Agroecological use of downgraded products in the Mediterranean: the case of dates

NATAE Practice abstract n. 18: Circular economies. Culture and food traditions. Working Package 7. A NATAE practice abstract is a summary that describes an agroecological practice that can be used as a valuable resource by farmers, researchers, policy makers, and other stakeholders interested in adopting or promoting agricultural practices that contribute to sustainability, productivity, and competitiveness in the agricultural sector. This document explores the agroecological valorisation of downgraded dates in Mediterranean oasis systems. A significant share of date production has low or no commercial value due to quality or harvest losses. The document presents practical uses for these dates, including livestock feed, date vinegar, and date sugar production. These practices reduce food waste, diversify farmers’ income, and support local value chains. They are accessible to small-scale farms and contribute to agroecological systems by enhancing resource efficiency, preserving local date varieties, and strengthening the economic and environmental sustainability of oasis agriculture.