Competitiveness increase of high hill and mountain farms through cereal biodiversity valorization under organic farming (Bio2)
The two-year project involves Open Fields as coordinator, the University of Parma (UNIPR), Agriform Scarl (training organization), Molino Grassi Spa, Azienda Agraria Sperimentale Stuard and five farming companies located in mountain or high hill areas in Parma and Reggio Emilia provinces. The five farming companies involved are: Bismantova Az. Agricola (Castelnovo Ne’Monti, RE), Le Piagne Soc. Agricola (Vogno di Toano, RE), Az. Agricola Grossi (Lesignano De’Bagni, PR), Azienda Elena di Cunial (Traversetolo, PR), Angus Az. Agricola (Bedonia, PR). This working group aims to enhance the competitiveness of traditionally marginal areas focusing on organic farming and on the extraordinary biodiversity of our ancient grains.
During these two years the study group will test and identify the combinations of ancient genotypes, organically grown and mixed in the same plot, that will be able to better perform in terms of yield and will show the better predisposition to the primary and secondary processing. The starting ideas is that simultaneously grown genotypes on marginal lands or subject to extreme climates, can compensate each other and thus ensure a stability of both yield and quality. With respect to technical capabilities, the mixed grains and the pure varieties will be characterized, the possible presence of contaminants mycotoxins will be detected, and finally the content of micro and macro elements (B vitamins, phenolic acids, fiber) will be analyzed. From the flours, the working group aims to develop healthy and functional end-products, following the evaluation of their nutritional value and their health effects (such as the accessibility of in vitro nutrients, blood glucose curve, insulin). Finally, the innovation plan aims to measure the increase of the gross saleable production obtained with the cultivation of organic ancient grains with particular focus on the mixtures, and to carry out a market analysis to encourage the competitiveness of the farms and their marginal areas.
ROLE: Coordinator
TIMING: 2016-2018
CALL: PSR (MISURA 16.1.01)
