Mr. David Lindsay's vision

CITAB’s focus on sustainable and competitive agrarian systems is an increased priority faced by the growing challenges on the food production system; in part by the impact of climate change on production; in part by the increased cost of energy, and the environmental impact of intensive, monocultural and intensive agricultural production.

The valorisation of food wastes will be significant in part in meeting these goals. By-products of fruit and vegetable production in Northern Portugal could be used to enhance the properties of packaging intended for food applications through an enhancement of physical, mechanical , antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of packaging systems. Grape and olive pomaces and seed extracts should be investigated for new applications in food processes which would enhance nutritional quality and are of organoleptic appeal.

The increased probability of food price inflation will require efficiency improvements. The application of digital technologies, both to avoid food spoilage, as well as in the application of automation, AI systems, or machine-enabled processes to improve the efficiency of production of the local agri-food chain are priorities for research.

Research into improved methodologies to avoid the contamination of aquifers and water courses by agricultural chemicals are essential for environmental protection. Monitoring of the use of drone technologies to avoid environmental contamination is critical, especially in vineyards and forestry areas.

All these priorities indicate the essential need for CITAB to encourage inter-disciplinary research across its three main areas of competence.