Between June and September 2026, Universitas Mercatorum actively contributed to the international scientific debate by presenting SAFOOD4MED preliminary research findings at four major conferences.

Project researchers presented the first outcomes of WP6 during the 2nd LUM Conference, the 15th AIEAA Conference, the XXXIII Congress of Commodity Science, and the 2st International IAQUIS Conference, engaging with researchers and experts working on sustainability, circular economy, agri-food systems and innovation.

The presentations focused on two complementary studies addressing key aspects of the project’s circular bioeconomy approach.

The first study explored the valorisation potential of date palm residues, highlighting the multiple pathways through which this abundant agricultural by-product can be transformed into high-value resources.

The second study focused on stakeholder mapping within the SAFOOD4MED value chain. By identifying the key actors to be involved in its design and implementation, the research highlights the importance of defining who needs to participate and what value each stakeholder can contribute and receive, supporting the successful implementation and long-term sustainability of the proposed system.

Together, these studies demonstrate the multifunctionality of date palm biomass as a strategic feedstock for advancing circular bioeconomy objectives in the Mediterranean region, while emphasising the importance of effective stakeholder engagement in turning innovative bio-based solutions into viable and sustainable models.

Presenting these preliminary results at international scientific conferences has provided valuable opportunities to exchange knowledge, receive feedback from the scientific community and strengthen collaboration with researchers working on circular bioeconomy, sustainable agri-food systems and innovation.