Welcome to the Med Olive Oil Network Forum, the discussion and cooperation space of the OliveOilMedNet project, dedicated to stakeholders across the Mediterranean olive and olive oil value chain.
This first discussion is intended for the presentation of project partners, registered companies and all other participants in the community. Its purpose is to help members get to know one another, understand their respective expertise and create new opportunities for cooperation among olive growers, mills, producer organisations, public authorities, universities, research centres, technical experts and other stakeholders interested in the olive oil sector.
Participants are invited to introduce themselves by providing, where possible:
- name and organisation;
- country and territory;
- professional role;
- activities carried out in the olive and olive oil sector;
- main areas of expertise or interest;
- projects, products or good practices they would like to share;
- types of cooperation or contacts they are seeking through the network.
Companies may also briefly describe their size and type of activity, cultivated varieties, types of olive oil produced, certifications, target markets, sustainable practices or technologies adopted, and the main challenges they would like to discuss.
Please do not publish personal data, confidential commercial information or other sensitive content. Direct contact details should be shared only through the tools made available by the platform.
How the forum works
The forum is a space for discussion on the main themes of OliveOilMedNet, including:
- sustainable olive cultivation;
- innovation in olive mills and production processes;
- olive oil quality, authenticity and traceability;
- analysis and valorisation of local cultivars;
- digital tools and the project databank;
- training and knowledge transfer;
- cooperation among businesses, research organisations and public authorities;
- project, commercial and networking opportunities.
Registered users may take part in discussions, ask questions, share experiences, reply to other participants and propose new topics consistent with the objectives of the network.
Before opening a new discussion, users are encouraged to check whether the topic has already been addressed. Discussion titles should be clear and accurately describe the subject.
Contributions should be relevant to the olive and olive oil sector, written in a respectful and clear manner and, where possible, based on verifiable experience, data or reliable sources. Unauthorised advertising, inappropriate content and the disclosure of confidential information are not permitted.
To encourage international participation, messages may be posted in English or in the participant’s own language. Where possible, a brief English summary should be included.
The forum is moderated by the OliveOilMedNet partners. Moderators may move discussions to a more appropriate section, request clarification, merge duplicate topics, highlight useful technical or training content and remove messages that are irrelevant, offensive, promotional or inconsistent with the forum rules.
Information shared in the forum is intended for discussion and knowledge exchange. It does not replace official certification, laboratory testing, professional advice or guidance from the competent authorities.
My introduction
My name is Stefano Massa, and I work with CIA – Italian Farmers, Regional Association of Puglia.
I am based in Italy, in the Puglia Region, and I am involved in the management and implementation of innovation, cooperation and development projects in the agricultural and agri-food sectors, with particular attention to the olive and olive oil value chain. I hold a degree in Agricultural Science and Technology and I am registered with the Italian professional register of Agronomists and Foresters, Section B.
Within CIA Puglia, I contribute to the implementation of the OliveOilMedNet project and other initiatives focused on the quality, authenticity, traceability and sustainability of extra virgin olive oil. My activities include engaging agricultural companies, supporting operational coordination, collecting data, organising events and training activities, communicating project results and facilitating cooperation among universities, research centres, producer organisations, businesses and public authorities.
My main areas of interest are:
- olive oil traceability and authenticity;
- valorisation of local olive cultivars;
- innovation in the olive oil value chain;
- environmental sustainability in olive groves and olive mills;
- digital tools supporting agricultural businesses;
- transfer of knowledge from research to companies;
- commercial valorisation and market positioning of high-quality extra virgin olive oil.
Through this network, I can share experience in stakeholder engagement, European project implementation, training and networking activities, and the dissemination of innovative tools and methodologies for the olive oil sector. I can also help connect Apulian producers and agricultural organisations with technical experts, researchers and institutions.
I am interested in establishing contacts with companies, olive mills, producer associations, universities and research centres working on authenticity, quality, sustainability and digitalisation. I am particularly interested in practical experiences and good practices that could be transferred and applied to olive-growing companies in Puglia.
I am pleased to join the OliveOilMedNet community and contribute to building a Mediterranean network capable of making the olive oil sector more innovative, sustainable, authentic and competitive.