The International Olive Council (IOC), in collaboration with the International Centre for Advanced Mediterranean Agronomic Studies (CIHEAM Zaragoza), will organise two regional training courses in May 2026 as part of its ongoing technical cooperation programme.
These initiatives aim to strengthen the capacities of technicians and professionals across IOC member countries, while promoting sustainable olive growing practices, improving product quality and fostering innovation throughout the olive value chain.
The first course, entitled “From olive grove to market: future strategies for the olive sector in Eurasian countries” and organised in collaboration with the national authorities, will take place in Izmir (Türkiye) from 5 to 7 May 2026. Delivered in English, it will provide participants with a comprehensive overview of the olive sector, covering topics such as sustainable cultivation practices, modern production techniques, quality management and market competitiveness.
The second course, focusing on the organoleptic assessment of virgin olive oil to improve quality and organised in collaboration with the Office National de l’Huile (ONH) will be held in Tunis (Tunisia) from 18 to 22 May 2026. Conducted in Arabic, this training will strengthen participants’ skills in sensory analysis in line with IOC standards, including the identification of positive attributes and defects, and the application of panel test methods.
Both courses are designed for technicians, researchers and professionals in the olive sector from IOC member countries. Selected participants will benefit from full financial support provided by CIHEAM Zaragoza on behalf of the IOC, covering travel, accommodation and subsistence expenses.
Through these activities, the IOC continues to promote knowledge exchange, technical expertise and closer collaboration among stakeholders, contributing to the sustainable development and competitiveness of the global olive sector. For more information, please contact iooc@internationaloliveoil.org.

