On 5 and 6 September, at Sabico das Areias in Montemor-o-Velho, CONSULAI was present with the Horizon Europe project NUTRI-CHECK NET at Mondego Agrícola 2024 – Crop Fair, organised by the Baixo Mondego Professional and Rural Development School. The event brought together farmers, technicians and experts, providing a space for sharing, in the middle of the field, on the latest innovations and challenges in the agricultural sector. This project, in which CONSUALAI leads the communication and dissemination of results and coordinates the Portuguese farmers’ network, aims to respond to one of the sector’s biggest challenges: increasing agricultural productivity while reducing the use of synthetic fertilisers and the loss of nutrients in maize, wheat and potato crops.

During the two days, visitors had the chance to see trials of different varieties of maize and rice, potato demonstration fields, exhibitions and demonstrations of agricultural tractors and machinery, and displays of products and services at the stands of various companies. 

In addition, visitors were able to attend some lectures and debates on important topics for the agricultural sector. These talks were attended by around 130 people. 

The lecture on the first day was given by Ana Paula Garcia, Subdirector-General of the DGAV (directorate-general for food and veterinary), who presented the main plant protection products authorised for rice cultivation, the most common pests and diseases and also the emerging pests in this crop that everyone should be alert to. The lecture was also attended by Carlos Parreira do Amaral, President of the Portuguese Rice Growers’ Association, who presented the evolution of rice cultivation and new trends. After these two lectures, discussion was opened up to the participants. 

The lecture on the second day featured Bruno Dimas, Subdirector General of the GPP (Planning, Policy and General Administration Office), who spoke about the new support measures that are being devised to support the sector. This talk also covered topics such as the importance of maize cover crops and the constraints on their installation, as well as the importance of good irrigation water management. 

CONSULAI’s participation with the NUTRI-CHECK NET project was an added value, as it enabled us to make the project known to more farmers and technicians and to learn more about the practices that are being used in this region of the country to respond to the huge challenge of increasing agricultural productivity by reducing the use of synthetic fertilisers and the loss of nutrients.

Learn more about the NUTRI-CHECK NET project at: Platform | NUTRI-CHECK NET

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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