Work on the Genetic Resources Project is ongoing.  During the period 11 to 19 January, Ms. Samanta Zelasco visited Malta to continue the process of collecting samples from old trees from the Bidni variety.  The smples will be used in the scientific research being made by the contractor CREA in their facilities in Rende, Italy.  The Cooperative has worked closely with the Plant Protection Department to satisfy the relative legislation on the matter.  The Cooperative has been registered as a MOR station and also been provided with Plant Passport for the transfer of the samples from Malta to Italy.

The Cooperative wishes to thank Mr. Dennis Sciberras, Director;  Ms. Yana Borg Debono Grech and Mr. Duncan Xuereb for their cooperation and support.

The Cooperative has recruited Mr. Kyle Spiteri as Technical Manager as from Monday 13th January, 2025.

The Contractor Jardinland has delivered the 1150 root stock at the Government Nursery.  In the coming months the root stock will be grafted with the Bidni scion and when the trees have reached a planting stage, they will be distributed amongst the members of the Cooperative.

The Cooperative has also issued two Calls for Quotations:  a call for the provision of technical services and a second Call for the provision of 500 Bidni Olive trees.

The educational and awareness campaign is ongoing and Facebook adverts have been posted.  During January the Cooperative will have an article in local print media and one TV interview.

Request for Quotations

Jan. 5, 2025

The Koperattiva Produtturi taz-Zebbug Limited has issued two Calls for Quotations as follows:

CfQ#: KPZ/2025/001  – Call for Quotations for the Provision of 500 BIDNI Olive Trees for Koperattiva Produtturi taz-Zebbug Limited closing on 24th January 2025 at 1700hrs

CfQ#: KPZ/2025/002 – Call for Quotations for the Provision of Technical Services in Scion Acquisition for Koperattiva Produtturi taz-Zebbug Limited closing on the 31st January, 2025 at 1700hrs

Any person or legal entity interested to submit their best offer are to request the full documentation by sending an email to [email protected].

Registration of the Bidni Cultivar

Dec. 28, 2024

The Ministry of Agriculture, through the Plant Protection Directorate, has registered the Bidni Cultivar in the national Gene Bank in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 433 of the Laws of Malta and formally records the description and characteristics of the variety in subject for its inclusion in Malta’s National Variety Catalogue.

This is a very important step in the right direction since now the Bidni Cultivar has officially been recognized as an indigenous olive tree.

The document of the registration may be found on the following weblink:

https://plantprotection.gov.mt/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/MTVC1001-olea-europaea-bidni.pdf

KOPERATTIVA PRODUTTURI TAZ-ZEBBUG LIMITED

REPORT ON THE VISIT OF DR. ENZO PERRI, DIRECTOR, CREA, ITALY

DATES OF VISIT:  25^TH – 26^TH NOVEMBER 2024

1. Dr. Enzo Perri is the Director of the Council for Agricultural Research and Economics – Research Centre for Olive, Citrus and Fruit crops (CREA-OFA) after this referred to as “CREA OFA”, having its registered office at Via della Navicella 2/4 00198 Roma, Italy, Tax ID Code: 97231970589, VAT number 08183101008, with a office located at via Settimio Severo 83, Rende, Cosenza, Italy (CS).
2. CREA has won a competitive call for quotations for the scientific research in connection with the genetic resources project being carried out by KPZ under Measure 10.2.
3. For the visit, KPZ prepared an intensive program in order to maximize the benefit of Dr. Enzo Perri in Malta.
4. The prepared program had to be amended since Dr. Perri lost his early flight and had to re-schedule his itinery at his own cost.
5. On arrival at the arrival, Dr. Perri was welcomed by the President of the Cooperative Jimmy Magro and made the transfer to the hotel. At the same hotel, use was made of the VIP Lounge to hold bilateral talks on the following topics:

5.1.      the conclusion and signature of the subrogation agreement between KPZ and CREA;

5.2.      the administrative aspects of the DSA travel allowance for persons travelling to Malta under the genetic resources project;

5.3.      a detailed discussion on the utilization of the travel budget in order to plan for future missions for scientific research in Malta;

5.4.      a video conference was held with Samanta Zelasco to plan the future visits to Malta.  The issue of the certificates required to take out the samples from Malta was discussed in great detail.  It was agreed that in future missions to Malta, more personnel would come to enhance the pace of the sampling of olive trees from Malta to Italy.

5.5.      the proposed cooperation with the International Olive Council was discussed in detail and CREA agreed to provide the support for the holding of a workshop in Malta on the characterization of the germplasm of the olive tree of indigenous cultivars.

5.6.      The meeting ended with a review of the program for the second day at about 2000 hrs.

6. Work on the second day commenced at 0900 hrs at the Offices of Koperattivi Malta at Mdina Road, Qormi. The discussions between Dr. Enzo Perri and Jimmy Magro focused on the following topics:

6.1.       review of the subrogation agreement between KPZ and CREA.  Following the review of the agreement and the appendices, the agreement was signed and initialed on each page, and the appendix was also initialed on each page.

5.2.       KPZ and CREA review the budget of the project, with special attention on the scientific research budget and the travel budget.  It was agreed that once CREA finalise their internal processes, and the subrogation agreement is in place, CREA can issue invoices for work carried out under the terms of the service agreement.  As the travel budget, it was agreed to make use of the savings gained so far so that KPZ benefit from the services of agronomists that could possibly be provided from Italy that could work on segments of the project.

5.3.       KPZ informed CREA that the root stocks will be delivered to the nursery in the first week of December 2024.  It was agreed to visit the nursery as soon as these discussions are over.

5.4.       KPZ and CREA discussed in detail the meeting with Minister Refalo to prepare the topics to be raised during the meeting.

7. Visit to the Nursery at St. Vincent de Paule. KPZ and CREA visited the nursery to discuss the preparations for the delivery of the root stocks.  Discussions were held with the Chargehand of the Nursery so that all goes well when the root stocks are delivered.  It as agreed to request Jardinland to coordinate with the Chargehand so that both sides agree on the logistics of the operation.
8. Meeting with Minister Refalo: Dr. Perri explained the responsibilities of CREA and its operational and legal structure, that it is a public entity under the responsibility of the Ministry of Agriculture.  Thereafter he explained the importance of the scientific research being under taken as part of the genetic resources project, and the benefit that will accrue to Malta through the characterisation of the indigenous olive trees in Malta.  He also emphasised that CREA has the knowledge and know-how to carry out this scientific research and has hundreds of varieties in their database only for olive trees.  It was agreed to enter into discussions to finalise an MoU, both with the Ministry (Italy and Malta) and with CREA and MAFA (Malta).
9. Following the meeting, KPZ and CREA headed for lunch in Valletta.
10. KPZ and CREA held a video conference with Dr. Sonda Laroussi the Tunisian partner of the genetic resources project. The meeting discussed the progress of the project and the next steps to be undertaken as part of the scientific research, the arrival of the root stocks and the educational and awareness campaign.  It was agreed that in the foreseeable future a joint meting will be held in Malta to coordinate the work between all stakeholders.
11. The final meeting of the visit was with Prof. David Mifsud of the University of Malta. KPZ, CREA and UoM discussed the scientific research being undertaken by the project and how the UoM could support the research; how CREA and UoM can cooperate with the signing of an MoU; and how Maltese students can do an Erasmus visit to CREA to enhance their studies in germplasm research.  It was agreed that Prof. Mifsud would be able to join the KPZ delegation as a technical expert during the visit to RENDE.
12. During the visit to Malta, Dr. Perri visited three olive groves: in Siggiewi, Zebbug and Zejtun.

Jimmy Magro

President

KOPERATTIVA PRODUTTURI TAZ-ZEBBUG LIMITED

REPORT OF VISIT TO TUNISIA

GENETIC RESOURCES PROJECT UNDER MEASURE 10.2.

1 TO 6 DECEMBER, 2024

1. The Delegation of the KPZ was composed by Jimmy Magro, President and Antoine Psaila, member of the management committee.
2. The objective of the visit was to open lines of cooperation with the institutions involved in the olive sector in Tunisia and to establish cooperation in relation to the Genetic Resources project being undertaken by the KPZ.
3. The preparations for the visit were managed by Dr. Sonda Laroussi of Olea Counseils (OC) and were based on the directions of the KPZ. OC is a partner in the Genetic Resources project being undertaken under Measure 10.2.
4. For the purpose of the visit it was necessary to use a hired car due to the long distances between Tunis, Sousse, Sfax and Mateur. The cost of the hired car will be presented as additional cost due to its exceptional case.
5. On arrival into Tunis, the delegation visited the Science Park of Tunis to take part in an event organised by the Permaculture Association. The event was an olive tasting event and exhibition of agricultural products produced by artisans from around Tunis.  Dr. Sonda Laroussi made a detailed presentation about the Tunisian olive varieties and production of olive oil, which was then followed by olive oil tasting session.
6. On Monday 2^nd December, the delegation met the President of the National Olives Board of Tunisia. The KPZ delegation presented the genetic resources project and requested that the project can be used for bilateral cooperation in genetic resources.  Both sides discussed bilateral cooperation in the olive sector and how Malta could make use of the experience and know-how of the Tunisian experts.  The President proposed that the Government of Malta should make a request through the diplomatic channels in order to establish a MoU for cooperation.  The KPZ delegation expressed its interest in the regional olive oil Academy that is managed by the NOBT, and the Director stated that this is open for all nationalities, including persons from Malta.  Following the meeting with the President, the delegation was shown around the Academy and the olive oil shop which formed part of the Academy.

7.1.       On Tuesday 3^rd December, the delegation met the owner of Fendri olive grove and olive mill.  A tour of the vast olive grove was made and a discussion on the olive cultivation of native cultivars ensued.  This first part of the visit was followed by a visit to the olive mill, where the olive oil was still being produced due to the late harvest in Tunisia.  The olive mill was partly designed by Mr. Slim Fendri and manufactured by Alfa Laval olive mill producers.  It covers an area of more than 1600 square meters and has ample space for the storage of olives and olive oil.  The company also has invested to be able to re-cycle the by products of the olive oil processing in order to reduce waste from its production. i.e. Use of the olive hard stone as fuel for the furnace.

7.2.       In the afternoon, the delegation met the Director General of the Institute of Olives of Sfax and discussed the genetic resources project being carried out in Malta, and how this scientific research can be compared to studies carried out by the Institute.  This was a very interesting proposal and both parties agreed to make follow up action on this topic, especially if the IOC agrees to undertake a workshop in Malta about the genetic resources.  Furthermore, it was also agreed to exchange scientific papers and also to cooperate in EU funded projects in relation to the olive sector.

7.3.       The final event for this day was a visit to the Laboratory of Olea Counseils, the panel tasting facilities and offices of the company.  The discussions focused on the work which the company does in the olive and olive oil sector, its international participation in olive tasting events, and the training which can be organised in Tunisia or Malta.  It was agreed that the KPZ may use the olive oil testing facilities and also to organise courses for Maltese olive growers.

8.1.       On Wednesday the delegation visited the Superior Institute of Biotechnology of Sfax which is an educational institution with more than 1500 students.  It has a strong department for the study of the olive sector and in fact it has a small olive mill of about 50 kgs per hour in order to train future millers.  The Institute has many laboratories since it is mainly a scientific institution and also has the facilities for olive oil testing.  It was agreed to cooperate in EU funded projects as soon as an opportunity arises.

8.2.       The delegation took part in a workshop organised by the Olive Institute of Sfax and the IOC about the Chemlali cultivar and its olive oil.  The speakers presented very detailed studies about the research carried out in several countries to compare the genetic resources of the Chemlali cultivar, and the chemical and sensory properties of the olive oil produced from the Chemlali cultivar.

8.3.       In the afternoon, the KPZ delegation met the Director and several staff members of the Organic Institute of Tunisia.  The positive results in organic agriculture were presented to the delegation and a discussion ensued how Tunisia may be able to support Malta in organic cultivation.  The Institute informed us that this support can be made following an official request by the Government of Malta, and the Tunisian side was willing, ready and able to provide such support.  The Tunisian side expressed their success in organic farming and how they have built their human capacity with researchers and experts having Ph.D. level of education.  The Institute has been very active in encouraging farmers to convert to organic farming and they have had a great success.  The KPZ delegation agreed to relate this information to the Government of Malta so that this offer of cooperation is acted upon.

9. The KPZ delegation visited A &S Olive Mill on Thursday 5^th December. It was a long journey of more than two hours since the olive grove and mill were located in Mateur.  The company is owned by two sisters who have received their education in Tunisia and abroad.  The two sisters had prepared a modest lunch based on olive oil and this topic was discussed in detail during the lunch.  The KPZ delegation stated that there was great need in Malta to organise olive oil recipes cooking in order to encourage the use of extra virgin olive oil.  It was agreed that this idea could be followed up with a joint event in Malta.  The KPZ was given a tour of the olive mill and the olive grove which was mainly based on the Chatoui, Sayeli and Arbequine cultivars.  Following the end of the discussions, the delegation returned to Tunis.

10.1.    During the last day of the visit, the KPZ delegation visited the Gene Bank of Tunisia.  The meeting was held with the Director and a number of highly graduated staff members, who were responsible for various sectors within the gene bank.  The work of the gene bank had commenced around 2007 and since then the bank has been able to build a large database of genetic resources in all sectors of agriculture and biodiversity.  The KPZ delegation informed the Tunisian side about the genetic resources project and how there could be cooperation to compare and further analyse the research results in both countries.  They stated this is very important and they were ready to cooperate with Malta and also to enter into EU funded projects to enhance their cooperation.  It was emphasised that this cooperation had to be channelled through the diplomatic channels, and that the Bank fell under the Ministry of the Environment of Tunisia.

10.2.    Our last meeting was held at Tunis Airport with Ms. Sawssen M’rad, the President of the Women’s Association of Olive Oil, a holder of a Ph.D. in olive oil from the University of Jaen (Spain).  Ms. M’rad is a Consultant in Olive oil Tasting and is an international olive oil tasting expert.  The KPZ delegation informed Ms. M’rad about our interest in the genetic resources through the project being funded by the EU in Malta and that this can foster cooperation with Tunisia, and also that there was the possibility to set up the Women’s Section within the Cooperative.  We would be highly interested to cooperate on the technical aspects, education, health and promotion of olive oil and any other topic within the olive sector.

There could be opportunities for joint projects, even through EU calls applicable to both Malta and Tunisia.  Both sides agreed to follow up the meeting in order to cooperate together.

Jimmy Magro

President

KOPERATTIVA PRODUTTURI TAZ-ZEBBUG LIMITED

REPORT ON THE VISIT TO THE INTERNATIONAL OLIVE COUNCIL, MADRID

DATES OF VISIT:  18^TH NOVEMBER TO 22 NOVEMBER 2024

1. The KPZ delegation was composed of President Jimmy Magro and Management Committee member Joyce Muscat.
2. The delegation met various Officials of the IOC as per list hereunder:

2.1.       Mr. Jaime Lillo, Executive Director, IOC:  Discussed the future of cooperation between IOC and KPZ especially in respect of the genetic resources project, training of olive growers and establishing panel tasters for Malta.  KPZ informed the ED that a new Ambassador will be in Madrid in January 2025 and it is anticipated that more contacts will be made with the IOC.  Mr. Lillo expressed his agreement that during 2025 the IOC will be more active with Malta and the KPZ.

2.2.       Mr. Lhassane Sikaoui, Head of the Olive Growing, Olive Oil Technology and Environment Unit.  The KPZ delegation provided the background of the genetic resources project and how the KPZ is working to finalise the characterisation of the Bidni cultivar to be recognized by the IOC and the Plant Protection Unit of Malta as part of their Gene Bank.  The IOC proposed to hold a workshop in Malta to discuss how this cooperation can be further developed together with CREA, an institution which has worked with IOC over the years.

2.3.       Ms. Mercedes Fernandez, Head of the Chemistry and the Standardisation Unit.  The KPZ delegation emphasised the need to enhance the capacity of the olive and olive oil sector in Malta and that the Cooperative requires the support of the IOC in building the laboratory and olive tasting panel capacity.  The IOC explained the measures to be taken and that such work can commence with other countries such as Italy and/or Tunisia.  The IOC expressed their support for these activities and shall continue to provide guidance in the context of IOC resources.

2.4.       Ms. Imene Trablesi, Head of Communications.  The KPZ delegation expressed its keen interest to seek support for the distribution of extra virgin olive oil in schools.  The IOC was supporting such activities and the IOC promised to send more information about the organisations that are working on such projects.  Another topic discussed was the information campaign of the genetic resources project and how this can be boosted on the IOC campaigns materials.

2.5.       Mr. F. Javir Larraona, Head of the Olive Observatory.  The discussion focused on the communications aspects of the olive observatory and how these activities can be used to the benefit of the olive sector in Malta, in particular the promotion of the genetic resources project being undertaken by the KPZ.  The IOC agreed to provide support in the communications of the results obtained by the project, and use their resources to disseminate information about the project.

2.6.       Ms. Maria Juarez, Head of Economic Affairs and Promotion Unit.  The KPZ delegation provided the background of the genetic resources project and explained the support which was being sought from IOC in order to establish direct cooperation on the recognition of the indigenous cultivars from Malta.  The IOC provided details about the work being carried out with the University of Cordoba which has established an international gene bank for olive trees, and how this experience can be used in the case of Malta.

3. The KPZ delegation had the opportunity to meet other members of the IOC Executive Secretariat with whom further cooperation with Malta was discussed.
4. The KPZ delegation was provided with the opportunity to visit olive groves and two olive mills outside Madrid as part of the programme for the delegation. During these visits, the KPZ delegation met the Managements of the olive groves and olive mills and discussed many technical subjects in the cultivation of olives and olive oil production.
5. The KPZ delegation was also invited to attend the event (Conference) to celebrate World Olive Tree Day, that focused on the 30^th Anniversary of the Mediterranean Diet. The Speakers of the conference included highly professional and international experts on the Mediterranean Diet.  Due to the work being carried out in Malta, together with the Health Promotion Unit of the Ministry of Health, the conference was found to be extremely useful and informative for the KPZ Delegation.

Jimmy Magro

President

The Cooperative has set up a billboard on Mdina Road, Qormi to provide publicity about the setting up of the Bidni nursery under the Genetic Resources Project.

The nursery shall be composed of about 1150 olive root stock, that will be grafted with Bidni scion;  the successful trees shall be distributed free of charge to the members of the Cooperative in accordance with a set of terms and conditions.

As part of the educational and awareness campaign of the Bidni project, the Cooperative has published an article on the Net News Portal.  The article can be read at this weblink:

https://netnews.com.mt/2024/11/21/il-kooperattiva-produtturi-taz-zebbug-qed-tfittex-sigar-taz-zebbug-baktar-minn-mitt-sena-ghal-skop-ta-ricerka/

The campaign has created great interest in the olive sector, with the Cooperative receiving many requests for information about the Cooperative, membership requests, requests for the purchase of olive trees, and more information on the Bidni project.

The Cooperative has replied to all queries received and informed the interested persons with the relevant information.

Qed ikollna hafna mistoqsijiet dwar il-bejgh tas-sigar tal-Bidni jew sigar ohrajn taz-zebbug meqjusa bhala sigar indigeni li tfisser sigar li ghandhom rabta mat-territorju ta’ Malta.

Importanti li wiehed jifhem li dawn is-sigar ma jistghux jigu impurtati bhal sigar ohrajn.  Irid ikun hemm xi hadd li jlaqqam is-sigar.  U dan hadd ma’ qed jaghmlu.

Permezz ta’ dan il-progett – Genetic Resources Project – il-Koperattiva se tkun qed tixtri madwar 1,200 root stock li se jingiebu Malta u se jkunu fil-mixtla tal-Gvern.  Hemmhekk se jinghataw il-kura mehtiega u jsir studju dwarhom ukoll.  Lejn Marzu/April 2025, dawn se jigu mlaqma minn sigar antiki hekk maghrufa bhala tal-BIDNI.

Huwa mistenni li f’Jannar 2026 dawn is-sigar kollha se jinghataw b’xejn lill-membri tal-Koperattiva wara li ssir sejha  pubblika u jigu registrati l-applikazzjonijiet kollha.  Dawn is-sigar se jitqassmu taht kundizzjonijiet li jridu jigu mharsa kolha ghaliex dan huwa progett tal-Unjoni Ewropeja u jkun hemm kontrolli stretti hafna fejn u kif ikunu intuzaw is-sigar li jinghataw mill-Koperattiva.

Min ikun interessat li jsir membru fil-Koperattiva huwa gentilment mitlub li jibghat email fuq [email protected].