The International Congress on Agroindustrial Engineering, organized by the Faculty of Agricultural Engineering and the CDTA of the University of Concepción, brings together some 300 professionals from the 22 countries that make up the International University Network of Agroindustrial Engineering on the Chillán campus.
With top-level presentations that raised key challenges for the food sector, the eighth version of the International Congress of Agroindustrial Engineering Chile 2022 began this Monday. This year it was organized by the Faculty of Agricultural Engineering (FIAUdeC) and the Center for Agroindustrial Technological Development (CDTA) of the University of Concepción, an opportunity for the exchange of knowledge of nearly 300 professionals from the 22 countries that make up the International University Network of Agroindustrial Engineering (Red UNIA).
The inauguration, at the UdeC Chillán campus, was headed by the rector of the U. de Concepción, Dr. Carlos Saavedra; the regional governor of Ñuble, Oscar Crisostomo; the dean of FIAUdeC, Dr. Maria Eugenia Gonzalez; the director of the UdeC Chillán campus, Dr. Pedro Pablo Rojas; the secretary of the UNIA Network, Dr. Raul Siche; and the official mayor of Chillán, Brigida Hormazábal.
FIAUdeC academic and President of the Congress, Dr. Rudi Radrigán, highlighted the great interest of the attendees in the topics addressed, among whom, in addition to researchers, there were representatives of the Government, companies and organizations. In this regard, Dr. Radrigán, who is director of the Chilean chapter of the UNIA Network, pointed out the importance of the link between academia and the public and private sectors. Specifically, in his speech, he thanked the Regional Government of Ñuble for its support in making this Congress a reality.
Likewise, Rector Saavedra highlighted the topics that are being addressed, such as "the relationship between the sustainable development goals and the agroindustry, biofuels and land transport, the contribution of the Faculty of Agricultural Engineering to the Chilean agroindustry, innovation, clean production in agriculture, desalination, the packaging industry, food chemistry and sustainable functional foods, among others."
Sustainable Development
For her part, the dean of FIAUdeC highlighted “the importance of international cooperation in order to move forward”, as one of the great lessons learned from the pandemic, and pointed to the urgent challenges of the sector, in order to meet the sustainable development goals adopted by the United Nations for 2030, regarding “climate change, water scarcity and the degradation of our natural resources due to the way we have been exploiting them”.
Dr. González pointed out that “our actions in the field of sustainable food systems are very important, because we have to protect our ecosystems, but at the same time, promote inclusive growth, that of all local economies. We need to adopt strategies that are sustainable (…) That implies using clean energy in our production systems, being efficient, incorporating technologies such as digitalization and automation; we need to link the different links in the value chain, innovate and reduce food losses and waste.”
Recognizing the importance of collaboration, Governor Crisóstomo pointed out that it is necessary to face, hand in hand with science, specific problems, such as climate change, the water crisis and childhood obesity. “That is why it was so important for us, as a region, to be able to host this meeting, because it allows us to get up to date with what is happening in the world in this area, at a scientific and technological level. (…) These spaces must give us the opportunity to reflect, to have visions to respond to real problems and where science takes charge, and also between all of us, as a State, we are assuming the challenges that lie ahead,” he said.
The congress, which will run until Friday, features more than 90 lectures and 30 scientific posters. The first talk was given by Eve Crawley, FAO deputy regional representative for Latin America and the Caribbean and FAO representative in Chile, who analyzed the sustainable development goals from the perspective of the food industry and focused on the food security gaps that persist in the country.
The event will also include the “From Ñuble to the World” production fair, on Wednesday 26th in the main square of Chillán, where 30 entrepreneurs and local groups that have developed projects with the CDTA and FIAUdeC will present their products to the public.
In addition to the talks, the annual meeting of the UNIA Network, which brings together scientists from more than 30 institutions in Latin American countries, will also be held on Wednesday 26th. At this meeting, the members will renew the board of directors.
The Congress is sponsored by the following companies, all of which have developed projects with the CDTA or with FIAUdeC: Agrovit, Arauco, Coesam, Cecinas Villablanca, Beneo Orafti, Watt's and the UDT UdeC.
