Cluster Training and Project Kick-off Meeting, which is one of the first stages of the "Olive and Olive Oil Sector National Cluster Strategies Development Project" carried out in accordance with the protocol signed between the Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Livestock (MoFAL) and TUSSIDE, was held at TÜBİTAK TUSSIDE on August 25-28, 2014.

The main objective of the project is to increase production, exports and productivity in the sector in order to ensure local development and increase the competitiveness of our country. The project also aims to raise awareness on effective clustering strategies and policies in the olive and olive oil sector. At the end of the project, the study outputs obtained will be used by the Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Livestock in the development of regulations, policies and supports related to the olive and olive oil sector in the coming period.

In line with the stated objectives, information was shared and evaluations were made on the technical issues that will be needed in the project in the training and meeting held with the participation of TÜSSİDE Project team, MoFAL Project team and technical committee members formed with experts from private sector, development agencies and universities.

During the four-day "Clustering Training", information was provided on topics such as basic concepts related to clustering, clustering policies in Turkey, clustering process and cluster management, and a sample cluster was visited and information was received from cluster managers and employees on how the cluster was formed and managed.

In the program, where the concepts and content shared were reinforced with practical activities, communication, motivation and team building activities were carried out to ensure that teams and technical committee members can progress efficiently in the project journey.