Project description:
The COOPeR project aims to establish a cross-border Olive Center dedicated to joint research and development in the field of olive growing and olive oil production. The main services offered by the center include a wide range of laboratory and diagnostic tests and procedures (e.g. identification and treatment of olive pests and diseases and conducting chemical analyses of olive oil), targeted training programs and knowledge exchange among different actors in the value chain. By developing a cross-border network of stakeholders, the partnership aims to encourage dialogue and action and respond to the specific needs of the olive sector. The main target groups are local, regional and national authorities, higher education and research institutions, sector agencies, small and medium-sized enterprises, and business support organizations.
Key project activities:
• Preparation of a stakeholder mapping questionnaire;
• Mapping stakeholders in the olive sector in Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Montenegro;
• Establishing a cross-border olive center with a laboratory in Mostar;
• Establishing a cross-border cooperation network in the field of olive growing;
• Organizing an educational workshop;
• Organizing training for knowledge transfer;
• Pilot project for planting olive groves;
• Signing cooperation agreements between stakeholders;
• Study visit to Seville to strengthen capacities in olive cultivation.
Expected key project results:
• Established cross-border olive center with a laboratory in Mostar;
• Established cross-border cooperation network in the field of olive growing;
• Established cooperation between stakeholders, companies (related to olive production), business support institutions and research institutions for the purpose of knowledge exchange and experimental planting of new olive varieties in the cross-border area.
Lead partner:
The City of Mostar (GUM) is responsible for the overall management and implementation of the project. In addition to activities related to the role of lead partner, the City of Mostar coordinates the establishment of the new olive center and facilitates networking among stakeholders in the olive industry. In addition, the LP has committed to establishing a pilot olive plantation in Mostar for new olive varieties adapted to local conditions.
The Croatian Chamber of Economy (CCE) coordinates the mapping of olive stakeholders in Croatia and prepares the final mapping report. Thanks to its sectoral experience, the Croatian Chamber of Economy supports the establishment of a cross-border business network and coordinates targeted communication activities.
The Institute for Adriatic Crops and Karst Reclamation (IAC) coordinates capacity-building activities and provides the technical assistance and expertise needed to establish a pilot olive plantation in Mostar. Moreover, this project partner supports the mapping of olive stakeholders in the Croatian part of the project area and organizes an educational workshop and knowledge transfer training.
The Chamber of Commerce of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (CCFBH) coordinates the mapping of olive stakeholders in Bosnia and Herzegovina and supports the partnership in identifying tools and methods for the smooth functioning of the cross-border business network. In addition, this project partner is responsible for organizing the joint final event in Mostar.
The Olive Growers Association Boka (OGAB) is responsible for developing and maintaining a cross-border database of stakeholders in olive growing. The Boka Association defines a common data collection methodology and coordinates the mapping of olive stakeholders in Montenegro. Furthermore, this project partner is responsible for organizing a round table with representatives of government structures dedicated to knowledge exchange in the olive sector.
Project duration: 15.12.2020 – 14.12.2022. (24 months)
Total project budget: 884,677.75 EUR
Amount of EU co-financing: 751,976.07 EUR
Programme priority axis: Priority Axis 4 – Strengthening competitiveness and developing the business environment in the programme area
The project is co-financed by ERDF and IPA II funds of the European Union
This publication was produced with the assistance of the European Union. The contents of this publication are the sole responsibility of the Croatian Chamber of Economy and can in no way be taken to reflect the views of the European Union.
More information about the Interreg IPA Cross-border Cooperation Programme Croatia-Bosnia and Herzegovina-Montenegro 2014-2020 can be found at: https://www.interreg-hr-ba-me2014-2020.eu/
