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Investment in the Competence Centre for Olive and Mediterranean Cultures ZRS Koper presented to the residents of Plavje

The Competence Centre for Olive Growing and Mediterranean Cultures ZRS Koper Plavje is expected to be completed by the end of summer 2026.

A modern, multifunctional Competence Centre for Olive Cultivation and Mediterranean Cultures is being built on the site of the former military barracks in Plavje, with the support of the Koper Municipality, the Koper Science and Research Centre and the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation of the Republic of Slovenia (RS). The Director of ZRS Koper emphasised the importance of scientific expertise and commitment to local agriculture, especially olive and wine growing, which are of great importance for the development of other economic sectors in Istria. The presentation was warmly received by the local population.

This year, ZRS Koper celebrates the 30th anniversary of its scientific achievements and activities. With its interdisciplinary activities, which today bring together the work of 10 institutes and infrastructure units, employing 146 researchers and professional staff, ZRS Koper has become an internationally recognised reference centre for Mediterranean and Adriatic research and plays a crucial role in the transfer of knowledge to the domestic and international environment. With the investment in the new Competence Centre for Mediterranean Culture Research in Plavje, ZRS Koper will enable the further development of research and educational activities focusing on olive cultivation and Mediterranean agriculture, contributing to the economic growth and sustainable development of the region.

The Institute for Oliveculture of ZRS Koper, which initiated the first scientific projects at the Centre, conducts research into olive oil quality, innovative agronomic technologies and sustainable agriculture. With an accredited laboratory, unique in Slovenia, it provides support to olive growers and processors and serves as the national reference laboratory. In addition to research, the Institute is also involved in the transfer of knowledge into agricultural practice, making a significant contribution to the development of the sector.

The new Competence Centre for Mediterranean Cultures, to be built in Plavje, will provide modern conditions for research work and enable the expansion of the activities of the Institute of Oliveculture of ZRS Koper and the Institute of Viticulture and Enology of ZRS Koper. On the site of the former barracks, modern laboratories and facilities will be built to support the development of biotechnologies, adaptation to climate change, circular economy and more.

In December 2022, the Municipality of Koper transferred to ZRS Koper the 40-year building rights to the degraded area of the former barracks in Plavje, which received the building permit in February 2022. According to the planned schedule and ideal conditions, ZRS Koper expects to complete the project implementation phase by October 2024 and to issue a tender for the selection of a contractor. Construction is expected to start in the winter months, with the majority of the first phase work to be completed by 2025. The first phase of the project is expected to be completed by the summer of 2026, while the second phase will be implemented in parallel with the completion of the first phase.

With this investment, ZRS Koper will strengthen its research capacities, increase its market activities and improve the competitiveness of olive growing and Mediterranean agriculture. The new centre will play a key role in adapting agriculture to climate challenges, promoting sustainable practices and preserving the natural and cultural heritage of the Slovenian Mediterranean.

The project is supported by the Municipality of Koper, the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation of the Republic of Slovenia and is in line with national strategic objectives for agricultural development.