The companies GEOSYSTEMS HELLAS S.A., Anelixis Development Consultants S.A. and TM Solutions Ltd participate in the project “Integrated System for the Agricultural Valorisation of Olive-Growing By-products as Soil Amendments” (acronym: CompOlive), which is part of the Operational Programme “Crete 2014–2020” and is co-financed by the European Union (ERDF). CompOlive aims to develop an integrated technological product: a management and application system comprising software development, technical infrastructure and services. Using advanced remote sensing products, innovative digital technologies and know-how in composting, CompOlive will contribute to and enable the effective on-farm treatment and valorisation of olive production residues. The project aims to make on-farm co-composting as a service economically viable and applicable, focusing on the valorisation of olive grove prunings and olive mill wastewater, and contributing effectively to the circular economy and green growth.

The specific objectives of CompOlive in relation to the agri-food value chain are:

1. The safe disposal of olive production residues, so that (a) direct environmental pollution from their uncontrolled disposal on soil (olive mill wastewater) and burning (prunings) is avoided, and (b) disposal is carried out in a controlled way with regard to correct application and indirect environmental risks (e.g. safety checks of the final compost).
2. Strengthening integrated management by achieving rational use of inputs (reduced use of fertilisers, controls at production stages).
3. Strengthening the sustainability of agricultural production by preserving natural resources, ecosystem services and soil functions (preservation of organic carbon and soil moisture, mitigation of soil erosion, biodiversity, etc.), particularly in the light of climate change.
4. The valorisation of olive production residues into a value-added product for the growers themselves, while balancing the cost of managing these by-products, which falls to the growers to whom they belong.
5. Raising awareness among stakeholders, and especially small and medium-sized growers, on integrated management, environmental protection and related topics.
6. Upgrading on-farm composting as a service into an independent, commercially viable and profitable business activity that will significantly support rural economic development, while promoting the green circular economy.

For more information, please visit the project website at http://compolive.eu/