FAO-ICARDA International Technical Cooperation Network on Cactus

Welcome to the FAO-ICARDA International Technical Cooperation Network on Cactus (FAO-ICARDA CACTUSNET).

Created in 1993, the FAO-ICARDA CACTUSNET is established on voluntary basis, and aims to :

• Collect and disseminate information on production and planting, trade and markets, crop research, postharvest and processing and cochineal on cactus pear.
  
• Cooperate in the collection, conservation, exchange, evaluation and utilization of germplasm and monitor progress and usefulness of such exchanges.
  
• Promote the ecological and social benefits of cactus pear.
  
• Develop new food and carminic acid uses.
  
• Exchange expertise and organize training courses, workshops and meetings of experts in order to improve technical capability in the individual institutions.

• October 28-31, 2013, Palermo (Italy): VIII International Congress on Cactus Pear and Cochineal. Info: Prof. Dr. Paolo Inglese, Department DEMETRA, Università degli Studi di Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, ED. 4, 90142 Palermo, Italy. Phone: (39)09123861234, Fax: (39)09123860820, E-mail: paolo.inglese@unipa.it or Prof. Dr. Innocenza Chessa, Dept. Of Economic & Woody Plants, University of Sassari, Via E. de Nicola 9, 07100 Sassari, Italy. E-mail: chessa_i@uniss.it. For addtional information go to congress website: www.soishs.org/cactuspear

Cactus pads good feed in arid environment

Cactus crop helps combating desertification

Cactus produces good quality fruits

Nopalitos are excellent food

Promising agri-food sector

Value added products (medicinal and cosmetic uses)

Cochineal and red dye industry