Conference Agenda

The study aimed to analyze the trade dynamics of Peru's citrus fruit exports, evaluating market concentration through the Herfindahl-Hirschman Index (HHI). The research focused on key products such as mandarins (including tangerines and satsumas), clementines, Tahiti limes, lemons (Citrus aurantifolia and Citrus limon), oranges, tangelos (hybrids of mandarin and grapefruit), grapefruits, pomelos, and wilkings, corresponding to their tariff subheadings exported between 2019 and 2023. The methodology employed was quantitative and descriptive, using official data from customs declarations. The results revealed contrasting behaviors: Tahiti limes stood out with an accumulated growth of 233% while lemons and tangelos experienced declines exceeding 50%. HHI values showed highly concentrated markets for most products, such as clementines (HHI > 7000 points), where the US market was predominant, or oranges, which exhibited significant fluctuations in export values. For wilkings and other citrus fruits, exports reached 171.53 million dollars in 2023, albeit with high HHI values (2693–4823 points), reflecting strong dependence on key markets such as the United States and Mexico. Overall, the findings confirmed that market concentration remains a structural challenge for Peru’s citrus export sector.

This document presents a thermoeconomic mathematical model to quantify the potential of bioenergy generation in Latin America (LATAM) under the circular economy approach. The study focuses on valorizing livestock manure, an abundant resource in the region, to produce biofertilizers and biogas, contributing to agricultural and energy sustainability. A calculation model estimates the number of biodigesters needed based on partial manure collection, considering each country's resource availability and energy needs. The model quantifies biogas production, a renewable energy source, and biofertilizers, which enhance soil fertility and reduce reliance on chemical fertilizers. Three types of biodigesters, adapted to different contexts and scales, were developed and field-tested, with results validated by Peru's Ministry of Agriculture, ensuring their real-world applicability. The biofertilizers produced meet agronomic standards, promoting organic agriculture. A thermoeconomic analysis assesses required investments and return on investment (ROI) rates, showing the technology's economic viability and profitability in the medium to long term, alongside environmental and social benefits. The research supports climate change mitigation by reducing methane emissions through biogas production and promoting sustainable agricultural practices with biofertilizers. It also enhances food security by boosting agricultural productivity and reducing dependency on external inputs. In conclusion, this work provides a robust tool for decision-making in LATAM's agricultural and energy sectors, promoting a transition to a circular economy and sustainable agriculture, aligned with the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Implementing these technologies offers opportunities for rural development, poverty reduction, and a more sustainable future for the region.

This systematic review analyses how circular economy (CE) based waste management influences the recovery and utilisation of food waste in the food industry. PIOC and PRISMA methodologies were applied to select 44 relevant studies from a total of 816 records in SCOPUS. The findings highlight the key role of the circular economy in optimising resources, minimising waste and creating added value through technologies such as anaerobic digestion, biorefinery, and microwave and ultrasound assisted extraction; despite challenges such as high upfront costs and lack of infrastructure, the circular economy offers significant environmental and economic benefits; and its implementation is aligned with SDGs 2, 6, 12, 13 and 15. Finally, research gaps are identified in the optimisation of large-scale technologies, the assessment of environmental impacts and the development of circular business models.

Bioaerosols impact the environment, agriculture, and human health by influencing air quality, cloud formation, and climate patterns. In agriculture, they act as vectors of pathogens that harm crops but also disperse beneficial spores that enhance plant nutrition. This study aimed to identify fungal species in the air and evaluate their relationship with a family farming system. Systematic samples were collected with three replicates using a cascade impactor at various points within the agricultural system. The samples were processed in the laboratory to isolate and identify fungal species through cultivation techniques, using PDA (Potato-Dextrose-Agar) as the growth medium. Detailed macroscopic and microscopic observations were conducted to examine the morphology and characteristics of the colonies. Fungal concentrations in the air were also quantified, and the relationships between the identified species and the agricultural system’s characteristics were analyzed. Preliminary results showed fungal growth in all culture plates, with notable genera such as Fusarium (phytopathogen), as well as others like Aspergillus, and Mucor. This analysis highlights the importance of understanding fungal diversity in the air and the need for continuous monitoring to mitigate its impact on crops and manage phytopathological diseases.

Abstract- Analysis and application of sales forecasting and production planning methods for “FITELLA”: a healthy product. The food industry is a key element not only for its economic impact in different countries, but also for its influence on people's well-being, based on innovation and development of new and healthy products in line with market needs. Consumers increasingly value tasty products, especially if they are natural and organic. In response to this demand, FITELLA was created, made with ingredients such as chickpeas and nuts. It stands out for its high nutritional content and its commitment to consumer health and the promotion of organic agriculture. This study focuses on applying advanced methods, such as linear regression, to project FITELLA's sales in 2024, as well as strategically implementing the Aggregate Production Plan (APP) and the Master Production Plan (MPP). These strategies not only improve resource optimization and lower production costs, but also ensure long-term product sustainability in a competitive market. The research results confirm the effectiveness of linear regression in sales projections, highlighting the PAP for its reduction of inventory costs. Likewise, the PMP allows for flexible planning that improves FITELLA's operational efficiency and its ability to adapt to consumer demands, ensuring its competitiveness in the food and beverage sector.

The study aimed to analyze the competitiveness of Peruvian exports of fresh and refrigerated vegetables during the period 2019–2023, evaluating their revealed comparative advantage (RCA) using the normalized Balassa index. The selected products included asparagus, onions, peas, tomatoes, and zucchinis, with data sourced from official records. The results indicated that Peru maintained a strong and consistent comparative advantage in key markets such as the United States and Spain, particularly for asparagus and onions. Meanwhile, other products, such as tomatoes and peas, showed significant market segmentation, with Chile and the United Kingdom identified as their primary destinations, respectively. However, persistent barriers were identified for zucchinis in the United Arab Emirates and Switzerland. Overall, the concentration of exports in traditional markets and volatility in emerging markets underscored challenges related to diversification. Strengthening value chains, developing targeted trade promotion strategies, and prioritizing investments in international certifications are recommended to enhance the competitiveness of Peruvian vegetable exports.