REFARMING

The REFARMING project is an integrated R&D initiative that brings together leading research institutions, including SYSTEC (FEUP), CMUP, GreenUPorto, ICT, and FCUP, to address some of the most pressing challenges in modern agriculture. The project focuses on developing sustainable and innovative solutions to promote resilience to climate change and improve the nutritional quality of horticultural crops.

With a strong emphasis on controlled production systems, such as advanced technological greenhouses and vertical farming, REFARMING integrates cutting-edge technologies and energy optimization strategies to create efficient, sustainable, and scalable agricultural practices. By leveraging multidisciplinary expertise in biology, agricultural processes, mathematical modeling, control systems, and automation, the project aims to redefine the future of food production.

Key Objectives:

• Climate Resilience: Develop agricultural systems capable of withstanding the impacts of climate change while ensuring food security.

• Nutritional Quality: Enhance the nutritional value of horticultural crops through innovative biofortification strategies.

• Sustainability: Reduce the carbon footprint, minimize the use of synthetic chemicals, and optimize energy efficiency by integrating renewable energy sources.

• Resource Efficiency: Improve the use of water, nutrients, and energy while reducing food waste and environmental pressure on rural areas.

• Technological Innovation: Implement advanced monitoring systems, such as hyperspectral imaging and digital twins, to enable predictive simulation, real-time control, and data-driven decision-making.

Impact:

REFARMING aims to contribute to the transformation of urban and peri-urban agriculture, making cities more resilient and capable of supplying fresh, safe, and nutritious food to their growing populations. By reducing the environmental impact of food production, transportation, and storage, the project supports the transition to a more sustainable agricultural sector.

Aligned with the strategic goals of the RIS agenda for the Northern Region of Portugal, REFARMING is set to generate disruptive innovations that will accelerate the adoption of sustainable practices in agricultural production systems, both nationally and internationally.