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Project Topic
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Escalating human population strains food security, heightens competition for resources, and necessitates innovative solutions.
Repurposing OLIve WAste in circular economy solutions for feeds, additives, packaging, and biogas -OLIWA, a three-year research endeavour, proposes the integration of bio-refinery systems within olive-producing ecosystems, a pillar of Mediterranean agriculture. This approach targets the twin goals of bolstering food security and fostering sustainable & renewable energy practices. Olive oil production generates significant biomass waste, including olive pomace and mill wastewater. OLIWA capitalises on this opportunity by utilising this waste for the extraction of bioactive molecules with nutraceutical potential (WP2). These natural extracts (produced in Spain and Tunisia) are evaluated as replacements for animal growth promoters and antibiotic feed additives, contributing to feed-to-food security strategies and promoting safer food production (investigations in Italy, Spain, and Türkiye; WP4).
Furthermore, OLIWA tackles the challenge of olive oil industry food/organic loss by exploring the bio-transformative potential of insect farming using Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens) and Yellow Mealworm (Tenebrio molitor) larvae. This method offers a renewable, high-quality source of protein and lipids for animal feed, thereby alleviating pressure on traditional resources that human and livestock compete for (Investigated in Italy, Algeria, Greece, Tunisia and Turkey; WP3 and WP4). The project extends its focus to renewable energy by investigating the integration of insect farming with bio-refinery systems. This synergy not only diversifies the energy feedstock repertoire but also enhances the efficiency and sustainability of biogas fuel production by utilisation of organic waste from animal, insect and olive farming. This biogas produced is to be used in generating electric power to support the energy requirements of the farm and hence potentially leading to more sustainable on-farm energy management especially in terms of on-farm cold chain feed/food storage systems and/ or in thermoregulation especially in environmentally controlled farming systems (investigations in Italy, Algeria, Spain, Tunisia, and Turkey; WP6). OLIWA proposes sustainable food packaging and storage solutions by incorporating circular economy principles within the olive bio-refinery framework. The project aims to develop eco-friendly bio-packaging materials reducing plastic based food packaging by utilising olive core compounds and natural extracts (developed in Italy, Spain, Greece, and Tunisia; WP5). This approach aligns with zero - waste goals and promotes sustainability throughout the food production chain, from farm to storage. The project embodies the tenets of the bio-circular economy, aiming for a closed-loop system where waste is repurposed, resources are optimised, and ultimately, a pilot demonstration of a renewable and self-sustainable food production system will be established in Italy (WP7, WP8).
Project outcomes are widely disseminated through training sessions, meetings, and seminars; fostering knowledge sharing and promoting inclusivity (WP1, WP9). In conclusion, OLIWA strives to operationalize the principles of feed and food security, renewable energy, circular economy, and zero waste. This endeavour seeks a paradigm shift towards sustainable and innovative farming systems in the Mediterranean region, with a focus on bolstering food security, promoting renewable energy sources, and developing sustainable food packaging and storage solutions. By achieving these goals, OLIWA paves the way for a more resilient and sustainable future.
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