Slovenia is advancing its agricultural innovation with the creation of a €4.5 million Competence Centre for Olives and Mediterranean Crops, set to be built near Koper within the next two years.
The state-of-the-art facility will host the Oliveculture Institute Laboratory and the Institute of Viticulture and Wine Production, focusing on cutting-edge research in biotechnology, climate adaptation, and circular economy solutions.
Supported by the Ministry of Education, Science, and Innovation, the centre will employ over 150 experts.
With 2,600 hectares of olive groves, primarily in the Istrian region, Slovenia has gained international recognition for its premium olive oil. This new initiative is expected to solidify the country’s standing in global agricultural research and sustainability.