A new initiative, the CompetiOliva project, is underway in the Sierra de Segura region of Spain. Led by the Cooperativas Agro-alimentarias de España, the project aims to improve the sustainability of olive groves, particularly in sloped areas, which make up about 50% of the total olive-growing land in the country. The initiative, running from November 2022 to October 2025, is a collaboration involving several research institutions, including the University of Córdoba, the University of Jaén, the CSIC’s Institute for Sustainable Agriculture, and the agricultural research center IFAPA.

The project is focusing on a variety of sustainable practices. This includes the use of biocharBiochar is a carbon-rich material created from biomass decomposition in low-oxygen conditions. It has important applications in environmental remediation, soil improvement, agriculture, carbon sequestration, energy storage, and sustainable materials, promoting efficiency and reducing waste in various contexts while addressing climate change challenges. More, which is being applied to the soil to test its effectiveness in carbon sequestration and improving soil properties. The program is also evaluating no-tillage techniques, the use of plant cover, and the application of organic amendments derived from the olive industry’s own waste. According to a representative from the Cooperativas Agro-alimentarias de España, the project seeks to validate these practices as a means to enhance the long-term viability of the olive oil sector.

The research is being conducted on a demonstration farm in the Sierra de Segura region. The project’s findings are intended to be shared with farmers, cooperative members, and the broader agricultural community. Additionally, the project is developing a web tool to help olive growers assess the environmental impact of their practices and identify the most beneficial strategies for their specific conditions. This tool is designed to provide recommendations to help growers meet the stringent environmental requirements of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and access financial incentives, such as those related to the Carbon Farming program.

SOURCE: The Provincial Council presents the Competiolivar project to cooperatives in the Sierra de Segura region.