• More than three days of scientific and technical exchange focused on the main challenges facing fruit growing and citriculture, with particular emphasis on climate change, sustainability and innovation.
• The programme combined keynote presentations, scientific posters and technical field visits to bring the latest research advances closer to agricultural practice and strengthen collaboration between the scientific community and the sector.

On 16-18 June, CIHEAM Zaragoza hosted the XIII National Congress on Fruit Growing and Citrus Production, jointly organised by the Agri-Food Research and Technology Centre of Aragon (CITA), the Spanish Society of Horticultural Sciences (SECH), and CIHEAM Zaragoza.

Over the three days of the congress, researchers, technical specialists, firms, and professionals from the sector shared their knowledge and experience concerning key challenges currently facing fruit growing and citrus production. The opening ceremony included a moving tribute to José Luis Espada Carbó, acknowledging his contribution to the development of fruit growing in Aragon and Spain.

Rising to the sector’s challenges science and innovation

The programme covered key questions for the future of fruit growing and citrus production, such as adaptation to climate change, plant breeding, plant health, sustainability of production systems, efficient water use, and the incorporation of new technologies.

The event combined scientific presentations delivered in oral communication and poster sessions and contributions from keynote speakers, providing insight into recent developments in fields such as plant material, crop protection, mechanisation, the carbon balance in citrus growing, and new production models.

From scientific debate to field operations

The congress delegates took part in a technical visit to Calatorao, Ricla and Alfamén to see innovations in pistachio and fruit orchards and different examples of production and management systems.

The event combined scientific knowledge, technical experience and direct observations in the field, facilitating the exchange of ideas and experiences between experts to offer solutions for current and future challenges in the sector.

Once again, the congress highlighted the value of creating opportunities for professionals in research, innovation and farming to work together and progress towards a better-prepared, more sustainable and resilient agrifood sector.