• Experts from several Mediterranean countries meet in Zaragoza to discuss the latest advances in plant breeding that could mark the future of nut production in the region

Zaragoza, 25 September 2024.- Growing market demand, together with the challenges of climate change, have given rise to key debate in the Mediterranean region concerning how to enhance the availability of plant material –an essential element of nut growing and production. Within the framework of an international seminar organised by CIHEAM Zaragoza and the Agri-food Research and Technology Centre of Aragon (CITA), experts from both shores of the Mediterranean have met in Zaragoza this week to address current challenges related to the selection and breeding of the main nut species of the region: almond, hazelnut, chestnut, walnut, pecan, pinion pine and pistachio.

María Aitziber Lanza Goicoechea, director general of Food Quality and Safety of the Government of Aragon has inaugurated today’s event, together with Raúl Compés, director of CIHEAM Zaragoza, and María José Rubio-Cabetas, researcher from the department of Plant Science of the CITA and scientific coordinator of this international seminar.

The seminar gathered researchers and professionals from the nut sector who addressed numerous aspects including questions related to the biodiversity of the germplasm banks, availability of varieties at commercial level and crop adaptation to climate change.

Rubio-Cabetas talks about the current situation: “Nuts are an essential source of plant protein and the increase in demand across the world requires new solutions for the sector to be able to guarantee sustainability and competitiveness. During this seminar we will be putting the spotlight on plant material and on the importance of breeding strategies to ensure the future of nut production”.

Sharing knowledge between experts from both shores of the Mediterranean

The aim of the seminar is to encourage international collaboration in research on the breeding and conservation of the most important nut species or those with the most potential to mark the future of nut production in the Mediterranean region.

The director of CIHEAM Zaragoza comments on the seminar “A central aspect is the sharing of knowledge between experts on both shores of the Mediterranean, which is vital to be able to overcome the common challenges faced by the region”. He goes on to say that cooperation is a key pillar of CIHEAM Zaragoza’s mission. “For decades our Organisation has promoted international collaboration to improve agricultural sustainability and strengthen the links between Mediterranean countries”.

The seminar has begun with an explanation of the needs of the industry, followed by presentations delivered by experts from different Mediterranean countries, focused on each nut species. The seminar will conclude on Thursday with a field trip to the area of Caspe in the province of Zaragoza, where participants will have the opportunity to visit nurseries and orchards and see trials being conducted on different nut species.

About CIHEAM Zaragoza

The International Centre for Advanced Mediterranean Agronomic Studies (CIHEAM), created in 1962, is an intergovernmental organisation with 13 member countries (Albania, Algeria, Egypt, France, Greece, Italy, Lebanon, Malta, Morocco, Portugal, Spain, Tunisia and Türkiye) promoting international cooperation in topics related to agriculture and food. CIHEAM Zaragoza is the headquarters of the Organisation in Spain. Founded in 1969, CIHEAM Zaragoza offers quality and excellence in training and promoting international cooperation through research to overcome the challenges faced by Mediterranean agri-food systems. Current activities focus on the following areas of expertise: sustainable agrifood systems; fisheries and aquaculture; water, soil and ecosystems; forest management; and territorial and inclusive development.

About CITA

The Agri-food Research and Technology Centre of Aragon (CITA), was created through Law 29/2002 on 17 December 2002. It is a public body attached to the Department of Employment, Science and Universities of the Government of Aragon. CITA carries out research and technology development work for the agri-food, forestry and environmental sectors. CITA is located on the Aula Dei Campus in Montañana, one of the most important agricultural research campuses in the country. Since 2015, together with the University of Zaragoza, it is part of the Agri-Food Institute of Aragon (IA2). Its mission is to produce quality scientific and technical information about the agri-food sector and the environment which is relevant for the private sector, government and the general public. Research must allow us to increase the sustainability, resilience and competitiveness of agri-food and forestry system as we face global change.