SafeOlive
Sector: Olive farming
Countries Involved: Cyprus and Greece
Partners involved:
- SK EMBIO Diagnostics Ltd (EMBIO): SIP leader, ADS provider from Cyprus
- AGROECOLOGY E.E. (AGRO): Pilot farm, Olive producer in Greece
Real-Time Digital Support for Safe and Sustainable Olive Farming
Small and medium olive growers in Cyprus and Greece face increasing pressure to meet strict food safety standards while maintaining sustainable production. Limited access to rapid pesticide testing means farmers often rely on deployed laboratory results, making it difficult to avoid contamination risks. Additional challenges arise from unpredictable residue levels, contamination from neighboring fields, and costly laboratory testing.
How Will SIP8 Address the Challenge?
The SafeOlive focuses on developing and deploying a biosensor-based Agricultural Digital Solution, combining: B.EL.D™ Biosensor Technology: Rapid, precise pesticide residue detection in olive fruits and olive oil; Decision Support System (DSS): Processes real-time biosensor data, predicts pest infestations, and generates customised spraying schedules; Farmtopia components will be integrated for data sharing and improved decision support. This is allowing farmers to make evidence-based decisions during harvest, reduce pesticide use and prevent produce rejection.
Business and Governance Model to Be Followed: SafeOlive will be co-developed and validated by EMBIO and AGRO on operational olive farms in Cyprus and Greece, targeting real-world deployment and future scalability. The model is designed to be affordable, modular, and scalable, enabling expansion to additional crops and Mediterranean regions. Clear governance, data-sharing protocols, and defined responsibilities ensure transparency, reliability, and long-term market adoption. Measurable Results Expected: 10 – 15% reduction in pesticide use; ≥95% compliance with MRL standards;