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

The project, whose main aim is to ensure local development by increasing production, exports and productivity in the sector in question and to increase the competitiveness of our country, also aims to raise awareness with effective clustering strategies and policies in the olive and olive oil sector. At the end of the project, the study outputs 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 regarding the technical issues that will be needed in the project at the training and meeting held with the participation of TÜSSİDE Project team, MFAL Project team and technical committee members formed with experts from the private sector, development agencies and universities.

In the four-day "Cluster Training", information was given on topics such as basic concepts of clustering, clustering policies in Turkey, clustering process and cluster management, and a sample cluster was visited and information was obtained from cluster managers and employees about how the cluster was created and managed.

The program also provides reinforcement of shared concepts and content through applied studies; Communication, motivation and team building activities were carried out to enable the teams and technical committee members to progress efficiently during the project journey.