Koperattiva Produtturi taz-Zebbug Limited: Genetic Resources Project The idea to set up an organisation to unite the olive growers was launched by a Facebook post on 4th October, 2022 by Mr. Jimmy Magro. Several persons wrote in support of this idea. Mr. Magro then proceeded to call a meeting on the 18th November, 2022 to discuss the formation of an entity to unite the olive growers. During this meeting a resolution was approved to set up a Provisional Committee that was composed of six members....
Within the next two years Malta will have the first National Gene Bank, which will serve as a national repository for plant genetic diversity. The national gene bank will serve to conserve and facilitate access to local plant varieties, landraces, heirloom varieties, crop wild relatives and other wild plant genetic diversity for use in agriculture, research and conservation activities. The facility will store seeds, as well as plant tissues for in vitro storage and cryo-preservation and complement the existing infrastructure...
World Olive Tree Day 2024 World Olive Tree Day 2024, celebrated annually on November 26th, recognizes the cultural, social, and environmental significance of the olive tree and its valuable fruits, and olives. It’s a day to appreciate the olive’s rich history, versatility, and role in promoting sustainable agriculture and healthy living. World Olive Tree DayTheme 2024 As of today, the theme for World Olive Tree Day 2024 has not been announced yet. The theme in 2023 was “Ancient Wisdom for a Sustainable...
Landmark agreement places the World Olive Germplasm Bank of Cordoba (Spain) under the auspices of the International Treaty The Secretary of the International Treaty, Kent Nnadozie, the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food of Spain, Luis Planas, and the Executive Director of the International Olive Council (IOC), Jaime Lillo, signed today in Madrid an agreement to place the World Olive Germplasm Bank of Córdoba, under the auspices of the International Treaty. The signatories underscored the importance of crop diversity as...
Introduction Koperattiva Produtturi taz-Zebbug Limited is inviting expressions of interest from experienced and qualified olive growers for the supply and delivery of Indigenous scions. The cooperative is looking for indigenous olive variety native to Malta, these varieties are renowned for their resilience and premium olive oil production. This EOI is an opportunity for individuals to partner with us in promoting and sustaining this important local variety. Objective The objective of this EOI is to identify and engage with olive growers...
As part of the Awareness and Educational Campaign of the Genetic Resources Project, the Cooperative has commenced its advertising campaign using the public transport buses. in the months to come, the campaign will continue on social and print media, articles in print media, billboards, meetings for olive growers and consumers, and distribution of the project's leaflet.
As part of the Awareness and Educational Campaign of the Genetic Resources Project, the Cooperative published an article in the Sunday Times of Malta on 1st September, 2024. To read the article, click here
Comments received by the Cooperative after winning the Genetic Resources Project Francesco Matarrese (Italy) Well done Francesco Matarrese SEZIONE COMPETITIVITA' DELLE FILIERE AGROALIMENTARI DIPARTIMENTO AGRICOLTURA, SVILUPPO RURALE e AMBIENTALE Lungomare Nazario Sauro, 45 - 70121 BARI (ITALY) Ing. Javier Perez (Spain) Good Morning Mr. Jimmy Magro, Thanks for sharing this with SOT. Congratulations and I hope you can do good work developing this variety Bidini in Malta. If there is anything we can help with please let us know Regards, ...
National Conference We are pleased to announce that together with the Malta Food Agency and the Olive Oil Association, we are organising a national conference on Saturday 28th September, 2024 between 0900 am and 1230 pm. The Conference will be held at Koperattivi Malta, Mdina Road, Qormi. Background There is no doubt that the olive sector in Malta is growing every year. This is due to the interest by people who toil their land of whatever size, which for us...
Genetic Resources Project Call for Quotations for the Provision of Technical Support for Koperattiva Produtturi taz-Zebbug Limited Issued by: Koperattiva Produtturi taz-Zebbug Limited CfQ#: KPZ/2024/005 Issue Date: 26th August, 2024 Submission Date and Time: Friday 6th September 2024 at 1700 HRS Those interested in submitting an offer are to send an email to [email protected]
One of the deliverables of the Genetic Resources Project, is an awareness and educational campaign. Through this campaign the Cooperative is using social media to communicate the objectives of the project to the general public. During August 2024, the Cooperative has commenced the Facebook advertising campaign, through which the public will get to now more about the Genetic Resources Project and the Koperattiva Produtturi taz-Zebbug Limited.
The work with the CREA experts was concluded today by a wrap-up meeting at Koperattivi Malta in the afternoon. During this meeting Messrs Jimmy Magro and Kyle Spiteri discussed the progress achieved so far with Ms. Samanta Zelasco, the chief researcher of CREA on the Genetic Resources Project. During this meeting, the process for attaining all required regulatory permits were delineated, and also the plans for the forthcoming visits to Malta. In the morning, the delegation visited olive groves in...
The Koperattiva Produtturi taz-Zebbug Limited has taken more concrete steps to prepare for the arrival of the root stocks to be transferred to the Government owned Nursery. The Cooperative and CREA expert visited the Nursery on Thursday 22nd August, 2024 to discuss the plans and what needs to be done for this work to be successful. The Directorate of Agriculture has won the Call for Quotations to manage the root stocks and make the grafting of the root stocks with...
The delegation from CREA visited the Plant Health Directorate on Wednesday 21st August, 2024. The delegation was accompanied by Technical Manager of KPZ Mr. Kyle Spiteri. During the visit, the delegation discussed the Genetics Resources Project and how both sides can further develop their relations about the olive sector. Further discussions were held on the regulatory aspect of the research that will be undertaken in Malta.
The delegation from CREA visited the Heritage Malta Olive Grove on Wednesday 21st August, 2024. The delegation was accompanied by Technical Manager of KPZ Mr. Kyle Spiteri. During the visit, the delegation discussed the genetic aspects of these very old olive trees and the research carried out in the past. Further research will be carried once the method statement is approved.
The Koperattiva Produtturi taz-Zebbug Limited is holding discussions with the representatives of CREA, on the scientific research to be carried out as part of the Genetic Resources Project. Ms. Samanta Zelasco is visiting Malta during the 19th to 24th August, 2024. The programme includes various meetings and also visits to olive groves especially those holding very old olive trees. On Tuesday 20th August, 2024 Ms. Zelasco had a meeting with the Management Committee of the Cooperative.
Researchers Identify 30 New Olive Varieties in Aragón Further investigation is underway to determine the varieties’ characteristics and identify whether any could be used to produce olive oil on a commercial scale. An interdisciplinary research group in Aragón has identified 30 new olive varieties among the autonomous community’s centenarian trees.The five groups participating in the project, coordinated by Olivos de Aragón, identified 96 varieties in the west of the autonomous community, which includes the Bajo Aragón Protected Designation of Origin...
The Koperattiva Produtturi taz-Zebbug Limied has signed the award agreement with CREA-OFA from Italy as part of the procurement process between the two organisations. The agreement replicates the duties and responsibilities that emerge from the call for quotations number CfQ/2024/003. As part of this contract, Dr. Samanta Zelasco, a Researcher employed with CREA will be visiting Malta during the 19th and 24th August, 2024. During her visit, she will meet with the Management Team, the Committee of the Cooperative and...
The Educational and Awareness Campaign is in full swing. The Cooperative is coordinating with Outlook Coop Limited, as the contractor for the campaign to design the various outputs of the campaign. In the the last few days, the artwork for the: Facebook advertising Print Media Adverts Leaflet to be distributed during the events Bus Adverts Tote Bag Billboards have been produced and are being verified to make sure they comply with the EU Publicity Guidelines. Once the campaign adverts are...
Invitation to Olive Growers We invite you to join us in a unique and meaningful endeavour that not only benefits you but also the entire community. We are on a quest to find olive trees that are over 100 years old. By studying these ancient trees, we aim to unlock scientific insights that can revolutionise olive cultivation and production. Our methods are completely non-invasive—we'll only be collecting a few leaves from each tree, ensuring no harm comes to these magnificent...
The Genetic Resources Project is moving forward and making significant progress. In order to kick-start the project, the Cooperative recruited Mr. Jimmy Magro as Project Manager and Mr. Kyle Spiteri as Technical Manager. The cooperative has issued four Calls for Quotations which have been awarded as follows: CfQ/2024/001 - Root Stock and Nursery Management (a) root stock awarded to Jardinland Ltd; (b) nursery management awarded to Directorate of Agriculture; CfQ/2024/002 - Educational and Awareness Campaign awarded to Outlook Cooperative Limited;...