On September 23rd, 2024, the CIRCOLIVE Project held its first Info Day in Croatia, hosted at the Institute for Agriculture and Tourism in Poreč. Conducted in a hybrid format—both in-person and online—the event attracted a diverse audience, including olive sector professionals, vocational education providers, and stakeholders in the fields of agriculture, education, and employment. This gathering marked a significant moment in the project’s efforts to foster a circular economy within the olive oil sector across Europe.

The event officially began at 12:00 with opening addresses by several distinguished speakers. Dr.sc. Dean Ban, Director of the Institute of Agriculture and Tourism, welcomed participants and highlighted the importance of innovation in sustainable agriculture. Dr.sc. Karolina Brkić Bubola, CIRCOLIVE’s project leader at the Institute, followed with a detailed presentation of the project’s main objectives, activities, and anticipated outcomes. Dr.sc. Ezio Pinzan, Head of the Administrative Department for Agriculture, Forestry, Hunting, Fisheries, and Water Management of Istria County, also offered remarks, emphasizing regional support for sustainability initiatives in the agri-food sector.

One of the key moments of the day was a comprehensive presentation on the current state of the olive oil industry in Croatia by dr.sc. Marin Krapac, dr.sc. Ana Čehić Marić, and dr.sc. Marina Lukić. The team placed particular emphasis on the challenges and opportunities related to managing olive by-products and agricultural waste, setting the stage for in-depth discussion and learning.

Attendees were also inspired by the insights of Sandi Chiavalon and Sven Jeličić, respected figures in the Croatian olive oil community. They shared concrete examples of how they are applying sustainable practices in their daily operations—particularly in the reuse and transformation of olive waste—showcasing the real-world potential of circular economy models.
To conclude the event, participants were invited to visit the Institute’s bioreactor system for composting olive pomace, introduced by project associate dr.sc. Marko Černe. This practical demonstration gave attendees a firsthand look at how olive by-products can be converted into valuable compost, reducing environmental impact while creating new agricultural resources.

This Info Day in Poreč represents the first of several upcoming CIRCOLIVE events in Croatia. It laid a solid foundation for future collaboration, capacity-building, and the exchange of ideas—all crucial for steering the olive oil sector toward a more sustainable and circular future.