Edremit Institute of Olive Grove

Hello, I am Dr. Tuba ÖNCÜL ABACIGİL, an Assistant Professor. I serve as the Director of the Edremit Olive Cultivation Institute at Balıkesir University, as well as the Head of the Plant and Animal Production Department at Edremit Vocational School. I have been working as an academic staff member at Balıkesir University for 16 years. Additionally, for the past 6 years, I have been fulfilling the role of the Director at the Olive Cultivation Institute. My research area focuses on forest and agricultural entomology. I have conducted and completed numerous articles and scientific research projects in this field. Since 2017, our university has established facilities in collaboration with the Edremit Olive Cultivation Institute and our vocational school. These facilities are used for the production of our university's olive and olive oil products, as well as for interdisciplinary scientific research. Private companies engaged in olive cultivation in the region can also participate in these activities. As a result, individuals who are interested in observing the production process, seeking knowledge about olive cultivation, can witness these activities within our university. The institute sheds light on olive cultivation activities in our region, contributing to the improvement of product quality and increased added value for the region's products. Our institute conducts numerous research projects within the fields of olive farming and olive industry to identify contributing factors to problems and combat them. Edremit Olive Institute, established within Balıkesir University, is located within the boundaries of Edremit district. Due to its geographical location and the barrier effect of Mount Kaz, Edremit has a highly suitable ecosystem for olive cultivation. As a result, a large portion of the local population is engaged in olive farming and earns a living from it. Various chambers of commerce, municipalities, and public institutions in the Edremit region conduct research and work related to olives. Our institute provides consultancy services and contributes to these studies by providing guidance. Moreover, starting from 2023, our institute has undertaken a participant role in a European Union project applied for and accepted by Edremit Municipality. In 2023, our institute will be a partner in the European Union project on olive farming and climate change applied for by Edremit Municipality. Additionally, our institute is a member of the olive and olive oil monitoring commission of Edremit Chamber of Commerce. Therefore, our institute actively participates in all the activities planned by the Edremit Chamber of Commerce in the olive and olive oil sector. Particularly, Edremit has been supporting all efforts regarding geographical indication registration for olive oil and Edremit green marbled olives from the beginning. The Edremit Olive Institute collaborates with nearby municipalities such as Balıkesir Metropolitan Municipality, Edremit Municipality, and Burhaniye Municipality. Additionally, our institute serves as a member of the advisory and supervisory board of the national olive and olive oil council. We contribute to the works of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry regarding olive and olive oil. Since its establishment, our institute has been actively involved in interdisciplinary scientific research, contributing to the solution of problems encountered in the local olive farming sector and enhancing the added value and quality of locally produced goods. Edremit Olive Institute continues its efforts to educate and train experts in the field through doctoral and master's programs. We wish the best of luck to prospective candidates interested in joining our university.