NOVA University of Lisbon, Instituto Nacional de Investigação Agrária e Veterinária (INIAV) and Elvas City Hall celebrated the 15th of May, known as Farmers Day, with the signature of a protocol for the implementation of InnovPlantProtect, a research workshop for agricultural innovation. The initiative, which is led by NOVA, had the presence of the Minister of Agriculture, Forests and Rural Development, Luís Capoulas Santos, the President of Elvas City Hall, Nuno Mocinha, the Rector of NOVA, Professor João Sàágua, and the President of INIAV, Nuno Canada.
The competitiveness of the agricultural sector implies a ongoing incorporation of innovation and know-how transfer to the agricultural producers, allowing a larger and better production, with a more sustainable use of available resources. Having this in mind, NOVA University of Lisbon, in collaboration with INIAV and Elvas City Hall decided to create, at the National Station for Plant Breeding of INIAV, in Elvas, the research workshop InnovPlantProtect. The project also counts with eight other national agricultural entities as partners - Anpoc, Anpromis, Bayer, Casa do Arroz, Cebal, Fertiprado, Fnop and Syngenta.
The purpose of this research workshop is to develop innovative organic solutions for the protection of mediterranean crops, seeds and post-harvest products, with a special attention to plagues and emergent diseases.
The research workshop will develop its processes and technological products in a market logic, establishing partnerships with national and foreign public and private institutions.
Check the complete program of Farmers Day (in Portuguese).