On Friday 24 March 2023, the closing ceremony of the project "Diagnostic tool for sustainability challenges for processed foods exported from the region of La Araucanía ANID-FOVI210039" was held at the Universidad de la Frontera, Chile. The project was led by Dr Valeska Geldres-Weiss, together with Dr Berta Schnettler from the Universidad de La Frontera; and Dr Carolina Nicolas (Universidad de Santiago de Chile, USACH). The initiative was key in strengthening national and international organizations’ links for collaboration on food sector related research; as well as for fostering broad international participation and learning opportunities among undergraduate and postgraduate students.
Dr Nathaniel Massa from the University of Malta’s Department of Business & Enterprise Management was directly and actively engaged in the research – building further on his ongoing international collaboration with Dr Geldres-Weiss. Also involved as postgraduate participant was Mr Julian Dingli.
The general objective of the project was to propose a diagnostic tool to define sustainability challenges for processed foods exported from the Araucanía region aimed at the final consumer. The specific objectives included the identification of sustainability challenges pertaining to exported foods, the proposal of sustainable marketing strategies and the creation of a diagnostic tool and carbon footprint self-assessment guide for exporting SMEs targeting EU markets. Besides research publications (WOS) and presentations at international conferences, other activities undertaken included seminars and workshops.
The underlying focus of the initiative sought to assist exporting SMEs and promote food exports from the La Araucanía region in Chile, with an emphasis on sustainability. Throughout the project, various investigations were carried out developing and directly contributing to several new lines of research on sustainability in agri-food.
In this regard, the project strengthened national and international links where researchers from the Universidad de La Frontera, the University of Santiago de Chile, the University of Malta, and the University of Barcelona collaborated – allowing for more extensive exchange of specialist knowledge. Furthermore, the contribution and importance of education and training in the sector has also been relevant, with participation of undergraduate and postgraduate students, engaging in social responsibility and awareness initiatives, as well as database analysis and desk research.
Undertaken in hybrid format, the closing ceremony was well attended internationally. Besides scholars, researchers and participants, distinguished guests included representatives of various local, national and international authorities. During the event results from various research elements and other output were presented – underlining the importance of actively promoting sustainability in the food sector.
The ceremony was addressed by the Director of International Cooperation, Mag. Paulina Latorre, and Dr Sharapiya Kakimova from ANID's Internationalization Unit, who highlighted the importance of the initiative in enhancing and sustaining Chilean food’s established prospects in world markets.
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