Saber Award brings research closer to agribusiness challenges

Scientific research occupies an increasingly important space within agribusiness. New technologies, sustainability, management, animal health and efficiency are some of the challenges that require solutions developed from science. In this context, City Farm FAG promotes the Saber Award, an initiative created to value research related to the sector and bring scientific production closer to the needs of the field. The award is part of the City Farm FAG program and seeks to recognize work that contributes to the development of agribusiness. The proposal follows the evolution of the event itself, which was born from the traditional Field Days of the FAG Center's Agronomy course and, over the years, incorporated new dynamics related to research, innovation, technology and academic training. According to the FAG Center's Agronomy coordinator, Ana Paula Morais Mourão Simonetti, the research became part of the expansion of the event precisely as a way of expanding the space dedicated to the production and dissemination of knowledge. "We realize that many start to look at the award as an opportunity to develop studies that really respond to the farmer's desire and bring contributions to the field. It is a way of showing that research has value and that the knowledge produced can generate important results for agribusiness", reinforces Ana Paula. Research connected to agriculture Technology and innovation present in the field. Disclosure. Academic research also plays an important role in identifying problems, developing new technologies and creating solutions that can be applied in the production sector. By bringing together scientific works related to agriculture, the Saber Award creates a space for dissemination and recognition for researchers and academics. Furthermore, the initiative allows different areas of knowledge to dialogue with a sector that is undergoing constant transformation. "When a university develops a study, tests a technology or seeks a solution to a certain problem, there is the possibility of transforming this knowledge into applicable innovation. The Saber Award values ??precisely this, because it gives visibility to research that can make agriculture more efficient, technological and prepared for the challenges of the future", highlights Mark Reginatto, director of innovation at the FAG Center. The participation of researchers from different institutions is crucial to expand the scope of the proposal. In the 2025 edition, for example, a work linked to the Study Group on Ruminant Production Chains at the Federal University of Santa Maria was classified for presentation in the Saber Award for the second consecutive year. The study addressed the use of intelligent systems in predicting pregnancy in beef heifers. The example depicts how the award can function as a point of convergence between different institutions and lines of research. At the same time as it praises scientific production, the Saber Award puts works in contact with an audience made up of students, teachers, researchers, producers and agribusiness professionals. From research to practice The relationship between science and field is also present in the trajectory of City Farm FAG. According to Ana Paula, the research began to occupy a larger space within the institution itself, promoting the expansion of the event alongside other initiatives focused on innovation, technology and academic training. "In addition to the award, there is a whole process of disseminating and publishing the works, with expanded abstracts, banners and scientific articles. So, it is not just about sending a research to compete for a prize. There is also the opportunity to share this knowledge and make it reach other people and institutions. The prize is open to researchers from all over the country, which further expands this exchange", highlights Ana Paula. Academics take advantage of the event to put knowledge into practice. Mariana Santiago Luzan. For the university, the rapprochement between research and the productive sector also contributes to the training of students. By following scientific work and studying solutions developed by researchers, academics can expand their repertoire of the challenges faced by agribusiness and the possibilities of professional activity. The 2026 edition expands the scope of the Saber Award and begins to receive works from different courses and areas of knowledge, as long as they are related to agribusiness and meet the criteria established in the regulations. The proposal is directly related to the need to transform scientific knowledge into applicable solutions. For the academic dean of Centro FAG, Afonso Cavalheiro Neto, “the university has an extremely important role in building the future of agribusiness because it is also within it that knowledge, technologies and professionals capable of reacting to transformations in the sector are produced.” Professionals share knowledge during the event. Disclosure. Recognition of scientific production The Saber Award is part of the program of the 6th edition of City Farm FAG, which will be held from November 26th to 29th, at the Centro Universitário FAG, in Cascavel (PR). Registration for the 2026 edition continues until September 30th. Researchers and authors who meet the criteria established in the award regulations can participate, submitting their work through the official City Farm FAG channel. By placing research at the center of a program dedicated to agribusiness, the Saber Award reinforces one of City Farm FAG's proposals: bringing universities, science, innovation and the productive sector closer together. The initiative recognizes those who produce knowledge and expands the space for this knowledge to dialogue with the challenges and transformations of agriculture. Want to participate? Check out the regulations and registration information on the official City Farm FAG channel: Saber Award