Baza danych projektów PROW
Innovating Agriculture: "Fresh and Ready to eat" Produce in Umbria
Summary
Cooperation between the research sector and farmers to tackle challenges for the agricultural sector led to innovation, diversification and knowledge transfer in Umbria, encapsulated in the rollout of “fresh and ready-to-eat” fruits and vegetables.
Background
A consortium composed of the University of Tuscia, Novamont – Research and innovation centre in agriculture – and three farms (Azienda Agricola Luca Treppaoli, Azienda Agraria Il Poggiolo, Azienda Agraria Pizzi Giorgiomaria) was formed to address the need for innovative solutions to the regional farms' struggle to survive in a more and more competitive market environment.
Objective
Specific objectives of the project were to: i) diversify the main farms’ activities to start producing “fresh and ready-to-eat” fruits and vegetables; ii) create new market opportunities, mainly targeting big supermarkets; iii) introduce innovative and “environmental friendly” packaging solutions. Improving farms' viability was the main general objective of the project.
Main activities
The main activities of the project are: designing process and product innovations (implemented by the research partners) and testing them in the farms. The innovative processes mainly aimed at keeping the freshness of products for longer, increasing their “shelf-life”; on the product front, special “environmentally friendly” packaging was developed. A special effort was undertaken to find new markets for these products, with particular attention to big supermarkets.
Results & Benefits
Thanks to the project the farmers diversified their outputs, introduced new quality products, found new market opportunities and increased the profits of farm activities. They also became part of the regional short supply-chain, enhanced their skills, improved their farming practises, and contributed to spreading innovation. The cooperation between the entrepreneurs, the university and the technological district set up a platform for interactive and innovative entrepreneurial behaviours.
Lessons learnt
Research is important to support innovation and cooperation with farmers helped transferring knowledge and making synergies between different investments. Farmers’ participation was crucial to assess the needs for innovation, test the proposed solutions, demonstrate the results to others and boost interesting emulative behaviours along the supply-chain. Lack of credit, limitations on eligible costs and advance payment restrictions are issues to be tackled.
Project location and other information
San Venanzo, Montecastello di Vibio, Todi
Region
Umbria
RDP Territory
Umbria
Total project cost (€)
499 400
EAFRD contribution (€)
392 372
Private contribution (€)
107 028
Project website
Contact name
Luciano Concezzi
Telephone
+39 0758957209
Languages for contact
English, Italian
Document attachment
Original Language version
At a glance
Country
Italy
Final beneficiary type
Individual farmers, Non-farm or non-forest entreprises, Other
Budget range
€100 000 - €500 000
Start date:
18/02/2010
End Date:
17/08/2012
Theme / Measure:
Competitiveness of Agriculture & Forestry
Restructuring, developing physical potential, and promoting innovation
124: Cooperation for development of new products, processes and technologies
Keywords:
Food quality , Packaging, Agri-food industry, Quality certification, Innovation
Last update
19/06/2014