The meeting will focus on the exchange of knowledge and expertise on research and implementation of control strategies of olive pests and diseases, aiming to minimize the impacts on the environment, increase sustainability and support the production of higher quality olive products. Main goal of the group is also to promote cooperation among scientists, advisors and other stakeholders dealing with all aspects of olive tree protection.

Olive cultivation is an ancient tradition in Montenegro. Proof of its long history can be found in groves that are extremely old. Two outstanding specimens, the 'Old olive tree' in Bar and the 'Big olive tree' near Budva, are estimated to be more than 2,000 years old.

It is estimated that Montenegro currently has 460,890 olive trees on 3,200 ha, constituting a third of the total area under fruit cultivation. Approximately 70% of groves are traditional ones with trees that are more than 100 years old.

Members of WPRS are individual scientists, governmental, scientific or commercial organisations from 24 countries of Europe, Mediterranean region and the Middle East.

IOBC-WPRS encourages collaboration in promoting feasible and environmentally safe methods of pest and pathogen control.