What is Soil O-live?
Soil O-live is a Research Project funded by the European Union and coordinated by the University of Jaén to study the biodiversity and functionality of the olive grove soil and its relationship with the production and quality of olive oil. It is part of the Soil Heath and Food Mission of the Horizon Europe R&D+i program (European Union research and innovation framework program for 2021-2027).
1. Elements that compose it
The logo design is based on the essential elements of the project. Olive’s «O» is divided into two parts by the ground line. The upper part represents biodiversity, and the green color has been chosen strategically as a representation of life. The lower part of the «O» represents the part that would be underground, the soil itself that is the object of study. Its reddish color is due to the term used in Italian to refer to Mediterranean soils: terra rossa.
Two modalities have been created to be used as appropriate: one in applications not belonging to the scientific field, where an explanation of what the project studies is needed, with the text «Soil Biodiversity and Functionality of Mediterranean Olive Groves.» Another, for a more scientific and internal sphere where this explanation is dispensable, only Soil O-live would appear. Furthermore, the need for an isotype representing self-identity is critical to all merchandising products to which it is to be applied.
Simple Option of Soil O-live Logo
Complete Option of Soil O-live Logo
2. Universality
To take into account a global vision and a European perspective, we did a study of European logos from other projects, both scientific and from different fields. In its design, we know that the target exceeded the Spanish borders. That is why the result is an internationally understandable logo, both for its isotype and typography, the Akshar. We also considered that on many occasions, it would appear together with the symbols of the European Commission, the University of Jaén, and the University Institute of Olive Grove and Olive Oil Research.
The project consortium comprises fifteen academic institutions and two companies in the olive sector. Thus, at the national level, the project also has the University of Jaén, which acts as coordinator, with the participation of the Higher Council for Scientific Research, C.S.I.C (with three research centers, the Zaidín Experimental Station, the Institute of Sustainable Agriculture and the Aula Dei Experimental Station) and the University of Castilla La Mancha. At an international level, prestigious institutions participate, such as the University of Roma Tre (Italy), the Free University of Berlin (Germany), the University of Tras-Os-Montes e Alto Douro (Portugal), the University of the Aegean (Greece), the Hellenic University of the Mediterranean (Greece), ELGO-DIMITRA (Greece), the University of Silesia in Katowice (Poland), the University of Palermo (Italy), the Italian National Research Council-Bari (CNR), the National School of Agriculture of Meknes (Morocco), and as associated partner the University of Bern (Switzerland). Nutesca S.L. and the multinational company DEOLEO GLOBAL S.A., one of the world’s leading marketing companies in the olive oil sector. In addition, the Spanish Agency for Standardization participates as a partner. Finally, SOIL O-LIVE has the backing of the International Olive Council and the support of the European Soil Data Center (ESDAC) of the Joint Research Center of the European Commission.
3. Mass Media
