The area of Torres Novas, in the ‘Centro’ region of Portugal, is historically associated with fig production. Its soil and climate offer ideal growing conditions for this crop, given the proximity of the Serra d’Aire, a nearby mountain range that moderates temperatures and provides suitable air humidity. However, fig production in this region has steadily reduced over time. A study by Alexandra Carvalho reported that the 9 000 ha. of fig trees in this region in 1987 were reduced drastically to 1 200 ha. by 2005.

Seven years later, FAO statistics showed that the productivity of the Portuguese fig trees was very low compared to other producing countries and in relation to the EU average in 2012/2013.

At the same time, the demand for figs in Portugal continues to be high. The annual publications of the Portuguese National Institute for Statistics (INE) indicated in 2014, for example, that the need to import figs, both fresh and dried, at low prices, remained at high levels.

These statistical facts indicate that there is a potent home market for figs. If the productivity of the remaining fig trees could be increased, growers could tap profitably into this market. However, the need to quickly modernise the production system is evident to increase competitiveness and convince farmers to invest in this crop.

The project was motivated by the wish to preserve a fruit known as ‘the Black Fig of Torres Novas’ that has traditionally benefited the region for a long time. Strategically, however, it was important to demonstrate and convince farmers that investing in this crop would be profitable. This required the identification of funding sources and partners to collaborate with to improve the quality and productivity of fig trees through the modernisation of relevant techniques and the efficient use of the soil.

The main objectives of the project were to research how the quality and quantity of fig production in Torres Novas could be increased, and whether investing in established fig orchards could be financially viable.

The project further sought to explore the potential for reducing labour costs by reducing the size of the fig trees, while simultaneously addressing safety issues for growers and harvesters.

Additional project aims were to find ways to enhance the quality and size of the fruits by improving handling techniques. There was also an interest in improving the capacity of the soil through vegetation cover, conservation methods, and increasing the content of organic matter in the soil.

Finally, the project applicant was keen to promote and disseminate good practices in conservation by sharing research results and relevant studies.

The initial project research focused on two traditional fig varieties grown in the Torres Novas area, the Black Fig (known for its adaptability and originality), and Pingo de Mel, a honeydrop variety of high commercial value.

Over the four-year project implementation period, the comparative research included a comprehensive range of tests focusing on soil mobilisation, fertilisation methods, pruning techniques, and the phytosanitary conditions of the plants.

Other important research activities involved the collection, measurement and analysis of leaves, fruits, tree trunks, and the composition of the soil in order to determine the mineral content of the soil, such as potassium, iron, ph. levels, etc. The research also included the measurement of parameters such as calibre, brix degree, and hardness, and their analysis in relation to the fruit and its diameters in relation to the trunks of the fig trees.

The research was partly conducted in the fig orchard and partly at the Instituto Superior de Agronomia.

Throughout project implementation, the project was dedicated to communicating and disseminating the research findings. Between 2018 and 2022, the project conducted four ‘GO Figo Production’ Open Days focusing on different topics, including new methods of improving the productivity of fig trees, fig production and marketing, and future perspectives for fig cultivation. Opportunities to present the project findings at relevant national events were frequently taken to present good practices in orchard development, management and maintenance. In addition, articles were published on EIP AGRI and EU CAP Network websites, contributing to the further dissemination and sharing of project findings.

Key stakeholders involved in the project included three agricultural producers / SMEs, the National Institute of Agricultural Research, the ‘Instituto Superior de Agronomia’ University, the National Horticultural Centre (COTHN), and an NGO promoting the traditional products of Portugal (Associação Qualifica).

The project results included: