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The ZRS Koper Competence Centre for Oliveculture and Mediterranean Cultures in Plavje is set to be completed by summer 2026. Photo: Škofije Local Community / ZRS Koper
With the support of the Municipality of Koper, the Science and Research Centre (ZRS) Koper and the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation of the Republic of Slovenia, a modern, multipurpose Competence Centre for Oliveculture and Mediterranean Cultures will be built on the brownfield site of a former military border post in Plavje. The Director of ZRS Koper emphasised the importance of scientific expertise and a firm commitment to local agriculture, particularly olive cultivation and viticulture, which are vital for the development of other economic sectors in Istria. Local residents welcomed the presentation.
This year, ZRS Koper is celebrating 30 years of scientific achievement and activity. Through its interdisciplinary work, which today brings together ten institutes and infrastructure units comprising 146 researchers and professional staff, ZRS Koper has become an internationally recognised reference centre for research on Mediterranean and Adriatic topics, as well as an important link in the transfer of knowledge to national and international settings. By investing in the new Competence Centre for Oliveculture and Other Mediterranean Cultures in Plavje, ZRS Koper will further develop its research and educational activities, focusing on olive cultivation and Mediterranean agriculture, thus contributing to the region’s economic growth and sustainable development.
The Institute for Oliveculture at ZRS Koper contributed the Centre’s very first scientific projects and conducts research on olive oil quality, innovative agronomic technologies, and sustainable agriculture. With its accredited laboratory — the only one of its kind in Slovenia — the Institute supports olive growers and processors, serving as a national reference laboratory. In addition to its research, the Institute actively transfers knowledge into agricultural practice, making a significant contribution to the development of the sector.
The new Competence Centre in Plavje will provide state-of-the-art facilities for research and enable the Institute for Oliveculture and the Institute of Viticulture and Wine Productionat ZRS Koper to expand their activities. Modern laboratories and facilities to support the development of biotechnologies, adaptation to climate change, the circular economy, etc. will be built on the site of the former border post.
In December 2022, the Municipality of Koper granted ZRS Koper a 40-year building right on the former border post brownfield site in Plavje, and the company obtained the building permit in February 2022. According to the planned timeline and under ideal conditions, ZRS Koper expects the detailed design phase to be completed by October this year, followed by a public tender to select the contractor. Construction work is scheduled to begin in winter, with most of the first phase to be carried out in 2025. The first phase is therefore expected to be completed by summer 2026, while the second phase will run in parallel.
This investment will enable ZRS Koper to strengthen its research capacity, expand its market-oriented activities, and boost the competitiveness of olive cultivation and Mediterranean agriculture. The new centre will play a pivotal role in adapting agriculture to climate challenges, promoting sustainable practices, and safeguarding the natural and cultural heritage of the Slovenian Mediterranean region.
Supported by the Municipality of Koper and the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation of the Republic of Slovenia, the project is in line with the country’s strategic goals for agricultural development.