Teaching Methodologies
Teaching methodologies are based on i) theoretical-practical lectures and interactive classes with discussion and concept summaries; ii) analysis of case studies that implement sustainability and circularity; iii) oral presentation and discussion of assignments; iv) where feasible, field study visits and sessions with agricultural and business managers and technicians to share their experiences from a sustainability perspective.
Learning Results
1. Understand the concept, principles and challenges of sustainability in the agro-industrial sector.
2. Understand the European and national strategic framework for the sector.
3. Identify sustainable practices in the agro-industrial sector.
4. Understand the concept and tools for quantifying the environmental footprint of a product throughout its life cycle.
5. Ability to propose sustainable solutions in agro-industrial contexts, critically analyze examples of current practices and identify opportunities for environmental improvement
Program
1. Introduction. Concepts of sustainability, circular economy, bioeconomy, life cycle assessment and corporate social responsibility. Challenges associated with climate change, resource scarcity, biodiversity loss and food security.
2. European and national strategic and regulatory framework. Key documents produced by the EU, e.g. Green Deal: European Green Deal, Farm to Fork: Farm to Fork Strategy, and National Plans, e.g. Action Plan for the Circular Economy, National Strategy to Combat Food Waste 2025+.
3. Sustainable agricultural practices: agricultural practices and trends aimed at shortening supply chains. Sustainable practices covering various sectors of the food industry.
4. Water footprint and carbon footprint as examples of environmental indicators: concepts and calculation methodology.
5. Analysis of an Environmental Sustainability Plan for a real or simulated agribusiness.
Curricular Unit Teachers
Carla Margarida Marques RodriguesInternship(s)
NAO
Bibliography
Balan, V. M., et al. (Eds.). (2018). Sustainability in the Food Industry. Academic Press.
Campanhola, C., Pandey, S. (2019). Sustainable Food and Agriculture – An Integrated Approach, Food and Agriculture Organization. Academic Press
Ellen MacArthur Foundation (2024). Circulytics Measurement and reporting for the circular economy. https://www.ellenmacarthurfoundation.org/topics/measurement/overview
FAO (2000). The State of Food and Agriculture: Lessons from the past 50 years. Roma, Food and Agriculture Organization.
Galanakis, C. M. (2018). Sustainable Food Systems from Agriculture to Industry – Improving Production and Processing. Academic Press.
Idowu, S. O., Schmidpeter, R. (2022). Case Studies on Sustainability in the Food Industry. Springer.
Pacini, C.; Wossink, A.; Giesen, G.; Vazzana, C. e Huirne, R. (2003). Evaluation of sustainability of organic, integrated and conventional farming systems: a farm and field-scale analysis. Agriculture, Ecosystems and Environment 95, 273-288.
Stahel, W. R. (2019). The Circular Economy: A User’s Guide. Routledge.