Agricultural waste can become a valuable resource when innovation, research and circular economy approaches come together. This is the case of the ORIENTATE Project – “tOwaRds cIrcular Economy iN The AgriculTural sEctor”, where the National Agricultural Research Center (NARC) in Jordan is working on innovative solutions for the valorisation of olive oil waste and olive pomace.
The work of NARC has recently been highlighted by Interreg TESIM NEXT(a technical assistance project that supports the management and implementation of European Union external cross-border cooperation programmes), drawing attention to the potential of olive waste to acquire a “second life” through new bio-based applications.
From agricultural waste to valuable resources
Olive oil production generates significant quantities of by-products, including olive pomace and other organic residues. If not properly managed, these materials can create environmental challenges. At the same time, they contain valuable organic compounds that can be recovered and used for new purposes.
Within ORIENTATE, NARC is contributing to the development of approaches that can transform olive oil waste from an environmental burden into a resource, supporting more efficient use of agricultural materials and reducing waste.
This approach is at the heart of the circular economy: instead of treating agricultural residues as waste at the end of a production process, they can be recovered, valorised and reintroduced into new value chains.
Innovation for a more sustainable agricultural sector
The activities carried out in Jordan demonstrate how research and innovation can contribute to addressing environmental challenges while creating new opportunities for the agricultural sector.
By exploring the potential of olive oil waste and olive pomace, ORIENTATE supports the development of more resource-efficient production models and contributes to the wider transition towards sustainable agriculture.
The involvement of NARC is particularly relevant in this context. As a leading agricultural research institution in Jordan, NARC provides knowledge and expertise that can help adapt circular economy solutions to local agricultural conditions and needs.
Strengthening cooperation across the Mediterranean
The ORIENTATE experience also reflects the importance of cooperation and knowledge exchange in addressing common environmental and agricultural challenges across the Mediterranean.
Through the Interreg NEXT MED framework, projects such as ORIENTATE bring together partners and expertise to explore practical solutions for a more sustainable and resilient Mediterranean region.
TESIM’s feature on NARC’s activities offers an opportunity to showcase this work and to demonstrate how circular economy practices can give agricultural by-products a new role in sustainable production systems.
Watch the TESIM feature
TESIM has featured NARC’s activities in Jordan and explored the second life of olive waste, highlighting the innovative work being developed through ORIENTATE.
Watch the video and discover how olive oil waste can become a valuable resource: From olive waste to beauty creams
