Recently, the Safe-H2O-Farm project has been active at various events, bringing knowledge from our labs and fields directly to both experts and the wider public.
At the 11th International Congress of Food Technologists, Biotechnologists and Nutritionists in Zagreb (Dec 9–11, 2025), Natalija Bulaš from the Institute for Adriatic Crops and Karst Reclamation presented a poster titled:
“Inhibition of β-Glucosidase by Different Copper Salts in Model Systems: Insights into Phenolic Compound Formation in Virgin Olive Oil”.
The research explored how different copper salts affect β-glucosidase activity and phenolic compound formation in olive oil, contributing to Safe-H2O-Farm’s goals of sustainable plant protection and food quality.
On January 31, 2026, we had the pleasure of hosting 6th-grade students from OŠ Pazdigrad, who explored the magical world of olives and olive oil. The students toured our olive groves and visited the Laboratory for Food Technology and Olive Oil Analytics, learning how the quality of “liquid gold” is scientifically monitored. With the help of our colleague Luka, they discovered the olive fruit fly and ecological ways to protect olive trees, and under Natalija’s guidance, they participated in a sensory analysis and olive oil tasting – laughter, amazement, and curiosity were everywhere!
As part of the HORIZON project “Science Comes To Town”, in the unique setting of Diocletian’s Cellars held from Jan 20 to Jan 24, 2026, Natalija, Maja, and Mirella presented results from the Safe-H2O-Farm project, showing how science can be accessible, fun, and useful in everyday life. Tens of visitors, including producers, students and citizens, explored sustainable development and environmental protection through workshops, games, and experiments, while strengthening a shared European scientific culture.
The takeaway? Science is all around us – from labs and olive groves to classrooms and city spaces – and at Safe-H2O-Farm, we love sharing our knowledge and inspiring both young and grown-up minds to explore and innovate.
