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Neste trabalho avaliou-se o efeito da data de sementeira nas características de produção e composição em açúcares do sorgo sacarino, em função das quais se estimou o potencial de produção de bioetanol a partir desta cultura. O estudo foi conduzido durante dois anos (2005 e 2006), com a variedade de sorgo sacarino Madhura. A sementeira foi efectuada nas datas de 17 de maio, 31 de maio, 14 de junho e 28 de junho. Na sementeira efectuada a 17 de maio a produção de caules verdes e secos atingiu os valores de 66 e 13,8 t ha-1, respectivamente, as quais foram significativamente superiores às obtidas nas sementeiras de junho. A produção máxima de açúcar naquele mês foi de 4,6 t ha-1, o que corresponde à produção estimada de 2300 L ha-1 de bioetanol. Os resultados alcançados permitem concluir que as datas de sementeira de maio foram as que melhor potenciaram a aptidão do sorgo sacarino como cultura energética, para a produção de bioetanol. Revista de Ciências Agrárias, vol. 36 n.º 3 (2013)

With the advances of climate change, it is expected harmful consequences to olive tree (Olea europaea L.). Therefore, it is necessary to develop cost-effective practices to reduce the vulnerability of olive crops to the adverse impacts of environmental stresses. Rainfed olive trees were sprayed with zeolites, natural crystalline aluminosilicates, and its effects on photosynthetic activity, phenolic composition, antioxidant activity, leaf minerais concentrations, plant growth, yield, and olive oil quality were assessed. Zeolites application enhanced photosynthetic activity, as well the concentrations of N, Mg, Cu, Zn and Mn in leaves, and changed the secondary metabolism, with decrease oftotal phenols, ortho-diphenols and total antioxidant activity, signs of lower oxidative stress. As consequence, zeolites boosted plant growth, crop yield, and size and weight of fruits. The foliar spray did not significantly affect the oil quality indices free acidity, peroxide value and Km and K270 coefficients. This study strongly suggests that folial' zeolites might be an effective strategy to mitigate the adverse environmental conditions. This research was funded by the Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT, Portugal) and FEDER under Programme PT2020 for financiai support to ClTAB (UIDB/04033/2020), and the Operational Group "Novas práticas em olivais de sequeiro: estratégias de mitigação e adaptação às alterações climáticas" I funded by PT2020 and EAFRD (European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development). Sandra Martins acknowledges the financiai support provided by the FCT-Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (PD/BD/135327/2017), under the Doctoral programme "Agricultural Production Chains-from fork to farm". info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

The major objective of this chapter is to analyse and briefly describe the evolution of Portuguese agriculture in the context of the European Agriculture. It is not a comprehensive analysis. It is a sketch of its major changes due to major aspects that had influenced in particular the Common Agricultural Policy, and how has evolved with respect to changes in CAP orientation and reforms. This analysis provides an example that might be useful to understand what can be done in the future both in Portugal as in other countries In some aspects figures about these countries including Poland will be presented to benchmark the analysis. Besides this introduction, the chapter has five additional sections. In the next section, background on the Portuguese agriculture and policy before accession is provided. Then, in the third, socio-economic structural characteristics of Portuguese agriculture and their evolution for the last four decades are briefly presented. In the fourth section analysis turns read and understand the evolution as major implications of changes in agricultural policy from CAP reforms. In the fifth section we turn to aspects that are the focus of post-2013 CAP reform and 14 relate them to Portuguese status. Finally, as a conclusion, we look for CAP and the sustainable orientations for Portuguese farmers.

Abstract Objectives: During summer in Mediterranean regions, well adapted native cattle breeds present differences in environmental tolerance. The objective of this study was to compare heat tolerance of Alentejana and Mertolenga heifers under direct solar radiation, by quantifying the pathways of evaporative thermolysis and thermostability. Materials and Methods: The experiment was carried out in 5 days. 6 Alentejana and 6 Mertolenga heifers were kept under direct solar radiation, in individual stalls (3.0 —1.1 m) and restrained by head halted. Food, water and mineral mixture were available ad libitum. Respiratory frequencies (RF) were measured by observing costal movements, rectal temperatures (RT ) were measured using a digital thermometer (Digitron, with an 8-cm flexible probe) and thermal balance was calculated according to procedures described by Silva et al., (2010). These measurements were carried out every day at 06:00, 10:00, 13:00 16:00 and 20:00h. Heat storage (HS) was calculated as described by McGovern and Bruce (2000). Sweat rate was measured at 15:00 hours using methodology described by Pereira et. al. (2010). Variables were analyzed according to a general linear model procedure with 2 fixed factors (breed and hour) and 1 nested factor (animal within breed). Results: Except for the cases of RT and HS, in the other variables no significant differences between the breeds were found. Despite the absence of significant differences in the thermal balance between breeds, there was a slightly tendency for a bigger acquisition of heat in Alentejana and a faster recovery in the Mertolenga after 16:00h. The sweating rates were not significantly different, with mean values of 271.5 and 286.3 (g.m-2.h-1) respectively for the Alentejana and Mertolenga. Respiratory frequencies were virtually equal between breeds. In RT there were significant differences between breeds. The Mertolenga has shown significantly lower RT at 16:00h and 20:00h, with 38,9ºC and 38,7ºC compared to 39,3ºC and 39,1ºC in Alentejana. The same trend was found in the HS at 16:00h and 20:00h with 0,018 and 0,016 W.m2 in Alentejana compared to 0,014 and 0,009 W.m2 in Mertolenga. Conclusions: The results show that both breeds present good heat tolerance. The sweating rate values of both breeds are very high and are quite similar to those found in tropical cattle breeds. However, Mertolenga shows slightly better thermal balance and evaporative heat loss (SR ans RF), which eventually may have contributed to the enhanced thermostability comparatively to Alentejana. The superior stability of the RT and particularly the lower HS suggest a higher heat tolerance of Mertolenga breed.

In Mediterranean-type climates crop yield depends strongly on the early development of individual plants. Extreme variations of soil temperature close to the surface of bare soils and fast changes of soil water content due to irregular rainfall and high evaporative demand reduce the success of germination, emergence and early leaf production, reducing crop productivity. According to IPCC Fourth Assesment report, climate change in Southern Europe “is projected to worsen hygrometric and thermal conditions (high temperature and drought) and to reduce water availability” and, consequently, to decrease general crop productivity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the thermal conditions in the top soil layer under different climate change scenarios, and their effects on the early development of some representative crops of Mediterranean agriculture (pea, broad bean, maize and sunflower). For this purpose, soil temperatures near the surface of a Luvisol and a Vertisol during the usual sowing season of winter (October) and summer crops (April) were compared to those recorded in the air above ground, to forecast future values. The impact of simulations on the speed, size and dispersion of germination, emergence and early leaf production was estimated using values of bioclimatic parameters of the crops (cardinal temperatures and thermal times for different phases of establishment) found in the literature. In both seasons, monthly mean temperatures at soil top layer were significantly greater (*P<0.05) than those found in the air above ground. However, the relationships between air and top soil temperatures were different in both soils and in both seasons. Summer crops seem to be less affected by an increase in temperature than winter crops. Otherwise, the former seem to be more affected by a decrease in soil water availability than the later. In addition, final emergence, speed of emergence and leaf production of the different species will be more affected by global warming than the dispersion around the most likely thermal times. The magnitude of these effects depends also on the magnitude of warming.

A presente dissertação de mestrado tem como propósito desenvolver uma avaliação da consideração dos aspetos ambientais na eficiência do desempenho da cadeia de abastecimento alimentar. Por razões de importância económica, impacto ambiental e disponibilidade de dados, foi escolhida a cadeia de abastecimento de produtos suinícolas, onde se identificam áreas problemáticas e soluções para a melhoria dos aspetos ambientais das operações, em benefício do desenvolvimento sustentável. Por forma a perceber o efeito dos cuidados com o ambiente nas cadeias de abastecimento, o objetivo deste trabalho é o de contribuir para a resposta à questão de se as cadeias de abastecimento suinícolas com preocupações ambientais são mais eficientes. De modo a estudar empiricamente os construtos supramencionados, recorreu-se a uma abordagem quantitativa, através de um questionário direcionado a supermercados e talhos que atuam nos municípios portugueses de Barcelos, Póvoa de Varzim e Vila do Conde. Participaram no estudo 57 empresas. Os resultados obtidos suportaram a hipótese de que as cadeias de abastecimento com preocupações ambientais são mais eficientes, mostrando o efeito que as práticas verdes ao nível da água e dos resíduos provocam na diminuição dos custos. Além disso, conclui-se também que a antiguidade das organizações e a gestão eficaz da relação com os clientes tornam as organizações mais eficientes. Desta forma, esta investigação tornou-se pertinente para uma compreensão mais eficiente sobre os impactos económicos, sociais e ambientais provocados pelas cadeias de abastecimento suinícolas e permitiu a identificação de áreas problemáticas, que ajudam na implementação de algumas mudanças nas operações da cadeia de abastecimento e a trazer melhorias na indústria em prol do desenvolvimento sustentável. The purpose of this master's dissertation is to develop an assessment of the consideration of environmental aspects in the efficiency of the food supply chain performance. For reasons of economic importance, environmental impact and data availability, the pigmeat supply chain was chosen, where problem areas and solutions for improving the environmental aspects of the operations are identified, for the benefit of a sustainable development. In order to understand the effect of environmental care on supply chains, the aim of this paper is to contribute to the question of whether environmentally conscious food supply chains are more efficient. For the sake of empirically study the constructs mentioned above, a quantitative approach was used through a questionnaire directed to supermarkets and butchers that operate in the Portuguese municipalities of Barcelos, Póvoa de Varzim and Vila do Conde. Fifty-seven companies participated in the study. The results support the hypothesis that supply chains with environmental concerns are more efficient, showing the effect that green practices on water and waste have on reducing costs. Furthermore, it is concluded that the seniority of organizations and the effective management of the relationship with costumers make organizations more efficient. In this way, this investigation became relevant for a more efficient comprehension about the economic, social and ambiental impact caused by the pork supply chain and allows for the identification of the problematic areas, which help in the implementation of some changes in supply chain operations and to bring improvements in the industry for sustainable development. Dissertação de mestrado em Economia Industrial e da Empresa

A presente dissertação aborda o desperdício alimentar ao nível do consumidor final. Trata-se de um desafio global, estimado em 89 milhões de toneladas anuais, que tem impactos ambientais, sociais e económicos significativos. Apesar de todas as etapas da cadeia de abastecimento alimentar contribuírem para os valores totais do desperdício, as últimas duas, os serviços alimentares e o consumo, são as principais responsáveis. Por este motivo, usando uma investigação de caráter qualitativo, através da realização de entrevistas semi-estruturadas a consumidores finais, considerou-se de elevada importância a identificação das motivações, práticas e limitações, dos mesmos, relativamente ao desperdício alimentar, e de possíveis oportunidades ao combate do mesmo. Este estudo demonstrou que os fatores financeiros e sociais têm influência na intenção dos consumidores em reduzir o desperdício, por eles criado. No entanto, foram identificadas várias práticas, comuns entre os entrevistados, causadoras de desperdício, essencialmente, por falta de capacidades e conhecimento, além de se ter verificado que a intenção em reduzir o desperdício era, frequentemente, precedida por diferentes prioridades concorrentes. This dissertation addresses food waste at the consumer level. This global challenge, estimated at 89 million tons per year, has environmental, social and economic impacts. Although all stages of the food supply chain contribute to the total waste values, the last two, food services and consumption, are the main responsible. For this reason, using a qualitative investigation, through semi-structured interviews with end consumers, it was considered of high importance to identify their motivations, practices, and limitations, in relation to food waste, and possible opportunities to combat it. This study demonstrated that financial and social factors have an influence on consumers' intention to reduce the waste they create. However, several practices were identified, common among the respondents, which caused food waste, essentially due to a lack of skills and knowledge, in addition to having verified that the intention to reduce food waste was often preceded by different competing priorities.

O desperdício alimentar é um problema à escala mundial com consequências negativas graves a nível económico, social e ambiental. Tal como vários temas relacionados com sustentabilidade, o desperdício alimentar tem sido alvo de cada vez maior atenção e preocupação. Neste sentido, surgem novas estratégias e inovações que pretendem combater e minimizar os impactos do desperdício, nomeadamente através de novos modelos de negócio. Os modelos de negócio que se focam na redução do desperdício alimentar inserem-se na categoria de modelos de negócio sustentáveis e, consequentemente, enfrentam desafios para além dos desafios que são inerentes a qualquer tipo de negócio. O objetivo desta investigação foi explorar esses desafios através da utilização de uma metodologia qualitativa. O estudo foi realizado através da análise de entrevistas a empresas que operam nestes moldes e de um inquérito para compreender o comportamento dos consumidores face a este tema e face à utilização e consumo dos serviços oferecidos pelos projetos entrevistados. Ao longo do trabalho foram identificados os principais desafios que se prendem, principalmente, com a falta de recetividade dos consumidores a este tipo de negócios bem como a falta de apoios governamentais ao desenvolvimento dos mesmos. Foram também detetadas algumas limitações a este estudo que podem ser consideradas oportunidades para futuros trabalhos de investigação. Food waste is a worldwide problem with severe economic, social, and environmental consequences. Like many other sustainable-related topics, food waste has been a subject of increasing attention and concern over the last years. Therefore, new strategies and innovations that aim to combat and minimize the impacts of food waste have emerged, for instance, through new business models. Business models that focus on reducing food waste are categorized as sustainable business models and, consequently, face challenges beyond those that are common to any type of business. The purpose of this study was to explore those challenges using a qualitative methodology. This investigation was accomplished through interviews done to companies that fit the characteristics of those business models and a survey assigned to Portuguese consumers to understand their behavior on this subject and their use of the services offered by the organizations that were interviewed. Throughout the work, the main challenges were identified, mainly related to the lack of receptivity of consumers to this type of business as well as the lack of government support for their development. Some limitations to this study were also detected, which can be seen as opportunities for future research work.

This book focuses on understanding farming transition pathways towards sustainability, using case studies from Europe. It assesses the utility of the multi-level perspective in transition theory for addressing contemporary issues and identifies future research needs, making it an essential read for researchers of rural or agricultural change.

Dissertação de Mestrado Integrado em Engenharia Química apresentada à Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia O estudo de novos tipos de energia e seus processos de produção tem sido encorajada devido ao elevado consumo energético global. A biomassa lenhocelulósica, devido à sua ubiquidade, tem sido alvo de extensos estudos com vista à produção de açúcares fermentáveis, produtos intermédios em diversos processos industriais, ou etanol. Adicionalmente, a nível industrial, são produzidas quantidades elevadas de lamas primárias que ainda podem ser reaproveitadas para a obtenção de produtos com valor acrescentado.Os processos biotecnológicos são processos de baixo custo energético e manutenção, o que os torna especialmente interessantes para aplicações e processos industriais. Dentro desses processos, encontra-se a hidrólise enzimática, um processo que recorre a enzimas, como a celulase, para transformar celulose em glucose, um açúcar fermentável, e a sacarificação e fermentação simultâneas, ou SSF, um processo que se foca na produção de bioetanol com recurso a leveduras, como a levedura Saccharomyces cerevisiae, que consomem os açúcares simples na sua atividade metabólica.O principal objetivo deste trabalho foi estudar a viabilidade das lamas primárias, provenientes de uma fábrica de papel kraft, às quais foram adicionadas fibras recicladas, para a produção direta de açúcares fermentáveis, através do processo de hidrólise enzimática e para a produção de bioetanol, através da metodologia SSF.Observou-se que a partir do processo de hidrólise enzimática, a concentração máxima de glucose obtida para as lamas primárias foi de 15,2 g L-1, resultando num rendimento teórico de hidrólise de 64,6%. Posteriormente estudou-se a aplicação de um tratamento alcalino com fosfato monopotássico, um agente que permite remover tintas, onde se obteve uma concentração de açúcares de 19,6 g L-1 ao fim de 24 h de reação.Na metodologia SSF obtiveram-se concentrações máximas de etanol de 6,2 g L-1 para as lamas primárias sem tratamento e de 6,9 g L-1 para as lamas primárias com tratamento alcalino, para uma consistência de 3% de massa de suspensão. No entanto, para as lamas com o tratamento mencionado anteriormente, e para uma consistência superior, 6%, obteve-se uma concentração máxima de etanol de 11,8 g L-1. The study of new types of energy and their production processes has been encouraged due to the high global energy consumption. Lignocellulosic biomass, due to its ubiquity, has been the subject of extensive studies considering the production of fermentable sugars, intermediate compounds in various chemical processes, and ethanol production. Additionally, at an industrial level, high quantities of sludge are produced that can still be used to generate products with greater value.Biotechnological processes are processes with a low energy and maintenance cost, which make them especially valued for industrial applications and processes. Within these processes, enzymatic hydrolysis is a process that uses enzymes, like cellulose, to transform cellulose into glucose, a fermentable sugar, and simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF) is a process that produces bioethanol with the utilization of yeasts, like Saccharomyces cerevisiae, who consume simple sugars for their metabolism to produce ethanol.The primary objective of this work was to study the viability of the primary sludge, given by a kraft paper facility, to which were added recycled fibres, for the direct production of fermentable sugars, by the use of the enzymatic hydrolysis process, and for bioethanol production, by the use of the SSF methodology.The maximum sugar concentration observed in the enzymatic hydrolysis, for the primary non-treated sludge was 15,2 g L-1, which represents a theoretical hydrolysis yield of 64,6%. Meanwhile, by applying an alkaline treatment with the aid of monopotassium phosphate, an additive that allows ink removal, a maximum sugar concentration of 19,6 g L-1 was obtained, after 24 h.In the SSF methodology, the maximum ethanol concentration was 6,2 g L-1 for the non-treated primary sludge and 6,6 g L-1 for the treated sludge, both for a mass concentration of 3%. However, for a higher consistency, 6%, a maximum ethanol concentration of 11,8 g L-1 was obtained for the treated primary sludge.