Coordination Meeting on the Update of the World Olive Encyclopaedia

On 12 and 13 May 2025, the International Olive Council (IOC) held a coordination meeting at the University of Córdoba (Spain) to review progress on the update of the World Olive Encyclopaedia.

The meeting brought together IOC Deputy Executive Director Abderraouf Laajimi; Head of the Olive Growing, Olive Oil Technology and Environment Unit, Lhassane Sikaoui; and Head of Technical Cooperation and Training, Catarina Bairrao Balula. Coordinators Giora Ben Ari (Volcani Institute), Georgios Koubouris (Elgo-Dimitra), Conchi Muñoz-Díez (University of Córdoba), Maurizio Servili (University of Perugia) and Hristofor Miho (University of Córdoba) also participated.

Director Laajimi opened the session by highlighting the importance of delivering a scientifically rigorous and accessible resource that reflects the latest developments in olive cultivation, processing and sustainability. IOC representative Sikaoui underlined the need for the publication to serve a broad audience across the olive sector.

The coordinators presented an overview of the work completed to date. The IOC commended their efforts and reaffirmed its support for the next phases of development.