Events

On May 8, Sanifruit is organizing a technical workshop dedicated to the post-harvest of tomatoes, peppers, and zucchini at the COEXPHAL Technological Innovation Center (CIT COEX) in La Mojonera, Almería . The event will begin at 3:30 p.m. and is specifically aimed at exporting companies interested in extending the shelf life of their products with natural and effective solutions . The event will feature participation from academic and technical experts. Antonio Mena , Territorial Delegate for Agriculture in Almería, will open the event, followed by presentations by Juan Carlos Pérez Mesa , Juan Luis Valenzuela , Sandra Mañas (Sanifruit), and technicians from the Technology Department of the Tecnova Foundation . Sanifruit CEO Javier Biel will present the company's post-harvest program and close the event. The event will include a coffee break and is free to attend , although prior registration is required. REGISTRATION

The event will allow participants to learn about the latest technologies in the control and automation of agricultural machinery for herbaceous and woody crops , as well as systems for managing inputs (fertilizer and phytosanitary products) tailored to the needs of each area of the land, in what is globally known as "Variable Dosing" (DV) , in addition to new technologies in harvesting, sensors installed in machines and robotics. PROGRAM | REGISTRATION Application period open until 01/05 incl .

Under the motto "Food for Tomorrow: Science, Technology and Innovation for Sustainable and Healthy Eating," the School of Food Science at the Pontifical Catholic University of Valparaíso will host the 23rd Congress of the Latin American and Caribbean Association of Food Science and Technology (ALACCTA 2025) and the 24th Congress of the Chilean Association of Food Science and Technology (Sochital 2025), to be held on April 9, 10, and 11, 2025. The event will bring together leading experts in the food industry, from both Chile and Latin America, to discuss the latest advances in the sector and future challenges. Under the theme "Science and Technology for Sustainable and Healthy Food," the conference will focus on three major themes: Food Science and Technology for Nutrition and Well-being : This theme will cover topics such as food materials science, sensory evaluation, functional foods, specialized nutrition, bioavailability, bioaccessibility, and the revaluation of traditional foods, among others. Innovations to improve health and well-being through nutrition will be discussed. Technological Innovation for Sustainable Food Processing : Advances in food analytics, preservation technologies, sensors and biosensors, food biotechnology, and packaging technology will be explored, focusing on a sustainable approach that reduces the water and carbon footprint. Challenges in Food Safety and Regulation : This area will address food microbiology and toxicology, contaminant detection, food fraud, and public policies, with an emphasis on ensuring food safety and legislative harmonization at the regional level. The congress will be a platform for knowledge exchange, promoting innovations and strategies to address the current challenges facing the food industry in the areas of health, sustainability, and food safety.

The event, organized by the Royal Academy of Gastronomy of Spain in collaboration with the CEU University Institute "Food and Society," will take place from March 27 to 29, 2025 , at the CEU San Pablo University in Madrid. The central axis of the SPAIN GASTRONOMY CONFERENCE is defined by the fact that the concept of gastronomy as an eminently recreational activity has become somewhat obsolete and that the other dimensions of the value chain of gastronomic activities, which encompass production, distribution, preparation, consumption and waste management, must be taken into account from a multidisciplinary and international perspective. Therefore, the objective of the Conference is to address from a scientific, academic, and professional perspective this new social, economic, psychological, medical, and cultural context of this new interpretation of gastronomy, where the criteria of sustainable production and healthy eating naturally complement the traditional concept of enjoyment associated with gastronomy. For this reason, we will bring together researchers, scholars, and professionals from different fields of science, academic disciplines, research networks, and policy areas to discuss this new framework for defining gastronomy as a holistic activity, with a primary focus on nutrition, health, and sustainability. PROGRAM | REGISTRATION

A field demonstration of the innovative DRONSAFE project ( Application of phytosanitary products with drones as a tool to reduce exposure) will take place on March 26th . Program: 9:30 Reception of attendees. 10:00 Opening. Welcome to the authorities. 10:10 Opening presentation on the DRONSAFE project: Objectives, scope, and expected results. Antonio Sánchez. R&D&I Project Manager at CTAEX. 10:30 Drone Application of Pesticides: Regulatory and Practical Considerations. Iván Carrillo, Manager of ICEBE AGRO. 11:00 Drones as a sustainable alternative for applying pesticides: experiences in specialty crops. Patricia Chueca. Researcher at the Agroengineering Center of the Valencian Institute of Agricultural Research (IVIA). 11:30 Practical demonstration in an experimental field. REGISTRATION

Technical workshops on tropical fruit cultivation: mango, avocado, pitaya. On Saturday the 22nd, a field visit will take place to a farm in Almuñécar that produces custard apples, avocados, and mangoes. Basic information: Date: March 20-22, 2025, 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM Venue: House of Culture Auditorium, 18690, Almuñécar, Granada Organized by: Granada + Association , Almuñécar Town Hall Funded by: Andalusian Government – European Union REGISTRATION | PROGRAM

The second edition takes place in a context marked by profound transformations in agriculture due to globalization, restrictions on the use of plant protection products, and the challenges posed by climate change. Against this backdrop, AgroMurcia seeks to assess the threats and opportunities in plant health and promote innovative solutions for the sector. The following main topics will be addressed: Block I: TRIPS Block II: New phytosanitary records Block III: Viruses Block IV: Discussion tables PROGRAM

The 2nd edition of AgroMurcia will be held at the El Batel Auditorium and Conference Centre (Cartagena) on 12 and 13 March 2025, following its successful first edition in the same month in 2023. Organized by : Department of Water, Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries of the Region of Murcia Co-organized by : PHYTOMA Collaboration : Cartagena City Council

IPMWise is a Decision Support Tool designed for precise and targeted weed control, based on field research conducted over the past six decades. Available for: Alfalfa, Lupine, Barley, Rapeseed, Chickpea, Sunflower, Pea, Broad Bean, Lentil, Corn, Soybean, Wheat, Triticale and Vetch; in this online seminar you will be able to learn how they work. Throughout the Seminar, Professor Montull will present the agronomic bases on which this HATD for Weed Control in Extensive Crops is based.

On December 17, the Ernest Lluc Hall of the Ministry of Health will host a conference organized by the Spanish Agency for Food Safety and Nutrition (AESAN) on various aspects of the control of Listeria monocytogenes in food and the challenges it poses for food safety. Registrations are reopened due to increased capacity. A link to follow the event online will be published a few days before the event, for which registration is not required. Final program

New consumer trends are evolving rapidly, driven by changes in technology, sustainability and consumer preferences. Consumers are increasingly concerned about the environmental impact of their purchases, and mental and physical health is a priority, favoring the consumption of products that promote well-being, healthy foods and self-care experiences. New alternative ingredients are being introduced into food manufacturing, food analogues (meat) whose consumption is decreasing, as well as new cooking/consumption practices that could have a direct impact on consumer food safety. The webinar “Shelf life of food: adapting to new consumer trends” to be held on December 10 will present these changes in habits and new developments, as well as their associated microbiological and physical-chemical risks and how to deal with them. Goals To raise awareness about new purchasing, consumption and cooking habits, as well as new alternative ingredients and similar foods, according to the latest AINIA 2024 Barometer. To delve deeper into the microbiological risks associated with new food consumption trends. To delve deeper into the physical-chemical risks associated with new ingredients and analogous foods. Addressed to R&D and Quality technicians from food companies. Webinar for professionals only. Methodology 1h15 webinar, starting at 11:00 CET (Spanish time) and ending at 12:15. Registration closes on December 9th at 16:00 . After registering, you will receive a first confirmation email from us, and another from the GoToWebinar platform with the link to connect. If you have not received it the day before, please contact us. Program Introduction and presentation of the AINIA Consumer Barometer «Microbiological shelf-life studies. Risks associated with new consumption habits». Laura Verdú, Microbiology Laboratory. Food Quality and Safety, AINIA «Physical-chemical shelf-life studies. Stability of foods with new ingredients». Sandra Leiva, Chemical Laboratory. Food Quality and Safety, AINIA Questions and conclusions

GENERAL OBJECTIVES Learn about success stories in the certification of sustainability systems and how to communicate our commitment to obtain tangible benefits. Know the requirements for packaging labeling according to the Packaging Regulations. Learn about the Biomethanization Plan of Castilla-La Mancha and the opportunities it offers for agri-food companies RECIPIENTS Technical staff of cooperatives and agri-food companies. Quality managers and managers Export sales and technical experts

The VII AGROCISTUS Technical Conference will take place on December 4 in Fraga (Huesca)

The Plant Health and Certification Service is the technical unit that carries out the functions of control and certification of seeds and nursery plants, the management of surveillance and control plans for plant pests and diseases, the marketing and use of phytosanitary products and their evaluation, and technical advice to the production sector on plant health and seed production.

The VIII Technical Forum on Plant Health organized by the Center for Plant Health and Certification will take place on November 28 in the Auditorium of the Mediterranean Agricultural Institute of Zaragoza

On the verge of its 40th edition, BioCultura Madrid will once again show that “bio” is not/was not a fad and that it is here to stay. The fair will be held in November at the Feria de Madrid-Ifema venue. The sectors will be: Organic food; Certified eco-natural cosmetics and hygiene; Healthy home; Sustainable fashion; Eco Lifestyle; Health and Wellbeing, NGOs… It is expected that 400 exhibitors will participate and that more than 50,000 visitors will once again be expected. More than 300 activities will be held in parallel to the exhibition. Ángeles Parra, director of the fair, commented that “it would be very difficult to summarise these almost 40 years of fairs, activism, rebellion and social awareness. We have never been a fad. Time has proved us right. The future will be ecological or it will not be.”

The 2nd Congress of Agricultural Engineering, organised by the Council of Official Colleges of Technical Agricultural Engineers of Spain and the Official College of Technical Agricultural and Forestry Engineers of Catalonia, will take place on 13 and 14 November at the Higher Technical School of Agri-Food and Forestry Engineering and Veterinary Medicine of the University of Lleida. The central themes of its seven sessions include water management, the food chain, agrivoltaics, green spaces and urban trees, hydrological forest management and plant health. PROGRAM | REGISTRATION

The 2nd Congress on Food Safety and Sustainability will take place in Valladolid on November 11 and 12. This event will address issues such as: Sustainability: How can we adapt sustainability to our food business? What tangible benefits will we gain? Food Safety: Crisis management and primary production. Culture and Soft Skills: How to establish changes that will land Culture throughout the company? Can a Culture plan prevent you from losing a certification in your company? Digitalisation and Artificial Intelligence: The use of Artificial Intelligence is adapting to many sectors. What tools are available to the food sector that will really benefit us? PROGRAM

The second edition of the Ontzi: Basque Food Packaging Innovation Hub meeting will soon be held, a key event that will bring together the main players in the food packaging sector, focused on sustainability and innovation. This meeting is an excellent opportunity to strengthen professional networks and foster collaboration towards a sustainable transition in the food industry. Organised by ontzi | Basque Food Packaging Innovation Hub, the event will feature an exhibition area and a space for conferences and round tables where experts will share knowledge and discuss the challenges and opportunities of the industry. This is an essential step towards a more sustainable future in the food sector.