Objectives

The Center for the Promotion of Olive Oil was founded in 2002 by the Institute of Olive Tree and Subtropical Plants of Chania, which is part of the National Agricultural Research Foundation (N.AG.RE.F.). Assistance was provided by the General Secretariat of the Region of Crete which financed the Center’s organization within the framework of the Operational Research Program, during the period 1994-1999.

The objectives of the Center are:

 To collect, maintain and exhibit archaeological, historical and traditional material related to the olive crop of Crete,

 To promote the consumption of Cretan olive oil on an international and a European level, as well as within Greece,

 To inform consumers about the high organic value of Cretan olive oil,

 To protect olive oil from adulteration with other vegetable or animal oils,

 To promote the exporting of Cretan olive oil,

 To establish Cretan olive oil both domestically and abroad as a natural health product.

 Results

 Establishment of Museum of Olive.

 Organization of meetings for olive oil mill owners in Chania and in Rethimno. Participated of 100 individuals.

 Publication of a special edition for the olive.

 Co-organization of the International Symposium on "The Olive Tree and the Environment" (Chania 1-3 October 2003), as well as co- organization of parallel events on the subject of olive (Presentation of Cretan painting, sculpture and engraving Artists from 27 -9-2003 to 12- 10 -2003 and presentation of work of women’s association of Chania "IRIS" from 28-9-2003 to 5-10-2003)