Introduction to the fifth OLEUM newsletter

OLEUM – we are near to cross the line of this stimulating adventure!

 

OLEUM is close to the end of project. Now it is time to sum up and explain!

 

Thanks to the precious teamwork and efforts from all the involved partners I am pleased to inform you that many goals of the project have been achieved and they are summarized in this newsletter.

 

Following the project proposal and considering the information summarized in a delivered report on common and emerging fraud in the olive oil sector, OLEUM has developed in-house validated methods for assuring quality and authenticity of olive oils (OOs). Four of them are undergoing a full validation process.

 

The OLEUM Network has followed two complementary approaches: a LinkedIn group for general aspects relating to the quality and authenticity of olive oil (over 100 members up to now) and a secure network (Basecamp) for those involved in the laboratory analysis of olive oil (more than 60 members up to now). OLEUM will undertake to increase the number of members and the recruitment of laboratories inside and outside Europe interested to participate in the trials proper. The future maintenance and development of the OLEUM Network was also agreed.

 

The OLEUM Databank was launched, and an implementation will be made in terms of definition of IPR and uploading of contents. A sustainability plan will be also defined for the subsequent maintenance of the OLEUM Databank after the end of the project.

 

An infographic designed on the consumer’s needs to recognize a good quality extra virgin olive oil was realized and a video presenting the project was produced.

 

We have successfully presented the project results at more than 40 conferences and events all over the world including two hands-on Training Workshops (first in Seville and the second in Bologna); future conferences and other events are hosting presentations of OLEUM outcomes. To maximize the impact of this newsletter, it is available in six languages (French, Greek, German, English, Italian and Spanish), thanks to some of the partners’ collaboration.

 

The OLEUM Multi-Stakeholder Advisory Board is continuously providing its contribution and precious advice to the project.

 

Whether you are an institutional or a private quality control laboratory, an OO production or distribution company, or a company that wants to propose its instruments and analytical tools to be tested, I warmly invite you to follow the project website (http://www.oleumproject.eu) and to send any requests for information or to join the OLEUM Network by sending an e-mail to oleum@unibo.it.

 

Tullia Gallina Toschi (tullia.gallinatoschi@unibo.it), Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences (DISTAL) - Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, OLEUM Project Coordinator