AgroPine2016, 2nd International Meeting on Mediterranean stone pine for agroforestry
The objectives of the AgroPine2016 meeting are to connect the different researchers from the Mediterranean region, to update, share and transfer the current knowledge, to identify strategic research needs and partnership opportunities and to network and analyse the current state of stone pine culture and pine nuts markets. After the first AgroPine meeting in 2011, co-organised by the SFM-RI UVa-INIA, the second edition will be held in Portgal, where stone pine area has increased since 1970 from 40,000 to 180,000 ha, with a clear vocation for agroforestery and plantations for cone production (info at http://agropine2016.iniav.pt).
The 2nd International Meeting on Mediterranean Stone Pine for Agroforestry (AGROPINE 2016) will be held in Oeiras, Portugal. The importance of stone pine (Pinus pinea) forests and plantations in the Mediterranean rural areas has been increasing, thanks to the rich flavour and excellent dietetic values of the pine nuts that make it one of the world’s most valuable nuts. If properly managed stone pine can also contribute to minimize the risk of abandonment and land desertification in areas with limited sources of income. Although stone pine is one of the most interesting tree species in Mediterranean agro-forestry economy, new and increasing challenges must be foreseen and answered, in order to improve this important economical revenue for the forest owners and along the value chain. Networking between researchers and different forest stakeholders is in this context of outmost importance.
