The Bandırma Commodity Exchange Delegation Examined Balıkesir University's Olive Cultivation Infrastructure in Edremit On-Site

The Olive and Olive Oil Professional Group of the Bandırma Commodity Exchange conducted a one-day technical visit to Edremit on April 14, 2026. The visit aimed to enhance professional knowledge and experience while observing olive and olive oil production and processing techniques on-site at Balıkesir University’s Edremit Olive Institute and Edremit Vocational School.

Participation and Delegation

A delegation of 41 members attended the visit, including:

• Can Ata Tan, Chairman of the Board of Bandırma Commodity Exchange.

• Veysel Selvi, Vice Chairman of the Board.

• Mustafa Çömez and Onur Eken, Board Members.

• Prof. Dr. Metehan Yılgör, Academic Advisor.

• Officials from the District Directorate of Agriculture, Marmarabirlik, and the Chairman of Trakyabirlik.

• Various olive and olive oil producers.

Institutional Presentations

The delegation was welcomed by Asst. Prof. Dr. Tuba Öncül Abacıgil (Director of the Edremit Olive Institute), Prof. Dr. Selami Selvi (Director of Edremit Vocational School), and Lecturer Nuray Unat (Assistant Director).

During the meeting held in the conference hall, Prof. Dr. Selami Selvi briefed the delegation on the academic programs, training, and research activities of the Edremit Vocational School. Subsequently, Asst. Prof. Dr. Tuba Öncül Abacıgil delivered a detailed presentation on the university's research infrastructure in olive cultivation, ongoing projects, and industry-oriented initiatives.

On-Site Inspection of Facilities

As part of the program, the delegation visited the Olive Oil Education, Research, and Application Facility, guided by Dr. Abacıgil. Participants received first-hand information regarding:

• Olive oil processing equipment and production infrastructure.

• Practical application areas used in training.

• Technical capabilities integrated into the production process.

Future Collaborations and Training

The technical visit served to strengthen the exchange of knowledge between industry producers and academic institutions. A key highlight of the meeting was the focus on increasing educational activities to improve producers' skills.

In this regard, it was announced that Balıkesir University Edremit Olive Institute and Edremit Vocational School plan to organize various courses and distance learning programs for olive producers, covering different specialized areas of olive cultivation in the upcoming period.