BETA TC takes part in a new edition of the BIT Congress, held jointly with the ERIAFF annual conference

The BETA Technological Center of the University of Vic – Central University of Catalonia (UVic-UCC) has played a prominent role in the 4th BIT Congress, held jointly with the 11th Annual ERIAFF Conference (European Regions for Innovation in Agriculture, Food and Forestry), which has taken place from 7 to 9 April in Vic. Under the theme “Transformative Innovation: Circular Bioeconomy for Rural Development and Resilient Landscapes”, the event has brought together experts from across Europe to exchange experiences and promote innovative initiatives in sustainability, bioeconomy, and rural development.

Several CT BETA representatives have presented key projects and lines of work. Anna Sagrera, project manager, has contributed with the presentation “Catalonia as a frontrunner region on FLW prevention: the FOLOU project”, highlighting Catalonia’s leadership in food loss and waste prevention through this European project coordinated by the centre. CT BETA director Sergio Ponsà has led a session focused on the valorisation of organic waste and livestock manure through biorefinery processes. Carlos Alberto Torres, researcher in the Sustainability Accounting and Optimisation Unit, has also made a notable contribution with the presentation “Contextualisation of ecosystem services: from quantification to commercialisation”, in which he has explored ways to integrate the value of ecosystem services into the real economy.

As part of the programme, ERIAFF participants have visited CT BETA’s facilities and learned first-hand about its research and knowledge transfer activities. The visit concluded at Murucuc Farm, a site where CT BETA has been conducting experimental trials with innovative perennial cereal crops for several years, as part of its commitment to more sustainable and resilient agri-food systems.

CT BETA’s participation in this event reinforces its commitment to applied research and international collaboration in addressing major environmental and rural sustainability challenges.