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A. Nikolaidis, P. Kalaitzis, G. Stavroulakis
Mediterranean Agronomic Institute
Mediterranean Agronomic Institute of Chania
Macedonia Rd., 73100 CHANIA (Greece)
The objectives of the horticultural research in the Mediterranean region can be divided in several important domains.
1) The development of the scientific and technical basis necessary for the progressive redirection of Mediterranean horticulture towards new, less intensive production systems which are more environmentally friendly but which are economically viable and maintain a sufficient level of employment.
2) The development of quality products whose various characteristics fulfil the expectations of consumers and are likely to bring an increase in value added by all sections of the sectors concerned.
3) In addition to the adjustment of the principal horticultural products and the redirection of production towards quality products, the diversification of production and farming, activities is also a priority.
1) The first domain comprises of the following high priority with regard to research themes. Promotion of horticultural crop production, techniques, methods and systems wich permit a reduction of inputs, better protection of the environment and the countryside and an improvement in quality. The genetic improvement of crops (in particular through the application of biotechnology). Preservation and encouragement of the genetic heritage and biodiversity in horticultural crops.he genetic heritage and biodiversity in horticultural crops. Preservation and development of varieties adapted to harsh climates, Comparison of the productivity of organic (biological) and conventional production systmes. Development of non-chemical or low-chemical methods, mechanical equipment and techniques promoting practices wich are more environmentally friendly and giving greater protection to the environment (water, soil, landscape, etc.) to reduce contamination and erosion and increase production efficiency (including biotechnology).
2) Research in the area of food quality reflects the increased importance of quality products and the consequent introduction of rules such as designation of origin, geographical indications, certificates of specific character and organic farming. The research priorities with regard to this domain should be focused on the following areas. Analysis of the vaiious expectations of consumers, (price, production processes, quite, social aspects etc.), identification of the types of products fulfilling those expectations (standards, specific characteristics etc.) and ways of ensuring that products fulfil those expectations. Improvement of methods and equipment for measuring and controlling product quality (technological, health, nutritional, organoleptic etc,) and of adding value to local products. Development of technology for forecasting the quality of and certifying the quality of agricultural products and/or impquality of agricultural products and/or improving their nutritional and organoleptic quality, In addition, development of analysis methods for improving the security of consumers and the identification of the critical points for preventing the risk of contamination.
Moreover, the establishment of objective criteria for various contaminants found in foodstuffs. With regard to the organic food certification is necessary the establishment of objective analytical parameters for identifying agricultural products produced using organic methods. Definition of rnaximum acceptable limits for certain characteristic elements in organic farming.
3) The intention to diversify horticultural products and activities requires a significant research effort concentrated in the following, areas:
a) Identificcition and optimization of new forms of product diversification and the development of technical and economic references. Analysis and improvement of the specific characteristics of horticultural crops (genotype and phenotype improvement) especially for organic farming, niche products and aromatic plants. Improvement of horticultural crop production, harvesting and transport methods and equipment (low inputs, low environmental impact, high output of marketable product, responding to needs of users, socioeconomic conditions). Improvement and further development of new integrated processes for the valorization and extraction of valuases for the valorization and extraction of valuable crop components. Development of reformulated materials and products by combination of crop-derived components.
b) Another priority with retgard to diversification is the biomass
production and the recycling of horticultural and processing residues,
both renewable sources of raw materials. Specifically, the application
of biotechnology and other technologies to improve yield and quality
of energy crops and of other non-food crops (e.g. carbohydrate
and oil content, ash content of fuel crops etc.) and to increase
the recycling of horticultural and processing residues at the
farm level. Development and optimization of production techniques
and methods, harvesting, storage, on-farm processing and transport
of vegetable product for non-food uses: reduction of the environmental
impact, suitability for processing, improvement of profitability,
development of employment