RE:OLIVE
Olive Economy, Rewired
The olive tree is more than a crop, it is the foundation of a thriving, sustainable and innovative economy. The sector faces significant pressures: diminishing production, climate challenges, and a new generation hesitant to enter agriculture. At the same time, emerging markets, new technologies and more sustainable practices are opening unique opportunities for valorization, if the olive economy is rewired. The industry must evolve to become future-proof.
The RE:OLIVE Project, by SDG House Greece & LIA Olive Oil Hub, is a pioneering initiative designed to unlock the full potential of the olive tree and its value chains. Inspired by global innovation models, it takes a systems-level approach: full utilization of the olive harvest, byproducts and waste streams.
Every olive, every byproduct and every practice has the potential to generate value -for businesses, communities, and the wider economy. This approach drives higher profits, new revenue streams, reduced waste and a stronger sector.
How We Work
The project will unfold in phases, each building on the last to create lasting impact:
Practical business development programmes that empower producers and entrepreneurs in the olive value chain to adopt sustainable practices and unlock business opportunities.
Support the creation and growth of innovative products, ventures and industries around the olive tree -from pharmaceuticals and food additives to bioenergy and carbon capture.
By demonstrating best practices, reducing waste and connecting actors, the project fosters a rewired, high-value olive economy
Transfer and apply the knowledge acquired and methodology developed to other sectors of the agricultural economy
Collaboration and ecosystem building will be central to this effort, as we connect with academic institutions, industry, experts and specialized organizations, locally, nationally and internationally.
Furthermore, the project will leverage the wealth of research already conducted and activate new research where needed, as we explore value-potential, perform value chains mapping and promote new value chains development.
Benefits for the Economy and the Environment
RE:OLIVE aims to directly contribute to rewriting a new chapter for the olive economy with outcomes that are:
- Circular and future-proof: reduce waste, create closed-loop systems and produce more with less.
- Innovative and profitable: generate new products from olives, leaves, prunings and byproducts for industries such as cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, food, fashion, packaging, fertilizers, biofuels and carbon capture.
- Internationally competitive: help producers unlock new business opportunities, increase revenue, access new markets, and set high quality and sustainability standards.
- Sustainable and resilient: protect land, soil and ecosystems while adapting to new climate patterns and challenges.
By leveraging innovation, synergies and the effective use of technology, RE:OLIVE reimagines how potential can be turned into mainstream business. It demonstrates that small-scale producers, innovative startups and established businesses alike can lead the way in sustainability, profitability and resilience, creating a blueprint not just for olives, but for the wider agriculture sector in Greece.
Check out this section and follow our social media for the project’s Open Calls.