Portugal: Study highlights involvement of Sabugal farmers in chestnut production

A study titled 'Analysis of the life cycle and sustainability of nut production – Comparative study between the municipalities of Sabugal, Covilhã and Fundão' is being conducted under the 'Cultivar' project, a joint initiative by CATAA, the University of Coimbra, and the Polytechnic Institute of Castelo Branco. The study aims to understand the dynamics of chestnut production in the municipalities of Sabugal, Fundão, and Covilhã in Portugal. The research has found that Sabugal is more sustainable and productive due to the higher involvement of farmers in the production process. The study also highlights the environmental benefits of chestnut production, such as minimal water usage and low fossil fuel consumption, despite the release of greenhouse gases. Other aspects of the project include a clinical nutritional study and post-harvest conservation techniques to help producers sell at profitable times. The findings will be published in an international journal and are being presented at the 5th Fair of Technologies for Energy – ENERTECH in Sabugal.