The CIRCOLIVE Project reached a new milestone with the successful organisation of its Info Day on the 20th of September 2024 in Beja (Portugal).
Hosted at the ACOS – Associação de Agricultores do Sul (Southern Farmers´Association), the event brought together professionals, researchers, and stakeholders from across the olive oil sector to explore how circular economy principles can reshape one of the country’s most important agricultural industries.

The day began with the reception of participants at 09:30, setting a welcoming tone for the sessions ahead. At 10:00, Claudino Matos of ACOS officially opened the event, greeting attendees and underscoring the importance of collaboration and innovation in agriculture. This was followed by a presentation from Joana Galvão of Associação Check-IN, who introduced the CIRCOLIVE Project and shared preliminary findings on the state of circularity in the Portuguese olive oil sector. Her presentation highlighted key challenges and opportunities in aligning traditional olive oil production with modern sustainability standards.

At 11:15, Francisco Mondragão Rodrigues, Professor from the School of Biosciences of Elvas at the Polytechnic Institute of Portalegre, delivered a compelling talk on the valorization of by-products and waste. He provided both environmental and economic perspectives on how the industry can reduce waste and generate value through reuse and recycling strategies — crucial insights for those seeking to implement practical circular solutions.

The event concluded with closing remarks from Deputy Gonçalo Valente, a member of the Agriculture and Fisheries National Commission. His speech reinforced the strategic importance of embracing circular economy principles across the agri-food sector and acknowledged the role of initiatives like CIRCOLIVE in leading this transition.

The Info Day in Beja not only served as a platform for knowledge exchange but also fostered new partnerships and inspired collaborative efforts toward a more sustainable future. As the CIRCOLIVE Project continues to evolve, events like this play a key role in shaping a resilient and environmentally responsible olive oil industry in Portugal and beyond.