isUP-AgrO promotes international training on agri-food by-product valorisation
The 4th Training School of the isUP-AgrO project, entitled “Add value to agriculture and food chain by-products”, took place from April 13 to 17, 2026, bringing together participants from the ISOPlexis Centre, project partners, and students from the University of Madeira.
The initiative featured trainers from the University of Parma (UNIPR), a partner of the project, namely Augusta Caligiani, Andrea Fuso, Clara Pedrazzani, and Francesca Accardo, who led the different sessions throughout the week.
Throughout the training, participants explored innovative approaches to the valorisation of agri-food by-products, focusing on extraction technologies applied to protein-rich biomass, enzymatic modification of dietary fibres, and biorefinery strategies. Topics such as the recovery of valuable compounds from agro-industrial residues, the bioconversion of by-products using insects, as well as regulatory challenges and sector opportunities, were also addressed.
The programme also included advanced analytical methodologies for the characterisation of proteins, carbohydrates, and dietary fibres, along with metabolomics approaches applied to complex matrices, providing a comprehensive overview of the tools available for by-product valorisation.
The training further included a technical visit to industrial units in the wine sector in Madeira, allowing participants to gain direct insight into real production and valorisation processes, while strengthening the link between scientific knowledge and practical application.
The school concluded with an interactive session dedicated to applying the acquired knowledge to agri-food by-products relevant in the regional context, fostering the discussion of innovative and sustainable solutions.
This Training School, organised within the framework of the capacity-building activities of the isUP-AgrO project, contributed to strengthening technical and scientific skills, promoting collaboration among partners and supporting the development of sustainable and innovative solutions for the agri-food sector.
