ELIA — Excellence in Learning, Innovation, and Agriculture — is an Erasmus+ Centre of Vocational Excellence reshaping how the olive sector teaches, innovates and grows.
Coordinated from Chalkidiki, Greece, the project brings together universities, chambers of commerce, cooperatives, research bodies and SMEs to build a connected ecosystem for vocational excellence — from grove to market, classroom to enterprise.
ELIA is built around the four key pillars of the European Centre of Vocational Excellence model.
A modular VET curriculum, micro-credentials, sectoral research and pilot training in precision agriculture, climate-resilient farming and circular practices in waste and pest control for the olive sector (WP2, WP3, WP4).
Accessible learning paths for underrepresented groups (women in agriculture, learners from rural and remote regions, migrants, NEETs) and stakeholder consultations across all partner countries (WP2, WP5).
Cross-border collaboration between VET providers, industry, chambers of commerce and public bodies across 7 countries (WP1, WP5).
Long-term policy reform, recognition of new qualifications and sustainable governance for the olive VET ecosystem beyond the project lifetime (WP6, WP7).
"The olive tree binds the Mediterranean. ELIA binds those who keep it growing."
Hover or tap a country to explore its partners.
Project officially begins on 1 May 2026. Kick-off meeting in Thessaloniki, Greece. Consortium-wide governance and work-package activation.
Sector skills analysis completed. Curriculum (WP3) and micro-credentials framework (WP4) launched. Policy work begins (WP6).
National apprenticeships across all 7 partner countries — first cohort completed (M30), connecting learners, SMEs and research centres.
Final policy reports and curriculum recognition delivered. ELIA outputs and online platform sustained beyond the project, with continued access committed for at least five years post-project.
Are you a learner, educator, cooperative or business in the olive sector? Join the ELIA community.