MED joins five other research units in advocating for agri-food sciences as a national strategic priority

A Position Paper signed by six research units and an opinion piece published in the newspaper PÚBLICO highlight the need to integrate agricultural, forestry and agri-food sciences into national research and innovation priorities.

At a time when Portugal is preparing to define the factors that will guide public investment in science and innovation in the coming years, MED joins five other national research units in advocating for agricultural, agroforestry and agri-food sciences as a strategic area for the country.

This position is set out in the Position Paper “Feeding Portugal – Science and Innovation as Pillars of National Security and Sovereignty”, endorsed by representatives from MED, CIMO, CITAB, GreenUPorto, LEAF anf Green-it. The document emphasises that the ability to produce and supply food in sufficient quantity and of adequate quality is a fundamental aspect of national sovereignty and the country’s resilience in the face of geopolitical crises, climate change, logistical disruptions and new biological threats.

The main ideas behind this position statement were also put forward for public debate in the opinion piece “Investing in agri-food science is key to ensuring Portugal’s food security”, published today, 14 July, in the newspaper PÚBLICO. The article is signed by Fátima Baptista, director of MED, José Alberto Pereira, João Andrade Santos, Ruth Pereira, David Fangueiro and Margarida Oliveira.

The authors argue that recognising agri-food sciences as critical national infrastructure is not merely an academic or sector-specific demand, but a strategic choice for the country’s security. Research carried out under real field conditions is essential for developing more resilient crops, improving the use of water and nutrients, protecting plants and animals, conserving biodiversity and natural resources, and supporting producers and policy-makers with scientific evidence tailored to the Portuguese context.

The Position Paper sets out ten recommendations, including the creation of a multi-annual funding programme for agroforestry and agri-food research, the strengthening and stabilisation of scientific careers, the development of a national programme for agriculture and forestry biotechnology, and the consolidation of infrastructure and long-term experimental networks. The document also proposes a national soil monitoring network, greater coordination between different government departments, strengthening knowledge transfer and promoting generational renewal.

The initiative also highlights the need to link science, production and territory. Farmers face simultaneous climatic, biological, economic and regulatory pressures; consequently, the responses require integrated approaches, tools for ongoing experimentation and public policies based on robust scientific knowledge.

Read the Position Paper “Feeding Portugal – Science and Innovation as Pillars of National Security and Sovereignty”, available here.

Read the opinion piece “Investing in agri-food science is key to ensuring Portugal’s food security” in PÚBLICO here.