Students from the Master’s Degree in Agroecology: A Sustainable Transformation Approach to Agri-Food Systems at the Universidad Internacional de Andalucía (UNIA) recently took part in a field visit aimed at strengthening their practical understanding of agroecological principles applied to olive production systems.
The visit was led by Roberto García, Principal Investigator of AgroecoliveLab and Professor at the University of Jaén, and included a tour of an organic olive grove located between Pegalajar and Mancha Real (Jaén), as well as a local olive oil mill. During the activity, students were able to engage directly with the farm owner and discuss key aspects such as nutrient inputs, energy flows and biodiversity-based management practices, including the use of livestock for weed control and soil fertilisation.
Participants were also introduced to the “Olivares Vivos” programme, an enhanced sustainability certification that integrates biodiversity conservation criteria alongside organic production standards. This hands-on experience allowed students to connect theoretical concepts — such as agroecosystem structure, nutrient cycling and ecological management — with real-world practices.
The field visit forms part of the master’s educational approach, which combines academic training with practical experiences to prepare future researchers and professionals committed to the development of sustainable agroecological systems.