"Year of Food": IPB brings the debate on olive oil and mountain food products to Carrazeda de Ansiães

When academia comes down to the field and brings producers, researchers and local authorities to the same table — quite literally, with a tasting included — something good is about to happen for anyone who loves olive oil from Trás-os-Montes.

What is "Ano D'Alimentação"

The Polytechnic Institute of Bragança (IPB), through its Associate Laboratory for Sustainability and Technology in Mountain Regions (SusTEC), is running a series of five decentralised events across several municipalities of Trás-os-Montes, dedicated to the production, processing, certification and valorisation of the region's food products. The initiative is called "Ano D'Alimentação" ("Year of Food"). (Source: Mensageiro de Bragança)

According to organisers Márcio Carocho and Sandrina Heleno, the goal is to foster dialogue around food — from production to research — so that concrete strategies for valuing Trás-os-Montes food products can be defined. (Source: Mensageiro de Bragança)

The initiative has already visited Mogadouro (April 29, focused on honey, cheese and mushrooms from the Miranda plateau) and Alfândega da Fé (May 27, centred on cherries and almonds, with emphasis on authenticity and certification). The organisers describe the first two events as a "very good" outcome, highlighting the strong involvement of local authorities, producers and students. (Source: Mensageiro de Bragança)

June 17, Carrazeda de Ansiães: olive oil takes the stage

Wine, apples and olive oil at the heart of the debate

The next event takes place on June 17, in Carrazeda de Ansiães, under the theme "Quality and Valorisation of Mountain Foods" — and olive oil is one of three products in the spotlight, alongside wine and apples. (Source: Mensageiro de Bragança)

For anyone following the olive oil sector in Trás-os-Montes, this is a rare opportunity: to see olive oil discussed side by side with other top-quality regional products, in a setting where science, production and territory meet directly.

How to take part — and what to expect on the day

The format follows the structure already tested successfully in previous events:

• Morning: technical visits to farms and local production units

• Afternoon: themed talks and a round table with producers, researchers, businesses and local authorities

• Closing: tasting of the featured products — including, of course, olive oil from the region

Participation is free, and transport from Bragança is available for those wishing to attend the decentralised events. (Source: Mensageiro de Bragança)

Why this project matters to anyone who loves olive oil from Trás-os-Montes

The decision to decentralise these events is not just a logistical detail — it's a statement of intent. As the organisers explain: bringing the debate to the territories where these products originate is important because it brings the discussion closer to the communities where economic, cultural and social value is built every day. (Source: Mensageiro de Bragança)

For the olive oil sector — which has already proven its world-class quality in international competitions — this kind of event is an essential step towards certification, differentiation and access to new markets, three areas where cooperation between producers, researchers and local authorities makes all the difference. (Source: Mensageiro de Bragança)

The "Ano D'Alimentação" journey continues in Montalegre (September 23), dedicated to food safety for meats and sausages, and concludes in Bragança (October 14), under the theme "Food Heritage and Territory" — a synthesis of everything discussed throughout the year.

Combine the event with a visit to the region

For anyone available on June 17, Carrazeda de Ansiães is also an excellent base for exploring the Douro vineyards and the olive groves that stretch across the region's hillsides — a great opportunity to combine knowledge, science and first-hand experience with producers.

👉 Check out our olive oil tourism routes in Trás-os-Montes and the Douro and discover how to get closer to the producers shaping the future of olive oil in the region.

Source: – Mensageiro de Bragança: https://mdb.pt/noticia/ipb-leva-debate-sobre-valorizacao-dos-produtos-alimentares-varios-concelhos-transmontanos