In a recent speech, renowned olive oil exporter and award-winning organic olive grower, George Sakellaropoulos, emphasized the urgent need for the establishment of a University School of Olive Cultivation in Greece, specifically based in Sparta. His address, titled “Olive Cultivation from Yesterday to Tomorrow – Bio-Functional Olive Products – DMB: The New Discovery in Olive Oil,” was delivered during a Scientific Conference focused on olives and olive oil, part of the three-day events of the 2nd Festival “Sparta Olive & Olive Oil,” organized by the Municipality of Sparta.
Since January 2023, Mr. Sakellaropoulos has submitted a public proposal to the Laconia Chamber of Commerce for the creation of this academic institution. He envisions a school that will conduct research, provide comprehensive education, and offer guidance, while also advising the Greek state on actions that will lead to future advancements. This initiative has garnered support from academics and professors from prestigious institutions such as Harvard, Yale, and the University of Michigan in the United States, as well as from Greece’s National and Kapodistrian University, the University of Peloponnese, and the University of Western Attica.
Mr. Sakellaropoulos argues that the establishment of such a school is not only necessary but imperative in light of global competition and the rapid expansion of olive cultivation worldwide. He pointed out that the current state of Greek olive cultivation has not significantly evolved from its past, stating, “We have not taken sufficient steps to qualitatively and quantitatively surpass our main competitor countries.” He identified the lack of scientific knowledge and education as the primary reason for this stagnation, emphasizing that olive cultivation encompasses various scientific disciplines and significantly contributes to both human and environmental health.
Concluding his speech, Mr. Sakellaropoulos asserted, “Based on all the evidence I have presented and after 35 years of involvement, I firmly believe that science and research are the only way forward through the establishment of a high-level university and research institution for Olive Cultivation in Greece, based in Sparta. The Greek olive industry does not merely request this; it deserves it.” He called upon all official attendees of the conference, both public and private entities, to unite for this cause.
The conference also featured greetings from notable figures, including the Mayor of Sparta, Michalis Vakaloopoulos, the Deputy Minister of Rural Development and Food, Giannis Andrianos, and representatives from various local organizations.
As the discussions unfolded, experts from different panels contributed insights into the olive industry’s future, highlighting the need for a strategic reboot in olive cultivation, leveraging modern tools and aligning with international trends surrounding the product. The hope is that Mr. Sakellaropoulos’s proposal will resonate within a country that must harness and listen to its active potential, especially in a global environment that increasingly demands innovation and strategic planning in agriculture.
