The event of the fruit and vegetable industry took place on 9 and 10 February, at the Montebelo Mosteiro de Alcobaça Historic Hotel, the monastery where the monks originally have developed innovation and technology, especially in terms of irrigation. This time was the opportunity for researchers, technicians and others agents in the sector to discuss problems and innovative solutions for the main fruit crops, from production to post-harvest.

ciTechCare was represented at this 5th National Symposium of Fruit Growing, with the participation of the researchers Marisa Gaspar and Ana Cristina Rodrigues through the presentation of the poster entitled: “From the waste of Rocha Pear to the development of new products”, also authored by the researchers Maria Guarino and Luís Luís.

This is a work that is being developed at ciTechCare and at the School of Health Sciences of Polytechnic of Leiria, in collaboration with RochaCenter – Center for Post-harvest and Technology, whose aim is to develop innovative food products from Rocha Pear waste, with potential therapeutic activities, and with a contribution to the circular economy.

The program of this event was also focused on the use of new technologies to face the major problems of the sector.

The Portuguese Association of Horticulture, the National Horticultural Technological Operating Center – Competence Center, the National Institute of Agricultural and Veterinary Research, the Regional Directorate of Agriculture and Fisheries of Lisbon and Tagus Valley and the Municipality of Alcobaça organized together this event to share knowledge and to present the latest technical and scientific advances in the fruit area.