On September 26, 2024, the CIRCOLIVE Project made a notable appearance at one of Spain’s premier agricultural events: the Fira Agrària de Sant Miquel i Eurofruit in Lleida. Organized by the Cambra de Comerç de Lleida, this Info Day served as a key moment in the project’s outreach in Spain, placing the spotlight on innovation, sustainability, and circular economy strategies in the olive oil sector.

Held annually, the Fira Agrària de Sant Miquel i Eurofruit is a major event for professionals working in agriculture, food production, and agri-tech, offering an ideal setting for the CIRCOLIVE Project to connect with industry stakeholders and decision-makers.

The session began at 5:00 PM with a presentation by Esther Garcia of the Cambra de Comerç de Lleida, who introduced the CIRCOLIVE Project to attendees. She outlined its core mission: to promote circular business models and digital solutions tailored for the olive oil sector. Garcia presented the project’s goals, the international partnership behind it, and the activities completed so far. Her talk provided attendees with a clear understanding of CIRCOLIVE’s commitment to advancing sustainability through vocational education and practical innovation.

The highlight of the event was a keynote address by Dr. Agustín J. Romero Aroca from IRTA (Institute of Agrifood Research and Technology), entitled “Challenges and Opportunities for Circularity in the Olive Oil Sector in Catalonia.” Over the course of 45 minutes, Dr. Romero Aroca delved into the current state of olive oil production in the region, identifying key challenges and presenting solutions grounded in circular economy principles. His presentation sparked interest and reflection among attendees, particularly around the use of waste valorization, digital technologies, and regenerative agricultural practices.

A particularly engaging part of the event came during the open discussion, where local olive oil producers shared their perspectives on the industry’s future. This lively exchange of ideas helped foster a spirit of collaboration and mutual learning, opening the door to potential partnerships and practical applications of circular strategies in real-world operations.

Despite a modest attendance of 27 participants, the event made a strong impact. It provided a valuable space for dialogue, emphasized the relevance of circularity in agricultural sectors, and reinforced CIRCOLIVE’s role in promoting sustainable transformation across Europe’s olive oil value chain.

This Info Day in Lleida further demonstrated how cross-sector collaboration and knowledge-sharing are essential to building a more sustainable, innovative, and resilient agri-food system.