info-Day was held at the Agricultural University of Athens, marking another key step forward in the project’s mission to promote sustainable and circular practices in the olive oil sector. The event gathered 48 participants, including researchers, students, agricultural professionals, and stakeholders from across Greece, all united by a shared interest in circular economy solutions for agriculture.

The day began at 9:30 AM with participant registration and informal networking, creating a warm and collaborative atmosphere. The official welcome was delivered by Professor Spyridon Kintzios, Rector of the Agricultural University of Athens, who highlighted the importance of integrating academic research and real-world practices to tackle environmental challenges in the agri-food industry.

Dr. Giorgos Vardangalos, representing Vakakis and Associates S.A.—the coordinating partner of the CIRCOLIVE project—provided an in-depth overview of the initiative. His presentation covered the project’s overarching goals, the consortium of international partners involved, and the expected outcomes aimed at advancing sustainability through vocational education and innovation in olive oil production.

One of the key presentations of the day came from Ms. Ioanna Roussou, a postgraduate student, who shared insights from the National Report on circular practices in the Greek olive oil sector. Her findings offered a comprehensive look at current trends, the implementation of new technologies, and the role of education and training in fostering a more circular approach to olive farming and processing.

Following this, Dr. Giorgos Bekiaris captivated the audience with a demonstration of how olive oil by-products—traditionally considered waste—can be transformed into high-value resources. By illustrating bioprocessing techniques and their benefits, Dr. Bekiaris underscored the untapped potential of waste streams and the role of science and innovation in achieving circularity.

The event concluded with an engaging Q&A session that encouraged dialogue and knowledge exchange among participants. Attendees asked thoughtful questions, shared their own experiences, and explored collaborative opportunities. Feedback from the audience was overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing interest in upcoming CIRCOLIVE training programs and future project activities.

Overall, the Athens Info-Day succeeded in raising awareness, fostering new connections, and reinforcing the value of sustainability in the olive oil sector. As CIRCOLIVE continues to roll out events and initiatives across Europe, moments like these serve as vital catalysts for change, inspiring both action and innovation at the local and international levels.