Innovation and sustainability in nut production

The advanced course will provide agricultural professionals, researchers, consultants, and decision-makers with an advanced and integrated understanding of innovation, sustainability, and technical management strategies in modern nut production systems , in response to increasing pressures related to climate variability, resource efficiency, market demands, and environmental sustainability. The program addresses the biological, agronomic, technological, and economic dimensions that are shaping the future of fruit systems in the Mediterranean.

Course objectives:

• Acquire an advanced understanding of the ecophysiological and edaphoclimatic needs of the main nut species (almond, pistachio, hazelnut and walnut).
• Evaluate plantation design strategies and mechanization approaches in different production scenarios.
• Understanding the water needs of crops and applying efficient irrigation strategies, including deficit irrigation.
• Analyze the role of plant material and genetic improvement in productivity, resilience, and sustainability.
• Identify the main biotic and abiotic limitations that affect nut production systems.
• Applying sustainable management principles to plantations: soil management, plant cover, precision nutrition, and integrated crop protection.
• Understanding the interactions between production practices, quality attributes, and post-harvest performance.
• Evaluate the economic, technological and environmental implications of innovation in nut production systems.
• Develop a holistic perspective of future challenges, the transition to sustainability, and innovation opportunities in these production systems.

Registration

Applications must include a curriculum vitae and copies of the most relevant supporting documents related to the course subject matter. The application deadline is June 10, 2026.

PROGRAM

1. Opening (1 h)
2. Production, markets and marketing of nuts in the world (1 h)
3. Biology and ecological needs of the almond tree (1 h)
4. Biology and ecological needs of the pistachio tree (1 h)
5. Biology and ecological needs of the hazel tree (1 h)
6. Biology and ecological needs of the walnut tree (1 h)
7. Planning, design and development of the plantation (2 h)
8. Water requirements and irrigation strategies (2 h)
9. Module per species – almond tree (3 h)
10. Module per species – pistachio tree (3 h)
11. Module per species – walnut (3 h)
12. Sustainable plantation management (2 h)
13. Harvesting and post-harvest systems (2 h)
14. Fruit quality and related value chain issues (2 h)
15. Presentations by the participating groups and round table – Future challenges and avenues for innovation (2 h)
16. Technical visit (September 26) La Almunia de Doña Godina (Zaragoza)

Detailed PROGRAM | BROCHURE | SCHEDULE | CONTACT : Joaquín Balduque (Academic Coordinator) iamz@iamz.ciheam.org