On November 26th, the city of Poreč became the focal point for olive enthusiasts and sustainability advocates during the celebration of World Olive Tree Day. The event, organized by the Institute of Agriculture and Tourism with the support of Istrian County, brought together olive growers, researchers, policy makers, and local community representatives to honor the olive tree—an enduring symbol of Mediterranean heritage and resilience.

Among the highlights of the day was the presentation of the CIRCOLIVE Project by Iva Pastor, from the Institute of Agriculture and Tourism. Her presentation introduced the project’s aims, scope, and upcoming activities, shedding light on how CIRCOLIVE is working across five EU countries to build circular economy skills in the olive oil sector. This appearance marked the beginning of a series of outreach efforts to share the project’s progress with local and regional stakeholders.

The event served not only as a cultural celebration, but also as a platform to discuss the future of olive cultivation in the face of climate change, sustainability demands, and evolving market needs. Discussions centered on the olive tree’s profound role in Croatia’s identity—not just as a crop, but as a cornerstone of local traditions, healthy diets, environmental stewardship, and high-end gastronomy.

By integrating the CIRCOLIVE Project into this meaningful celebration, organizers helped highlight the connection between tradition and innovation. CIRCOLIVE’s mission to value by-products and promote sustainable practices aligns naturally with the themes of World Olive Tree Day: preservation, education, and forward-thinking agriculture.

As CIRCOLIVE continues its activities across Europe, events like this are key to spreading awareness, gathering insights from local communities, and encouraging collaboration for a more resilient and circular olive oil sector.