The ELIADA project focuses on the protection of Greek olive genetic resources through their characterization using modern, innovative tools in genomics, phenomics, metabolomics, and genetics. It also aims to exploit these resources through the use of both traditional and innovative agronomic and genetic approaches that will differentiate and improve the final product and cultivation, providing desirable agronomic, nutritional, and quality characteristics directly linked to the local environment and authenticity.

The primary goal of the program is the characterization, evaluation, and exploitation of Greek olive varieties with the aim of increased resilience to real scenarios of climate change, the production of nutritionally, organoleptically, and qualitatively differentiated olive oil and edible olive products, and in the long term, the production or exploitation of new varieties/clones.

The project collaborates with three private entities (Union of Agricultural Cooperatives of Laconia Marakas – Oil Mill – Cultivation, AVMap GIS A.E.) and two research institutions (Mediterranean Agronomic Institute of Chania, Agricultural University of Athens). All partners have extensive experience in olive cultivation and analysis of olive genetic material, as well as in implementing specialized publicity actions.

The role of AVMap in the project is focused on building a database and website (https://olivegenetics.gr/) as a means of disseminating and publicizing the project’s activities with continuous updates and enrichment with material, as well as organizing workshops/seminars for better communication and exchange of research results, as well as for better publicity of the project’s outcomes.