Maths for Agriculture

THE EVENT

In recent years, the intersection of mathematics and agriculture has emerged as a pivotal domain, offering innovative solutions to address pressing challenges in both environmental, sustainability and economic viability. This event serves as a collaborative platform, bringing together mathematicians, industry experts, and agricultural stakeholders to delve into the multifaceted aspects of this intersection.

PROGRAM

09:00 – 09:30: Reception

09:30 – 10:30: ENVIRONMENTAL PANEL (part 1)

    This panel focuses on leveraging mathematical modeling, data analytics, and computational techniques to tackle environmental issues in agriculture. Discussions will revolve around optimizing resource management, mitigating climate change impacts, enhancing biodiversity, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices. Key topics include precision agriculture, ecosystem modeling, water management, soil health assessment, and biodiversity conservation strategies.

     09:30 – 10:00: Nuno Serra, Integrating DNA sequencing  with soil microbiome database: enhancing soil health analysis and management, Food4Sustainability

     10:00 – 10:30: Ricardo Leitão, Soil health and sustainability: the microbiome connection, Centre for Functional Ecology, Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra

10:30 – 11:00: POSTER PITCH

11:00 – 11:30: Coffee Break + Poster Section (List of Posters)

11:30 – 12:30: ENVIRONMENTAL PANEL (part 2)

11:30 – 12:00: Filipe Sampaio Rodrigues, Precision agriculture, data and ghost patterns, Sociedade Agrícola Casal da Cotovia

12:00 – 12:30: Sofia Lopes, Irrigation problems and  optimal control, Departamento de Matemática, Universidade do Minho

12:30 – 14:00: Lunch break

14:00 – 16:00: ECONOMIC PANEL 

     Addressing the economic dimensions of agriculture, this panel explores how mathematical approaches can drive efficiency, resilience, and profitability within the agricultural sector. Experts will examine topics such as supply chain optimization, risk management, market forecasting, pricing strategies, investment analysis, and policy evaluation. Emphasis will be placed on bridging theoretical insights with practical applications to enhance competitiveness and foster growth in agricultural enterprises.

 14:00 – 14:30: Raul Morais, Artificial intelligence and smart monitoring in precision viticulture, CITAB, Universidade de Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro

     14:30 – 15:00: João Almeida, Harvest precision in a smallholdings reality: creating a model for Monção & Melgaço, Soalheiro

     15:00 – 15:30: Elsa Gonçalves, Experimental designs for large field trials to evaluate intravarietal variability in grapevine: a need for the sustainability of the vine and wine sector, Instituto Superior de Agronomia, Universidade de Lisboa

     15:30 – 16:00: Hugo Botelho, Weather and next day delivery: what do we have to sell? The case of berry fruits, BFruit

16:00 – 16:15: Coffee Break

16:15 – 17:00: ROUND TABLE: Academic-Industry Partnerships, Alcino Lavrador (Altice Labs), Cristiano Premebida (ISR, UC), Machiel Bos (Teromovigo), Hugo Botelho (BFruit)

DATE AND VENUE

Date: 7 June 2024 (Friday)

Venue: Department of Mathematics, University of Coimbra, Room 2.4 (2nd floor)

REGISTRATION

Participation is free and open to all, but registration is required for logistical reasons. To register, send an email to alma@mat.uc.pt, indicating whether you only want to take part or whether you want to present a poster. The deadline is the 31st May.

ORGANIZING COMMITTEE

Adérito Araújo (CMUC, PT-MATHS-IN)

Ana Jacinta Soares (CMAT, PT-MATHS-IN)

Cláudia Costa (Food4Sustainability)

Filipe Marques (NOVA Math, PT-MATHS-IN)