Why this project?
Because olive oil is more than a product, it’s a legacy.
It carries “the wisdom of the past and the promise of the future”.
Every drop of olive oil tells a story; a story of resilience, tradition, and a commitment to a sustainable future that respects both the earth and the communities that cultivate it.
Citizens for Sustainable Olive Oil Production (SOLIVEO) is an innovative initiative funded by the IMPETUS Accelerator program under the Horizon Europe. The IMPETUS Accelerator, supports projects addressing social, environmental, and economic challenges through citizen science. By fostering collaboration between scientists, communities, and policymakers, it seeks impactful, locally relevant solutions for global challenges.
SOLIVEO, harnesses the power of citizen science by actively involving local farmers and students in research-based agricultural activities. Participants engage in tasks such as soil analysis, pest monitoring, and the implementation of organic farming techniques, ensuring that production remains sustainable and environmentally friendly.
At the heart of the project is the goal to preserve and enhance the region's olive oil production, blending tradition with innovation. By empowering women and young farmers, SOLIVEO promotes inclusive decision-making and strengthens the community's economic resilience.
Over the course of seven months, SOLIVEO is hosting field visits, workshops and training sessions, documenting and refining local practices to improve both productivity and sustainability. The insights gained will be shared widely through digital platforms, offering valuable models for sustainable agriculture globally.
By aligning with the IMPETUS Accelerator’s mission to drive citizen-led innovation, SOLIVEO exemplifies how local communities can create tangible solutions to broader environmental and economic challenges. The project aspires to not only influence agricultural policies but also inspire similar sustainable initiatives across the globe.
The project Timeline: Workshops & Trainings
1. Stakeholder Consultations
Date: June – August 2024
Objective: Meetings with key stakeholders, including the district governor, district mayor, district director of agriculture, representatives of the agricultural credit cooperative, development agency officials, agricultural chamber officials, olive oil producers, local leaders and other relevant community representatives, were conducted to discuss the project’s objectives and gather support.
Outcomes: Successfully completed on the scheduled date. In order to ensure broad stakeholder engagement, 10 meetings were organized, surpassing the original plan of 5 meetings.
2. Workshop with Farmers and Stakeholders
Date: August 20, 2024
Objective: Address challenges in olive oil production and explore sustainable practices with stakeholders and farmers.
Outcomes: A workshop held at the Chamber of Agriculture in Bozdoğan, bringing together 45 participants (exceeding the initial target of 15), including district officials, agricultural experts, and olive oil producers. Discussions resulted in actionable insights for sustainable practices.
3. Interview Training for Farmers
Date: August 20, 2024
Objective: To provide farmers with the necessary skills and techniques to conduct interviews aimed at documenting traditional agricultural practices.
Outcomes: Interview training was successfully completed with 38 farmers, equipping them with effective interview techniques and data collection skills. This resulted in 60 interviews being conducted, exceeding the target of 40, and providing valuable insights into traditional agricultural practices that enriched the project’s findings.
4. Training for Farmers
Date: August 27, 2024
Objective: Provide comprehensive training on sustainable olive oil production, modern agricultural techniques, and waste management, supported by interactive VR experiences.
Outcomes: Successfully completed with 48 participants. As a result of the training, farmers gained practical knowledge on sustainable production methods and modern agricultural practices, supported by hands-on VR applications. Feedback showed 100% satisfaction.
5. Second Workshop with Farmers
Date: August 27, 2024
Objective: Review interview findings and discuss sustainable practices, modern olive oil production methods, and pest management strategies.
Outcomes: Successfully completed with 36 participants, exceeding the attendance target. Farmers evaluated the data collected during interviews, gaining new insights into sustainable production and pest management. The workshop fostered collaborative discussions, enabling participants to identify practical solutions and integrate modern techniques into their farming practices.
6. Material Preparation
Date: September 2024 – January 2025
Objectives: Develop educational materials on sustainable olive oil production to share with producers and consumers via the project website.
Outcomes: The project resulted in the development of two key educational resources: a Sustainable Production Guidebook for olive oil producers and a Consumer-Friendly Olive Oil Handbook for the general public. The project website, launched in January 2025, serves as a platform to disseminate these materials and promote sustainable practices.
7. School Meetings and Training for Citizen Scientists
Date: November 22 in Aydın & December 3 in İstanbul
Objective: To raise awareness about sustainability and equip high school students with essential research skills as "citizen scientists”.
Outcomes: The training sessions were successfully conducted at Bozdoğan Anatolian High School in Aydın and Üsküdar Selimiye Vocational and Technical Anatolian High School in Istanbul, with approximately 80 students participating in each location. The sessions began with a detailed training on sustainability concepts, focusing on its importance in daily life and agriculture, to build awareness among students. This was followed by comprehensive training on survey and interview techniques, where students were introduced to pre-prepared questions developed for the project. Using the knowledge and skills gained, students participated in field applications, conducting surveys and interviews within their communities to gather valuable data. The program effectively enhanced their understanding of sustainability, improved their research competencies, and provided practical experience in data collection methods.
8. Workshop with Students
Date: November 25 in Aydın & December 10 in İstanbul
Objective: To analyse and discuss the findings from surveys and interviews conducted by students and enhance their practical skills through innovative tools.
Outcomes: The workshops were successfully conducted at Bozdoğan Anatolian High School in Aydın and Üsküdar Selimiye Vocational and Technical Anatolian High School in Istanbul, with approximately 80 students participating in each location. During the workshops, students collaboratively reviewed and analysed the data they had collected from surveys and interviews, gaining deeper insights into sustainability practices and research methods. The sessions facilitated critical discussions and peer learning, further enhancing their understanding of the data's implications. Additionally, students engaged with virtual reality (VR) technology, providing them with hands-on experience in utilizing modern tools. This integration of technology and sustainability awareness strengthened their practical skills, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities.
9. Data Analysis, Manuscript, and Report Preparation
Date: November 2024 – January 2025
Objective: To analyse data collected from citizen scientists and participants, focusing on agricultural practices and community empowerment, and to prepare academic and project outputs.
Outcomes: Comprehensive analysis of the data gathered during the project was conducted, highlighting insights into sustainable agricultural practices and community dynamics. A manuscript draft was prepared, alongside a detailed project report summarizing key findings and recommendations.
10. Project Dissemination
Date: January 6, 2025
Objective: To present the outcomes of the SOLIVEO project and share its impact with stakeholders and the broader community.
Outcomes: The closing event will take place at İbrahim Üzümcü Conference Hall, at Marmara University. The event aims to host approximately 50 participants, including stakeholders and project contributors, and will highlight key achievements and outcomes of the SOLIVEO project. Promotion efforts, including social media campaigns, aim to reach over 1,000 individuals, fostering greater awareness about sustainable olive oil production.