Fostering a Science-based Development of a sustainable Montenegrin Agriculture

Informations projet

AGRISCIMONT

N° de convention de subvention: 256718

Projet clôturé

Date de début 1 Juin 2010

Date de fin 30 Novembre 2013

Financé au titre de

• Specific Programme "Capacities": Research potential of Convergence Regions

Coût total € 1 247 619,46

Contribution de l’UE € 1 112 785,68

Coordonné par

JAVNA USTANOVA UNIVERZITET CRNE GORE PODGORICA
Montenegro

Final Report Summary - AGRISCIMONT (Fostering a Science-based Development of a sustainable Montenegrin Agriculture)

Executive Summary:
The Biotechnical Faculty in Podgorica (BTF), as a member of the University of Montenegro with longest research tradition, performs a very wide range of researches in dialogue with decision-makers (partner of the Ministry of Agriculture for food control and policy drafting) and directly or via extension services with many end-users (primary agriculture, processing industry, input suppliers).
The AgriSciMont project (42 months) aims at strengthening BTF's excellence through technological, human and partnership fostering and a reorganisation around 3 interdisciplinary research areas (food and feed safety, agro biodiversity conservation and agro-analyses) to converge towards excellence on "Fostering a Science-based Development of a Sustainable Montenegrin Agriculture". The Action Plan is made of 6 WPs: Technological capacity-building; Human capacity-building and life-long learning; Mobility trainings; Excellence visibility and research strategy consolidation; Increase of visibility and results disseminations and Management.
In order to reach such objectives, BTF collaborates with 5 excellent European Research Institutions (University of Ljubljana, Slovenia; Swedish Biodiversity Centre, Sweden; University of Natural Resources and Applied Life Sciences, Austria, University of Honenheim, Germany, and Wageningen University, Netherlands), through two-way mobility trainings and intense and high-quality dissemination events. Each partner actively participated to dissemination activities, management and mobility trainings.

The AgriSciMont measurable results are: 35 new pieces of equipment for 8 existing and two new laboratories purchased; 3 experienced researchers hired; more than 20 scientific and support trainings held; subscription to 6 scientific magazines, 20 scientific books on different topics and statistical software purchased; two-way mobility trainings (28 researchers from BTF for 54 weeks; 11 people from partners for 15 weeks spent at BTF); intensified extension services; 3 farmers' days organised, five workshops on different topics, one international conference; a long-term RTD strategy (2014-2020) prepared; attendance to many international conferences, symposia, congresses and other events; BTF open day organised; a web-site is active with more than 10,000 visits during project lasting, 7 Bulletins published and a plenty of dissemination materials prepared and distributed, many dissemination events organised and public media used intensively for BTF visibility improvement and promotion. BTF actively participated into the Food-Cluster activities and thus contributes to finding ideas and solutions to innovate in terms of agricultural resources management and food and feed quality and safety at EU level. The project application under title: ‘’Boosting the competitiveness of consumer-oriented food production and sustainable agriculture in Montenegro – FoodBoostMe’’ were submitted to the call launched by Ministry of Science of Montenegro and was one in best two proposed for financial support.
By increasing its human capacity through the lifelong learning, recruitment of experienced researchers and numerous trainings; increasing its technological capacity; intensively networking on the international level; communicating on the national and local levels; and building its future through RTD strategy designing, the AgriSciMont project has strengthened the research capacity and research quality of BTF enabling it to be recognised as the best agricultural research centre in Montenegro.
The main project impacts are significant increase in scientific excellence, strong step towards more integrated system, very active international networking, improved attractiveness and visibility in Balkan regions and in the ERA.
Note: More information about AgriSciMont project is available at web-site www.agrscimont.me

Project Context and Objectives:
The concept of AgriSciMont project is to gather all the relevant stakeholders: the partners on national level (decision-makers, the end-users from primary agriculture, processing industry, input suppliers, Chamber of Commerce, the associations on national level), the international partners (University of Ljubljana, Slovenia; Swedish Biodiversity Centre, Sweden; University of Natural Resources and Applied Life Sciences, Austria, University of Honenheim, Germany, and Wageningen University, Netherlands) and the Food-Cluster members around BTF in order to improve its scientific excellence, and thus provide a science-based multipurpose support for Montenegrin agriculture and rural areas.
Biotechnical faculty (BTF) is a central key actor encouraging decision-makers and end-users to better communicate and jointly shape a science-based sustainable agriculture and safe food production in Montenegro.
BTF’s vision is to be a leading institution in the creation of new knowledge and its transfer to suit the needs of long-term sustainable development of agriculture and rural areas in Montenegro. In order to achieve this vision BTF develops and strengths an integrated interdisciplinary approach around 3 main research areas:
1) Mastering the food and feed quality and safety and their impact on the environment;
2) Conserving and sustainable use of plant and animal genetic resources in agriculture as a fundamental basis of biodiversity;
3) Providing accurate and in-depth agricultural analyses - to converge towards excellence on a crucial topic: “Fostering a Science-based Development of a Sustainable Montenegrin Agriculture”.
This vision is a red line of the whole Action Plan of AgriSciMont project.

The main project objective is to strengthen BTF’s excellence through technological, human and partnership capacities fostering as well as through a reshaping of its internal organisation.
More specifically, AgriSciMont is fostering the integration of BTF within the ERA by increasing its leadership among European research institutions, covering the whole production food chain, providing high level data interpretation and influencing local and EU policy in the field of food quality and safety, agro-biodiversity and agro-economics.
In order to reach such objectives, BTF collaborates with 5 excellent European Research Institutions (University of Ljubljana, Slovenia; Swedish Biodiversity Centre, Sweden; University of Natural Resources and Applied Life Sciences, Austria, University of Honenheim, Germany, and Wageningen University, Netherlands), through two-way mobility trainings and intense and high-quality dissemination events.

The overall strategy of the AgriSciMont is implementing through the realization of six work packages, specifically designed to stick to BTF’s needs:
- WP1: Technological capacity-building;
- WP2: Human capacity-building and life-long learning within BTF;
- WP3: Mobility training: scientific and international skills improvement;
- WP4: Excellence visibility and research strategy consolidation through long-term partnerships;
- WP5: Increase in visibility of BTF and dissemination of the AgriSciMont project results;
- WP6: Management.
The AgriSciMont Measurable results are: 35 new pieces of equipment; 3 experienced researchers hired; more than 20 scientific and support trainings lead; subscription to 6 scientific magazines, 20 scientific books on different topics and statistical software purchased; two-way mobility trainings (28 researchers from BTF for 54 weeks; 11 people from partners for 15 weeks spent at BTF); intensified extension services; 3 farmers' days organised, five workshops on different topics, one international conference; a long-term RTD strategy (2014-2020) prepared; attendance to many international conferences, symposia, congresses and other events; BTF open day organised; a web-site is active with more than 10,000 visits during project lasting, 7 Bulletins published and a plenty of dissemination materials prepared and distributed, many dissemination events organised and public media used intensively for BTF visibility improvement and promotion. BTF actively participated into the Food-Cluster activities and thus contributes to finding ideas and solutions to innovate in terms of agricultural resources management and food and feed quality and safety at EU level. The project application under title: ‘’Boosting the competitiveness of consumer-oriented food production and sustainable agriculture in Montenegro – FoodBoostMe’’ were submitted to the call launched by Ministry of Science of Montenegro and was one in best two proposed for financial support.
By increasing its human capacity through the recruitment of experienced researchers and numerous trainings; increasing its technological capacity; intensively networking on the international level; communicating on the national and local levels; and building its future through RTD strategy strengthening, the AgriSciMont project cannot but strengthen the research capacity and research quality in the Balkan regions.
BTF actively participates into the Food-Cluster activities and thus contributes to finding ideas and solutions to innovate in terms of agricultural resources management and food and feed quality and safety at EU level.

Project Results:
INTRODUCTION
The aim of this document is to present the review on the activities defined within the Description of Work (DoW) of AgriSciMont Project. Therefore, the outline of the performed activities and the obtained results are stated. As indicated in the DoW of the AgriSciMont, this project is divided into six work packages each dealing with relevant areas in connection to the improvement of professional as well as technical capacities of the Biotechnical Faculty (BTF), taking into the consideration that BTF is recognized as a key institution in future development of the Montenegrin agriculture in terms of professional and practical knowledge.
BTF’s personnel, its tradition as well as its positioning as the sole institution of such type in Montenegro is providing a solid basis for the implementation of AgriSciMont project activities. Further in the text, the up to dated realization of the project activities are elaborated in connection to every work package as well as possible obstacles or eventual changes in separate activities.
This document is the result of the reports delivered by each of the WP management (the leader and its substitute), existing deliverables for separate work packages and detailed evidence precisely carried out by the management of the project.

This is the final report for the AgriSciMont project and, in the following text, it will separately elaborate the tasks and achieved results for the following six project work packages:
- Work package 1 (WP1): TECHNOLOGY CAPACITY BUILDING
- Work package 2 (WP2): HUMAN CAPACITY-BUILDING AND LIFE-LONG LEARNING WITHIN BTF
- Work package 3 (WP3): MOBILITY TRAININGS – SCIENTIFIC AND INTERNATIONAL SKILLS IMPROVEMENT
- Work package 4 (WP4): EXCELLENCE VISIBILITY AND RESEARCH STRATEGY CONSOLIDATION, PERIODIC REPORT
- Work package 5 (WP5): INCREASE IN VISIBILITY OF BTF AND DISSEMINATION OF THE AGRISCIMONT PROJECT RESULTS;
- Work package 6 (WP6): MANAGEMENT

WORK PACKAGE 1 (WP1): TECHNOLOGY CAPACITY BUILDING
The goal of WP1 is strengthening the technical capacity of the Biotechnical Faculty by providing the equipment for food and feed quality and safety control, biodiversity preservation and analysis, as well as for performing the high-quality scientific research.
Responsibility: Radmila Pajovic, PhD - leader of the WP1; and Slavko Mirecki, PhD - leader substitute.

The main activities (tasks) planned by DoW:
Task 1.1 Public procurements preparation
Task 1.2 Equipment purchase
Task 1.3 Laboratory reorganization
Task 1.1 Public procurements preparation
The main objective of the task was to provide necessary equipment for the laboratories already existing at the Biotechnical Faculty, as well as for the establishment of new laboratories with the outcome of upgrading the current technical capacities and laboratory equipment and to enable BTF to perform basic laboratory services to agriculture in general as well as the research activities. Defined budget for the equipment was € 272,490.38 (VAT excluded).
The preparation of the procurement notice was planned to be adjusted to the national requirements as these are applied to Biotechnical Faculty as a whole.

Task 1.2 Equipment purchase
It was planned to purchase more than 30 pieces of equipment to upgrade 7 existing laboratories (forestry, livestock, veterinary, wine, milk, plant protection and seed testing) and to establish 2 new laboratories (Laboratory for plant and animal molecular genetics analyses).

Task 1.3 Laboratory reorganization
This task comprises adequate installation of the purchased equipment, reorganization of laboratories according to requirements of accreditation standards and initiation of the accreditation process according to MEST/ISO17025:2006.
In a frame of the WP1, the predefined tasks were conducted as follows.

Task 1.1 Public procurements preparation and Task 1.2 Equipment purchase
Definition of technical specifications of equipment and their harmonization with general requirements of the tender was conducted. All of the equipment was systematized into six separate lots, according to functional instrument similarities, in order to simplify tendering procedure (for more details see D1.1) .
The Tender Committee was formed comprised of: Procurement Officer, out of 7 members, 5 representing the relevant BTF laboratories, one from the outside of Biotechnical Faculty and the lawyer of the Biotechnical Faculty.
Publishing the Tender Procurement Notice, the Tender was launched in written media (daily newspapers ‘’Vijesti’’) and on web-sites of the Public Procurement Directorate and of BTF. In order to attract more bidders, the tender was published bilingual: in Montenegrin and English.
After the evaluation, Tender Committee made a decision on awarding the contract for three Lots (1, 2 and 5). However, for the three remaining (Lot 3, Lot 4 and Lot 6) the offers exceeded the predefined maximum amount, and due to that were refused. The Tender Committee produced a detailed Report comprising the rationale of the conducted evaluation as well as the Decision on Contract awarding for the most successful bidders.
In order to finish the equipment purchasing, the same tendering procedure had to be repeated for the rest of the equipment pieces that could not be purchased through the 1st Tender Announcement so the 2nd Tender procurement notice was published in written media (daily newspapers ‘’Vijesti’’) and on web-sites of the Public Procurement Directorate of Montenegro.
One of the companies lodged the complaint on the award decision of the Tender Committee. After the consideration of the complaint and the rationale of the Decision, the final decision of the Public Procurement Directorate was that the compliant rejected as groundless. For both tenders, the contacts with Ministry of Education and Science had been made and activities for exemption from customs duties and VAT were undertaken.

Task 1.3 Laboratory reorganization
For the purpose of adequate instalment of the purchased equipment, the experts from selected supplier companies reviewed all of the laboratories and gave suggestions for some adjustments and adaptations.
Reconstruction and adaptation of most laboratories was finished and by the beginning of April 2011 all of the equipment was installed into the relevant laboratories. There were no problems or obstacles in conducting purchasing and installation of the equipment. All necessary trainings of laboratory staff were provided.
Procedures for accreditation of milk and vine laboratories, according to MEST/ISO17025:2006 started and as a result the Milk lab accredited 5 methods for milk and milk products analyses.
Since the project was extended for six months, the total project budget was reorganised in a way that part of many reallocate for purchasing new equipment. Thus new equipment at price EUR 23,900 was purchased. The tendering procedure was the same as it was in supplying first laboratory equipment.

Conclusions
Since all the necessary tasks within WP1 were completed successfully, it can be concluded that:
- All of the laboratories are upgraded through the complementary pieces of the equipment.
- The new laboratories for plant and animal molecular genetics analyses are established.
- AgriSciMont project was a powerful tool for improvement of BTF technical capacities enabling it to place first position at University of Montenegro in terms of the labs equipment.

WORK PACKAGE 2 (WP2): HUMAN CAPACITY-BUILDING AND LIFE-LONG LEARNING WITHIN BTF
The objective of WP2 is the strengthening of the human capacities of BTF through various tasks such are the recruitment of new experienced researchers, attracting back young Montenegrin researchers and implementation a life-long learning (LLL) system.
Responsibility: Biljana Lazovic, PhD - leader and Miomir Jovanovic, PhD - leader substitute
The main activities (tasks) planned by DoW:

Task 2.1 Recruitment of new staff (experienced experts):
The new experts were planned to be recruited for the three following areas:
1. Food safety and quality control (35 months)
2. Conservation and sustainable use of Agrobiodiversity (30 months)
3. Macroeconomics (24 months)

Task 2.2 Attempts to attract back young researchers gone out of Montenegro

Task 2.3 Scientific trainings - implementation of a LLL system within BTF
To increase the scientific excellence of BTF’s researchers, 5 trainings are planned to be organized:
- Methodology of research in genetic resource;
- Research experiences from EU in order quality control and food safety;
- New trends and demands in research area of EU;
- New methodologies in seed quality control;
- Modern post-harvest treatment in order food safety of fresh vegetable and fruits;

Task 2.4 Support trainings - application of the LLL system.
This task is planned to be implemented through the organization of the relevant courses:
- Language courses - 3 three-month language courses.
- Management courses - 3 two-day management courses.
- Publishing courses - 2 courses to improve BTF’s publishing abilities and upgrade the quality of the national scientific journal.
- Project management courses - foreign experts to train BTF staff on how to prepare project proposals, with focus on FP7 projects.
- Quality management courses – training of the relevant researchers on quality management, once the equipment is purchased and installed.

Task 2.5 Subscription to international scientific magazines
The following scientific journals have been identified as the most relevant and most needed ones for the activities within BTF:
- Plant breeding (UK) ISSN: 0179-9541;
- Journal of animal science ISSN: 0021-8812;
- European Journal of Plant Pathology ISSN:0929-1873;
- European Journal of Soil Science, (UK) ISSN: 1351-0754;
- American Journal of Oenology and Viticulture (USA) ISSN:0002-9254;
- Crop science, ISSN: 0011-183X
In a frame of the WP2, the predefined tasks were conducted as follows

Task 2.1 Recruitment of new staff (experienced experts):
The first task of this WP was successfully conducted and required experts had been employed (for more details see D.2.2) :
a) Expert for the food Safety and quality control- Aleksandra Martinovic Stjepanovic, PhD, was chosen among 3 applicants after first announcement in July 2010;
- The main activities were: comparative studies (GAP analysis) MNE vs. EU legislation on HACCP - system, procedure, implementation and requirements; practical use in food industry (bakery, milk and meat industry, fish industry, etc.), import and export requirements, certificates, control, accredited laboratories and food labelling; establishing of the group of experts at BTF for standardization and certification on food safety and quality control, teaching on the module ‘Meat processing technology’ and ‘Biotechnology in agriculture’; international cooperation and many other activities delegated by AgriSciMont management.
b) Expert for Agrobiodiversity - Vladan Bozovic, PhD, accepted as the only candidate after the second announcement published in February 2011.
- The main activities were: the overview on existing lab equipment at BTF – report; scientific trainings of BTF staff on different aspects of Agro-biodiversity, GR and use of molecular techniques in GR characterization; introducing of new protocols for DNA extraction of PGR (Vitis, olive and pomegranate) and AnGR (sheep breeds) in the DNA labs at BTF; involvement in preparation and realization of the projects (COST, National projects, bilateral project etc.); institutional collaborationand other activities delegated by AgriSciMont management.
c) Expert for Macroeconimcs -Velibor Spalević, PhD, accepted after second announcement in July 2011.
- The main activities were: upgrading national scientific journal ‘Agriculture and forestry’, implying complex of tasks: upgrading the journal, updating the back issues, electronic visibility of the journal - web site, sci bases, publishing of the Conference papers, lectures on specific topics – erosion and other activities delegated by AgriSciMont management.

Task 2.2 Attempts to attract back young researchers gone out of MNE
AgriSciMont team used advertising materials produced in WP5 (the leaflets, bulletins, web-site, public medias and others) to attract young researchers together with increasing visibility of the project. The list of young researchers who left Montenegro is permanently updated together with the University and the Ministry of Science. The contacts with many young researchers left Montenegro were established, and individual meetings during their visiting the country on holidays were organized. Some of them participated in different project activities: the Conference, the workshops and the Open day event.

Task 2.3 Scientific trainings
- In the frame of scientific training ‘Research experiences from EU in order quality control and food safety’ two workshops and serial of the lectures were held by Aleksandra Martinovic, PhD, expert in food safety and quality control. The first workshop on “International standards and recommendations for food safety” was held in June, 2011, with 12 participants from the laboratories of BTF that are dealing with food quality analyses. The second workshop on “Implementation of HACCAP system in food industry” was held July 4, 2011, with 10 participants from BTF laboratories. Under these training topic additional lectures through four modules: legal aspect of food safety, HACCP system, foodborne illness, and testing laboratories were scheduled to be held by the same expert on the project for food safety (D2.2.).
- In the frame of scientific trainings ‘Methodology of research in genetic resources’ five lectures / workshops was held in February 2012, by expert on the project, Vladan Bozovic, PhD, for Conservation and sustainable use of Agrobiodiversity (D2.2). In addition, Dr V. Bozovic permanently had been lecturing BTF stuff on different aspects of molecular genetic analyses in the field of genetic resources in agriculture.
- ‘Modern postharvest treatments in order food safety of fresh vegetable and fruit’ was held by Prof. Dr. Elazar Fallik, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem (May 2012). In total there were 28 participants (BTF researchers, students and extension service representatives).
- ‘New methodologies in seed quality control’ was held by Marjan Južnik and Andrej Zemljić, Agricultural Institute Ljubljana, Slovenia (July 2012); There were 25 participants (BTF researchers, students, Phytosanitary Directorate and extension service representatives).
- New trends and demands in research area:
• Lecture on ‘Condition of soil erosion in the world and in our Region’ by Will Mahoney, IECA SOIL Fund Ambassador, USA, dr. Budimir Fuštić and Dr. Velibor Spalević from BTF (Sept.2012). The participants were researchers from BTF, 15 in total;
• Lecture on 'Challenges and priorities in agricultural water management’ held by Prof. Dr. Mladen Todorovic from the Mediterranean Agronomic Institute (IAM) in Bari, Italy (Nov. 2013). Participants: 35 – researchers from BTF, students;
• Lecture on „Virosphera – magic and (un)known world of viruses“ held by Prof. Dr Sead Šabanadžović, Mississippi State University, USA (Oct. 2013). Participants: 50 - researchers from BTF, students, Faculty of Natural Science, Medical Faculty.

Task 2.4 Support trainings
- English language courses scheduled for 3 semesters, started on October 4th 2010. They have been organized at 3 levels in Podgorica and 2 levels in Bijelo Polje during 3 semesters, while in Bar at 2 levels during 2 semesters. In total, 76 participants attended the classes to improve English knowledge, of which 37 people were from BTF. In addition to the research staff of BTF, its professional services (Extension service in plant production and Livestock Selection service) were participated the courses. For 2 semesters in Podgorica, teachers were engaged from the Institute for foreign language of University of Montenegro, while in Bar and Bijelo Polje teachers were external engagement. For the running, third semester all engaged teachers were external.
- Project management course - Workshop on preparing of the FP7 projects was led by Prof.Dr. Vladimir Kakurinov, from Macedonia, in January 2011. It lasted for 3 days and had 12 participants (10 participants from BTF and 2 participants from Historical Institute). Additional lecture on ‘How to present and transfer the knowledge during lectures’ was held in a presence of 30 the Faculty teachers and 5 students.
- The course on “Preparation of IPA project” was held in December 2011, by Dr. Vladan Bozovic, expert on the project, for the researchers of BTF.
- Management Course – first of three two-day management courses planned on the project was held by Alfons Ims, from Germany, in September 2011. The Course was composed of several topics: systemic management, knowledge and resource management. There were 19 participants.
- Publishing Course - Two-day course on academic skills (good quality research, scientific writing skills, witting successful project proposal) was held by Prof. Dr. Steve Quarrie from UK in November 2011. In total 19 attendees participated at the course. Teaching material was distributed to all participants. The evaluation from the participants was performed, and the average mark on 14 questions was 4,67 (5 was the highest)
- Management in Eastern European Centre’ by Dr. Jochem Gieraths, Uni Hoh, Germany, and ‘Management in academic institution’ by Prof. Dr. Emil Erjavec, BTF Ljubaljana, Slovenia, were held in December 2011.
- Two-day management course on Strategic planning (systemic, knowledge and resource management) was held in January 2013 by Steve Quarrie, prof. from Belgrade and Newcastle Universities. In total, 13 researchers from BTF attended the course.
- Training on FP7-Horizon 2020: Explore your creativity and skills in European project writing’, held by Mathilde Pavillon, Director of EUROPROJECT, on 24 and 25 October 2013, in total 15 participants attended the course: from BTF Podgorica but also from Centres in Bijelo Polje and Bar, Historical Institute and Phytosanitary Directorate.
- Training for the use of a new statistical program "Applied Statistics, the program Statistics 12" was held by Prof. Željko Dolijanović from Agricultural Faculty Belgrade on 22 and 23 November, 2013, at the Biotechnical Faculty, for the researchers from BTF (15) and from Faculty of Natural Sciences.

Task 2.5 Subscription to international scientific magazines
- Subscription for the selected scientific journals (Plant breeding (UK) ISSN: 0179-9541; Journal of animal science ISSN: 0021-8812; Journal of Plant Pathology (UK); European Journal of Soil Science, (UK) ISSN: 1351-0754; American Journal of Enology and Viticulture (USA) ISSN:0002-9254; Crop science, ISSN: 0011-183X) was provided. Many difficulties occurred in realization of this activity. The codes were provided for all the Journals but J. of Plant Pathology. Subscription of Journals of Soil Science and Plant Pathology were very expensive (around 2000 euro each) in regards of the total budget for Journals.
- In addition to this task, use of EBSCO base is supported by University of Montenegro. Two month access for two international Sci bases (Agris and CAB abstract) was provided from EBSCO representative from Belgrade, accompanied with a lecture held in December 2010 on how to use these bases. The workshop from EBSCO was held on 12 April 2013 by Mr. Dragan Nikolić. The topic was the use and search in EBSCO scientific bases and downloading the documents. BTF was granted two-month free access to 'Food Science Source' and is able to take scientific papers from several research areas.
- Scientific books were purchased – in total 20 scientific books covering different aspects of agricultural sciences
- The program for research data processing STATISTICS 12 was purchased for BTF. The program installation was followed by the training for BTF researchers already mentioned above.

WORK PACKAGE 3 (WP3): MOBILITY TRAININGS – SCIENTIFIC AND INTERNATIONAL SKILLS IMPROVEMENT
The objective of the WP3 is an improving the knowledge and skills of BTF researchers through two-way mobility trainings (training of BTF researchers in partner institutions and visit of partner experts to BTF).
Responsibility: Zoran Jovovic, PhD- leader of the WP3 and Bozidarka Markovic, PhD- leader substitute
The main activities (tasks) planned by DoW:

Task 3.1: Training of BTF researchers in the partner institutions
The training is planned to be implemented in three areas relevant to current and prospective BTF scope of activities:
a) Agro Biodiversity (conservation and sustainable use of molecular laboratory equipment for DNA preparation; and management and sustainable use of genetic resources in agriculture);
b) Quality control and food safety (wine and olive oil; presence of microorganisms, antibiotics and other residues in milk; animal feed; certification of seed potato and testing of vegetable quality; implementing of molecular methods in plant nemathology and virusology; new methods of biological and integrated pest control in plant protection).
c) Economic and sector analyses and studies (design and implementation of CAP alike agricultural policy; sector analyses in the agriculture; implementation of GIS in agriculture and forestry).

Task 3.2: Hosting of researchers from the EU partner institutions to BTF
This task is focused on enabling the visits of experienced researchers from partner institutions to BTF in close connection with the trainings that BTF researchers have in partner institutions and full functioning of the procured laboratory equipment

Task 3.3: Return-mechanisms
- The BTF researchers will prepare suggestions on how to implement their knowledge gained back into BTF to increase its impact.
- Workshops will be organised for the trainees to present the results achieved.
In a frame of the WP3, the predefined tasks were conducted as follows.
Task 3.1 Training of BTF researchers in the partner institutions
In the first months of the project, WP3 team intensively worked on establishing contacts with the partner institutions, obtaining the appropriate supervisors, matching the appropriate time of mobility between the supervisors and the BTF researchers, drafting agendas for individual training, etc.
The implementation of the Biotechnical Faculty researchers’ mobility trainings through one, two or three-week stays or specialized training in one of the partner institutions began in April 2011, and was completed in October 2013. Although beginning of realization of this task was originally planned in the first month (DoW) the realization had to be postponed due to the objective reasons. During this period, significant efforts have been made in order to find optimum conditions for organization of the training staff of the Biotechnical Faculty in partner institutions.
The trainings of the BTF researchers at the partner institutions
Partners institution No of trainings Duration, weeks
Biotechnical faculty Ljubljana – BFLJ Slovenia 14 26
University of Hohenheim - UniH Germany 4 7
Wageningen University - WUR Netherlands 4 6
University of Natural Resources and Life Science – BOKU Wien Austria 8 11
Swedish Biodiversity Center – CBM Sweden 3 5
Total 33 54

The main areas of specialization can be grouped as follows:
• Using molecular laboratory equipment and methods for DNA analysing,
• Management of conservation and sustainable using of agriculture and forest genetic resources,
• Control of quality parameters of wine and olive oil,
• Control presence of microorganisms, antibiotics and other residues in milk
• Certification of seed potato and testing of vegetable quality,
• Implementing of molecular methods in plant virology,
• New methods of biological and integrated pest control in plant protection,
• Implementation of advance laboratory techniques and methods for analysing phenol or polyphenol components in food,
• New methods of animal breeding and selection with focus on poultry
• Designing of project proposals and project managing
• Implementation of linear programming in the soil fertility control
• Implementation of GIS in agriculture and forestry.

The overview on BTF staff mobility trainings
The conducted trainings are presented in the table below. Then, brief description of each of the trainings follows. In total, 28 researchers stayed for 54 weeks in the partner institutions, five researchers used mobility training twice, either in the same or different partners’ institutions.
The mobility trainings of the BTF researchers in the partner institutions(presented in chronological order)
Researcher Partner institution Time of specialization Duration (weeks) Field of specialization
Dr. Đina Božović BFLj Apr, 2011 2 Application of SSR markers in diversity studies of Vitis
Slavojka Malidžan, MSc BFLj Apr, 2011 2 Application of SSR markers in diversity studies of Vitis
Dr. Zoran Jovović BFLj May/Jun,
2011 3 Certification of seed potato and cereals
Dr. Milan Marković UniH June, 2011 1 Applications, and management of international projects
Dr. BožidarkaMarković WUR June, 2011 1 In Vivo conservation of Animal genetic resources
BFLj Nov, 2013 1 Use of molecular genetic techniques for characterization of AnGR
Dr. JeleneZindović WUR June/July, 2011 2 Different serological and molecular methods used in studying plant pathogens
Dr. MirjanaBojanić UniH July, 2011 2 16S PCR characterization of bacteria isolate of the lactic acid
Dr. Ana Topalović BFLj June/July, 2011 2 Phenolic composition of the vine leaves using the mass spectrometry
BOKU Jan, 2013 1 Decomposition of labile and stable organic carbon in soil
Dr. Mirko Knežević BFLj Jun/July, ‘11 2 Linear programming in the soil fertility control
BOKU Jan, 2013 1 Decomposition of labile and stable organic carbon in soil
Dr. Miroslav Čizmović CBM Sep/Oct, 2011 2 Documentation, management and administration of gene bank data, and use of GRIN-Global software
Stoja Ljutica, MSc BFLj Nov, 2011 2 Lab techniques for analysing all types of biophenols and organic acids in olive oil
Dr. Biljana Lazović CBM Nov, 2011 1 Statistical analysis of genetic diversity and scientific publication
Dr. Slavko Mirecki UniH Nov, 2011 2 Implementation reference and standard chemical and microbiological methods for milk and milk products
Nikoleta Nikolić, MSc UniH Nov, 2011 2 Implementation reference and standard chemical and microbiological methods for milk and milk products
Milan Veljić, MSc BFLJ Nov, 2011 2 Genetics and selection in poultry production
Dr. Jelena Latinović WUR Jan, 2012 2 Characterization of bacteria and fungi isolated from the olives from Montenegro
Dr. Sanja Radonjić BOKU Jan, 2012 2 Predatory mites of the Phytoseiidae family
Mirjana Adakalić, MSc BFLj Feb, 2012 2 Analysis of Montenegrin olive sorts with application of RAPD and SSR markers
Dr.DanijelaRaičević BFLj May, 2012 2 Spectrophotometric analysis to determine the polyphenol composition of grapes and wine
BOKU Jan/Feb, 2013 1 Quality control, sensory evaluation, chemical and microbiological tests of wine
Dr.Tatjana Popović BFLj May, 2012 1 Spectrophotometric analysis the polyphenol composition of grapes and wine
Dr.Milić Čurović BOKU June, 2012 1 Invasive species in the forest
BOKU Jan/Feb, 2013 1 Joint research that would result in the publications in prestigious journals
Dr.Radmila Pajović BOKU Jun/July, 12 3 HPLC Analysis of polyphenols in grapes and wine
Mr. Jelena Lazarević CBM- SLU Oct, 2012 2 DNA characterization of pathogens and symbiotic fungi from pine root.
BFLj Feb, 2013 1 Sequence procedure, protocols for identification of forest trees at the molecular level
Dr.Nedeljko Latinović BFLj Jan, 2013 1 Laboratory tests of biological efficacy of fungicides and statistical data processing.
Dr. Velibor Spalević BOKU Jan/Feb, 2013 1 Soil melioration, modelling the intensity of erosion, runoff and mapping
Dr. Vladan Božović BFLj Jan/Feb, 2013 2 DNA identification of potato using sequencing of specific gene regions
Dr. Nataša Mirecki WUR June, 2013 1 New Trends in Organic Farming
Total number of persons 28
Total duration (weeks) 54
Note: More detailed description of each of the trainings is presented in the Deliverable 3.3

Task 3.2: Hosting of researchers from the EU partner institutions to BTF
After purchasing and installing the equipment and after finishing some of BTF researchers’ mobility in partners’ institutions, the implementation of hosting of researchers from the EU partner institutions to BTF was started. Complementary training topics have chosen for the incoming researchers for mobility trainings within BTF. During their stay in BTF, experienced researchers from the partners’ institutions have provided support to better implement knowledge and skills in labs, in particular in the newly modernized or equipped labs.
In total, 11 experienced researchers from EU partner institutions stayed at BTF. Two of them were from CBM, one from WUR, one from BOKU and seven from BFLJ.

Brief description of the mobility to BTF
In the period from 23rd to 27th May 2012 professor Peter Dovc, PhD from Biotechnical faculty Ljubljana, Department for genetics, animal biotechnology and immunology stayed at Biotechnical Faculty in Podgorica. He conducted the training for researchers and laboratory staff on newly established Lab for molecular genetic analysis in Podgorica and one similar lab in Bar. The main aim was to train BTF staff to become familiar with use of equipment and the molecular techniques in agriculture. During four days he held theoretical lectures and laboratory exercises. Lectures gave theory framework and support for the laboratory exercises, indicating other possibilities and perspectives in the field of genetic and molecular researches. Training participants performed several procedures and techniques, such as DNA extraction, preparation and conduct of PCR reaction, electrophoresis, analysis of PCR product, genetic characterization by PCR RFLP methods, as well as with other possibilities in molecular genetics.
Between 9th to 13th July 2012 experts for certification of seed material of agricultural plants Južnik Martin (potatoes) and Andrej Zemljič (cereals) from the Agricultural Institute in Ljubljana visited Montenegro. During this period, several major producers of seed potatoes and cereals and their production areas were visited and certification system that complies with EU directives EC 2002/56 and EC 66/402 were demonstrated. Producers have presented the most important principles of seed production and pointed to the critical points in this production.
The workshop "Reform of the Common Agricultural Policy and the transfer of knowledge and innovation in agriculture" was held at the Biotechnical Faculty on 9 February 2013. The lecturer was Prof.Dr. Emil Erjavec from the Biotechnical Faculty in Ljubljana. The workshop had great interest and in addition to scientific and technical staff of BTF, was attended by representatives of many other institutions - the Ministry of Agriculture, state Directorates, national associations, the Chamber of Commerce of Montenegro etc. Part of the workshop was devoted to the development of RTD strategy and as a result very important inputs for this strategy were obtained.
Dr. Klemen Lisjak and Dr. Andreja Vanzo from the Biotechnical Faculty in Ljubljana stayed in the period 20-24th March 2013 in Enological laboratory of Biotechnical Faculty in Podgorica. They held training aimed to develop new methods for determining the profile of anthocyanin in wine on HPLC. Used to be a C-18 column (25cm x 4.6mm 5 µm), and a mobile phase of methanol and dissolved ACN. Implementation of the methods in HPLC (high-performance liquid chromatography) will enable the identification, quantification and qualification of important components in wine.
During stay of the Slovenian experts, the Workshop was organized where Dr. Andrej Vanzo presented the researchers of BTF Slovenian case of procedures of vine quality control on theme “Implementation methodologies for wine quality control by using HPLC technique“, while Dr. Klemen Lisjak held presentation with title: "Research at the Agricultural Institute of Slovenia." On this occasion, he presented the areas and topics of research in agriculture at the Agricultural Institute in Ljubljana, as well as a scheme of management and financing of the Institute.
Workshop "The experience of the Netherlands in collaboration between the University of Applied Sciences and the Agricultural Sector" was organized on 8 March 2013 at the Biotechnical Faculty. The lecturer was Ben Rankenberg from Van Hall Larenstein University of Wageningen. The main topics of the workshop were: the structure of the agricultural sector in the Netherlands, the system of education in agriculture, mission, activities and cooperation of Van Hall Larenstein University with other agricultural universities in the Netherlands, as well as international cooperation of Van Hall Larenstein University. Large number of students from Biotechnical Faculty attended at the workshop in addition to researchers and management.
Prof. Dr. Peter Shausberger from BOKU University held on Biotechnical Faculty on 20th March 2013 the lecture on „The learning by predatory mites and how to make use of it in biological control“. He explained in detail the concept of biological control and the importance of predatory mites in the modern system of integrated plant protection measures. Prof. Dr. Shausberger talked about ways to adapt mites changing environmental conditions, optimizing the behaviour and life activities.
The training on theme „Implementation methodologies for olive oil quality control and techniques for detection of polyphenol contents (HPLC)“ was held at the Biotechnical Faculty, Laboratory of olive oil in Centre for Subtropical culture in Bar, from 25th to 29th March 2013. The lecturer was M.Sc. Darinka Čaljija employed in LABS laboratory in Koper (Slovenia), an accredited laboratory for analysis of olive oil. The aim of the training was to develop and harmonize methodologies and analysis of biophenols in samples of olive oil to liquid chromatography (HPLC).
Dr. Rimvydas Vasaitis and Dr. Audrius Menkis, experts from the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences in Uppsala (SLU), Department of forest mycology and plant pathology stayed at the Biotechnical Faculty in Podgorica, Laboratory of Forestry, between 9th and 12th April 2013. On that occasion there were two training sessions:
a. Field and laboratory methods of plant material sampling, preparation and storing of samples for molecular researches (Dr. Rimvydas Vasaitis)
b. Molecular techniques to identify pathogen and symbiotic fungi directly from the plant tissue (Dr. Audrius Menkis)
All goals planned in this mission were fully met that further emphasized and confirmed the importance of the return of mobility as an efficient mechanism for acquiring new knowledge and skills.

Task 3.3: Return-mechanisms
According to project plan, all BTF researchers who stayed in the partners’ institutions were obliged to prepare a report and to present the new knowledge and experience gained abroad and to propose best ways how to implement that knowledge in order to increase its impact. During realization of this task four return mechanism workshops were held for the trainees to present reports and to share their experiences with the other researchers.
The first return mechanism workshop was held on 28th September 2011. At the workshop eight BTF researchers presented their experiences, scientific methods and ways of their implementation. The reports were presented by: Jelena Zindović (WUR), Djina Božović (BFLj), Slavojka Malidžan (BFLj), Mirjana Bojanić (Hoh), Božidarka Marković (WUR), Milan Marković (UniH), Ana Topalović (BFLj) and Zoran Jovović (BFLj). In addition to the senior researchers and management of BTF, young researchers and students from all levels of study attended to the workshop.
The second workshop was held on 9th March 2012. In total 6 researchers from Biotechnical Faculty presented their reports with experiences and knowledge acquired: Miroslav Čizmović (CBM), Mirko Knežević (BFLj), Jelena Latinović (WUR), Slavko Mirecki (UniH), Nikoleta Nikolić (Hoh) and Mirjana Adakalić (BFLj).
The third workshop was held on 26th December 2012 where 6 BTF researchers who have meanwhile completed their specialist programs in its partner institutions presented their experiences: Danijela Raičević (BFLj), Tatjana Popović (BFLj), Milić Čurović (Boku), Miljan Veljić (BFLj), Sanja Radonjić (BOKU) and Biljana Lazović (CBM), Jelena Lazarevic (CBM – SLU).
The last – fourth workshop was held on 07th June 2013 and four BTF researches presented the reports: Velibor Spalević (BOKU), Danijela Raičević (BOKU), Milić Čurović (BOKU) and Vladan Božović (BFLJ).

WORK PACKAGE 4 (WP4): EXCELLENCE VISIBILITY AND RESEARCH STRATEGY CONSOLIDATION
Objective: Preparation of long-term research technological development strategy, deepening of global partnerships and strengthening of scientific collaboration on the long run.
Responsibility: Nataša Mirecki, PhD, leader and Jelena Lazarevic, MSc, leader substitute
The main activities (tasks) planned by DoW:

Task 4.1 Research at the benefit of end-users (SMEs, farmers and producers)
BTF plays a crucial role in promotion of new methods and modern agriculture science to end-users. Therefore, one of our priorities should be presenting of BTF research and other activities with main goal to enhance Montenegrin SME and farmers in their business. In that regard two farmer’s days were planned: 1) for producers in coastal region, focused on production of Mediterranean, subtropical fruits and olives; and 2) for potato growers and livestock producers in the mountains.

Task 4.2 Interdisciplinary, multidisciplinary and collaborative research promotion
To promote interdisciplinary, multidisciplinary and collaborative research two workshops will be held: 1) Different aspects of molecular methodology in agriculture; and 2) Quality and its sensorial assessment of the main Montenegrin food products: milk, wine, olive oil.
Activities of the WP4 include organization of the international conference Role of research in sustainable development of agriculture and rural areas that will address following topics: Agricultural policy and their impacts; food security; food safety; quality of agricultural products; conservation and utilization of genetic resources; autochthonous Montenegrin products and their protection.

Task 4.3 Long-term RTD strategy consolidation and partnership building
Within the framework of task 4.3 three round tables with aim to define and prepare the long-term strategy and agenda for collaboration, planned to be organized. A public debate will be organized on the proposed strategy with relevant national stakeholders.
In a frame of the WP4, the predefined tasks were conducted as follows

Task 4.1 Research at the benefit of end-users (SMEs, farmers and producers)
The objective was to establish and intensify dialogue of BTF stuff (and extension services) with producers in agriculture. Transfer of knowledge, achieved during the continuous research on BTF, to meet the needs of producers, and, at the same time to face with producers needs and expectations.
- Farmers’ day for olive oil producers held on 26th of October 2011, on Biotechnical Faculty, Centre for subtropical cultures in Bar, brought together farmers, producers, SMEs representatives and scientists. In realization of this activity, besides BTF stuff in Centre of subtropical cultures in Bar, Dr. Milena Bučar Miklavčić, from Institute for Mediterranean agriculture and oil production, Koper (Slovenia) took an active part as a guest lecturer. There were 24 participants (representatives of olive oil SMEs, producers, representatives of professional associations, public body representatives, NGOs representatives, BTF stuff and students) from 3 different municipalities (Bar, Budva and Kotor) on Adriatic coast and from Podgorica.
- Farmers’ day for potato growers (“Potato seed production”) was held on July 2012 in Kolasin. Potato producers from the North part of Montenegro had an opportunity to see growing different potato varieties on spot, and to get information on production manner and problems accompanying potato production, through practical examples of variety samples, as well as on commercial potato production fields. Lectures for the producers were held by Dr Zoran Jovović from the Biotechnical Faculty Podgorica, while Dr Andrej Zemljič and Dr Marjan Južnik from the Agricultural Institute from Slovenia participated in the workshop as international experts. The potato producers exchanged their experience and gained new knowledge in potato production. In total 53 participants attended the workshop. In addition to the potato producers, there were also experts from the Biotechnical Faculty from Podgorica, representatives of plant production extension service, representatives of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development of Montenegro, as well as representatives of electronic media.
- Farmers’ day for livestock producers in the mountains („Silage production and storage" was held on October 2012 in Tomaševo – Bijelo Polje. The event was organized in cooperation with FAO project: The development assistance to farmers in remote areas of Montenegro and Kosovo -II phase GCP/RER/019/LUX. In addition to presentations and lectures for farmers, held by Mr Ranko Koprivica (UN FAO Project), Prof. Dr Milorad Stošić (UN FAO Project) and Prof. Dr Nenad Đorđević (Faculty of Agriculture, Belgrade), a demonstration of silage combine operations in field was organized, as well as a procedure for silage storage into trench-silos. The discussions were held on the most common mistakes in feeding cattle with silage and positive experience of farmers that made silage were presented. In total 88 participants attended the Farmers Day: around 40 farmers from all parts of Montenegro, as well as representatives of BTF, Livestock Selection Service, Plant Production Extension Service, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, FAO and the other international projects in Montenegro representatives, NGO's and media representatives.

Task 4.2 Interdisciplinary, multidisciplinary and collaborative research promotion
The objective of this activity was to establish and intensify scientific excellence promotion and dialogue with all the relevant stakeholders. For deepening of global partnership, and consolidating scientific collaboration on the long run, we have accomplished following activities:
Workshop 1: Different aspects of molecular methodology in agriculture
Within activities planned under WP4, two-day workshop was held at the Biotechnical Faculty in Podgorica (27th and 28th of June 2011) under the title "Different aspects of molecular methodologies in agriculture". The lecturers were professors from the Biotechnical Faculty from Ljubljana: Prof. Branka Javornik, PhD, from the Department for genetics, biotechnology and statistics of agricultural plants and Prof. Peter Dovč, PhD, from Department for genetics, animal technology and immunology.
During the workshop, the lectures and laboratory exercises in the newly opened Laboratory for molecular research at BTF were organized. Lectures gave theory framework and support for the laboratory exercises, indicating other possibilities and perspectives in the field of genetics and molecular research. The participants, divided into groups for plant and animal production, performed several basic procedures and techniques, such as DNA separation, preparation and conduct of PCR reaction, electrophoresis, analysis of PCR products and RFLP. In total 16 employees of BTF were involved, together with 7 students of the final year of studies or specialized studies of BTF. In addition, 4 participants were from the region (Republic of Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina). The workshop (quality of lectures and exercises, selection of topic, readiness of lecturers, organization, and contribution to the future work and similar) was evaluated by the participants with a high average grade.
Workshop 2: Quality and sensorial assessment of the main Montenegrin food products: milk – dairy products, wine, olive oil was organised on 24-26 October 2011, at Biotechnical faculty in Podgorica and in Centre for subtropical cultures in Bar.
The workshop attracted end users- representatives of SMEs, farmers, local partners and public body representatives, as well as individuals from Chamber of Commerce of Montenegro. In total 103 there were participants, representing different agricultural organizations, commercial companies, and research institutions took part in the workshop discussions and mainly represented the following disciplines: cheese production technology, wine production technology, information management, knowledge management etc. The aim of the workshop was to get a better understanding of users’ priorities, their needs and any obstacles that might hinder their access to and use of different agriculture products.
Four lecturers, specialists for different scientific areas, were engaged on this workshop: Prof. dr Jasmina Havranek (University of Zagreb, Agency for science and high education), dr Nataša Mikulec (University of Zagreb, Dairy Institute), Prof. dr Mojmir Wondra (Biotechnical faculty, University of Ljubljana) and Milena Bučar Miklavčić (Institute for Mediterranean agriculture and oil production, Koper).
The first day was dedicated to the dairy products - sensory assessment and standardization of autochthonous cheeses; the second day was used for the issues related to the protected designation of origin (PDO), protected geographic indication (PGI) and traditional specialties guaranteed (TSG) for the main Montenegrin food products, while the third day consisted of work in two parallel groups, one on sensory assessment of wine at BTF in Podgorica, and the other on the sensory assessment of olive oil at the Centre for Subtropical Cultures in Bar.

Organization of International Conference: “ROLE OF RESEARCH IN SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND RURAL AREAS”
The conference was held in May 23-25, 2012, in Podgorica, University of Montenegro (including premises of BTF).
The overall objective was to provide a broad vision on how technological transfer and innovation can be a base for faster sustainable development of agricultural sector as a vital part of the rural economy, with specific objectives:
• Creation an opportunity to exchange ideas, strengthen existing and create new academic links in ERA;
• Strengthening the strategic dialogue between research community, government and practitioners in the light of the global trends in agro-food sector and latest reforms in EU model of development;
• Improving the knowledge on the requirements of international markets (especially EU) concerning safety and quality of the agricultural products;
• Sharing of the common knowledge and awareness concerning traditional food products in order to improve their image and market position.

The main topic areas were; a) Agricultural policy and science in development of agriculture; b) Sustainable agriculture and modern technologies; c) Genetic resources in agriculture and forestry; d) Food safety and quality of agricultural products; and e) The traditional foods – challenges in their promotion and protection.
In total 121 participants attended the Conference, coming from 20 countries and 44 institutions. The structure of papers presented at the Conference in respect to thematic sessions was the following:
- Agrarian policy and science in the development of agriculture - 19 papers
- Sustainable agriculture and modern technologies - 49 papers
- Genetic resources in agriculture and forestry - 34 papers
- Food safety and quality of agricultural products - 17 papers
- Traditional products - challenges in promotion and protection - 8 papers
Permanent successful cooperation between the Biotechnical Faculty and the agro-industry of Montenegro was presented at the Conference via organizing of the mini fair of agricultural products and food produced in Montenegro, named "Montenegrin table". This accompanying event of the Conference was organized in cooperation with the Chamber of Commerce of Montenegro.

Key messages and conclusions of the Conference:
• Agriculture needs strong institutional support, due to many challenges it faces
• To intensify collaboration between university and the business
• Model of financing of the scientific projects should be improved trough better communication between Ministry of science and Ministry of agriculture
• Climate change, land usage and technology transfer are pointed out as the major challenges in Montenegrin agriculture
• The conservation and sustainable use of plant and animal genetic resources has to be in harmony with the international conventions,
• different approaches for the risk evaluation and risk management were addressed with emphasis of the whole food chain
• Collaboration of the small producer is critical for their promotion and protection
Regarding the fact that this type of conference is organized for the first time at BTF, taking into consideration the objectives of the conference, respecting the number of contributions submitted, number of participants with oral or poster presentations, it was concluded the Conference has fully achieved its goal.

Task 4.3 Long-term RTD strategy consolidation and partnership building
Research-Development Strategy of the Biotechnical Faculty
Research-Development Strategy of the Biotechnical Faculty 2014-2020 was developed for the first time. In the process of developing the document, the current state of affairs and the need to anticipate future challenges were taken into account as well as the need to realistically plan the tasks that would make possible the accomplishment of strategic objectives set.
Prior to the development of the strategy, several workshops and roundtable discussions were organized in order to get as much inputs as possible and involve as many partners into the drafting process as possible.
The work on drafting the Research and Development Strategy of the Biotechnical Faculty began in June 2010, when the first roundtable discussion was organized in order to receive the inputs from end users, scientific community and policy makers. There were 28 participants: BTF researchers, the AgriSciMont Advisory Board members, the public body representatives, local partners, SMEs representatives and other stakeholders.

The second roundtable discussion for the Strategy preparation was held on 24 May 2011 under the title “Harmonizing the Scientific Work Strategy with the Agricultural Development Priorities”. In addition to the said roundtables, significant contribution to the process of development of the Research and Development Strategy of the BTF, was given also by the three workshops as follows:
1. SWOT and SOR workshop was held on 7-8 February 2011 (Moderator: Prof. Xavier Gellynck; Ghent University).
2. “Strategic planning at the Biotechnical Faculty, led by Prof. Steve Query held on 23 and 24 January 2013.
3. “Common Agricultural policy Reforms and transfer of Knowledge and Innovations in agriculture” led by Prof. Emil Erjavec from the Biotechnical Faculty in Ljubljana (9 and 10 February 2013),
The first working draft of the Strategy was presented and discussed with foreign partners at the project, during the Advisory Board meeting on 2 July 2013. The second working draft of the Research and Development Strategy of the BTF was developed and presented to the BTF staff on 12 July 2013.
In the course of September and October 2013, the document was revised based on suggestions received, while on 18 October 2013, the first draft was uploaded on the web page www.btf.ac.me. The first draft of the Research and Development Strategy of the BTF was officially presented to the broader audience on 23 October 2013, at the third roundtable discussion. The event was attended by staff and students of the BTF, representatives of the Ministry of Agriculture, the University of Montenegro, business people, agricultural producers and the media. The Research and Development Strategy of BTF was uploaded to the AgriSciMont web-site.
In addition to the main purpose to serve as a guideline for the faculty in its development over the next seven years (2014–2020), the Strategy should also be of use to decision makers in Montenegro to recognize the research and development priorities of the Faculty as well as to our numerous foreign partners in strengthening the existing and initiating new forms of cooperation.

WORK PACKAGE 5 (WP5): INCREASE THE VISIBILITY OF BTF AND OF AGRISCIMONT PROJECT

Objectives:
• Highlight the positive effects of the dissemination events organized in terms of visibility increase for Biotechnical Faculty,
• Disseminate and promote AgriSciMont results in order to increase the project’s visibility,
• Network and facilitate communication between project partners, institutions and researchers having similar scientific interests and the general public as well (agriculture organizations, producers, consumers, potential partners in the industry sector, student’s scientific societies, young researchers), and
• Present BTF as well organized, developing research institution.
Responsibility: Sanja Radonjic, PhD- leader; Milic Curovic, MSc, leader substitute
The main activities (tasks) planned by DoW:
Activities of the WP 5 are realized through 5 planned tasks:
- Task 5.1: Website launch,
- Task 5.2: Participating in the “Open-day” events,
- Task 5.3: Dissemination of material,
- Task 5.4: Dissemination of the project activities in the scientific journal and other medias,
- Task 5.5: Participation in Food-Clustering Initiative
In a frame of the WP5, the predefined tasks were conducted as follows:

Task 5.1: Website launch
- Web-site www.agriscimont.me was launched with main information regarding project goals and future activities, started January 2011. The domain agriscimont.me was taken for four years as a key place to obtain information about the project, project partners, project news, and project results.
- E-mail address ([e-mail]) with obtained web hosting from CIS (Information System Centre of the University of Montenegro) was opened. Project logo was created (the left lower corner of each page of this document).
- The AgriSciMont web site has been updated regularly and more than 10 000 visits were recorded during the project realization.

Task 5.2: Participating in the “Open-day” events (2010, 2011)
- AgriSciMont project was presented at the Science festivals (3th -2010 and 4th - 2011.) held in Podgorica and organized by the Ministry of Education - Government of Montenegro. AgriSciMont team took an active role in promotion of the project and dissemination of the printed material within EU corner. A more detailed project presentation took place within special program called “European science and innovation” presented by the project coordinator Dr Milan Markovic.
- Within the WP5 activities, the Biotechnical Faculty participated at the 37th International Food Fair, held in Budva (9- 12 March 2011). Biotechnical facility had its own stand, thus visitors had possibility to be informed about all activities: lectures and seminars to in- service officers of Agriculture department in Podgorica, Bar and BijeloPolje, services that BTF offers through the specialized laboratories, extension and selection services, wine and grape brandy production at the experimental field. In addition, AgriSciMont team participated at the Round - Table which was held under the organization of the Chamber of Commerce of Montenegro. At this Round Table, the AgriSciMont project and Clustering in Food sector were presented. During discussion special emphasis was put on triple helix cluster (food sector, decision makers and university).
- The ’’Open Day’’ of the Biotechnical Faculty was held on December 21, 2012 at the Biotechnical Faculty (BTF) in Podgorica, it marked the 75 years of BTF's existence, the only Montenegrin research institution focused on agriculture and forestry. The aim of this event was to introduce the guests to the study programs of the Biotechnical Faculty, achievements in the scientific research work and the laboratory capacities used for training of students, research and provision of different services to numerous partners. After the opening ceremony and general presentation of the achieved results and ongoing activities the visits to the laboratories were organized. More than 100 guests of the Biotechnical faculty attended to this event. Especially numerous were producers and processors of food and agricultural products from Montenegro (producers and processors of meat and milk, vegetables, citruses, olives, grapes and wine, potato and corn, decorative and aromatic herbs, etc.) .
- For the purposes of better presentation of work and capacities of the BTF, promotional material was prepared (roll-up, brochure, stickers, folders as well as the 10 minutes promotional film on the BTF, prepared bilingually and posted to websites of the BTF, AgriSciMont and the scientific journal „Agriculture and Forestry“) - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xbE6JVH6E7c. The event was followed by numerous media representatives, and the most circulated printed media in Montenegro (Dan and Vijesti) in their issued as of December 22nd, gave their overview of the event of the Open day.

Task 5.3: Dissemination of material
- First sets of leaflets were printed in June 2010 (2*200pcs.) on both languages English and Montenegrin.
- The second set of Leaflets and Brochures were printed in December 2011.
- Roll-ups, posters, banners, folders, notebooks and other promotional material were provided according to the plan of this task
- In total seven Bulletins were published, distributed and uploaded at the website.
- The Conference materials were prepared and distributed in both languages English and Montenegrin. Also, for each of the events organised (open day, workshops, round tables, farmers days or similar) informative and guiding materials were prepared.

Task 5.4: Dissemination in the National scientific journal and other media
- The AgriSciMont achieved results and scientific conclusions from round tables, workshops and conferences were presented in the upgraded national scientific journal “Agriculture and Forestry” with an aim to present and promote BTF strengthened research capacities to the partner institutions. The project supported the establishment of the Journal web page (www.agricultforest.ac.me ), including the upload of 30,000 pages of 2,118 manuscripts of all the 59 Issues published in the period 1955-2013.
- Information of the events within the Project have been regularly sent to the medias, since the beginning of the beginning of the AgriSciMont Project was disseminated through many web sites: http://www.delmne.ec.europa.eu/code/navigate.php?Id=394; http://fsrio.nal.usda.gov/nal_web/fsrio/printresults.php?ID=5827
- Science festival "The Researchers' Night" in Podgorica - AgriSciMont Project was presented at the 3rd and 4th Science festival, Researchers’ Night 2010 and 2011, organized by Ministry of Education and Science.

Task 5.5: Participation in Food-Clustering Initiative
- Within the activities related to the Food Cluster Initiative, the members of AgriSciMont team (Project Coordinator Milan Markovic, Project Manager Jelena Zindovic, WP5 – Management Sanja Radonjic and Milic Curovic) participated at the conference Food Cluster Initiative held in Ghent (Belgium) from 8-10 December 2010. Conference topics were “How to build successfully regional clusters” and “How to find support”. The AgriSciMont team had a representative in each of the five plenary sessions.
- The coordinator of AgriSciMont Project, Milan Markovic, was invited by EC to present the project at the seminar ‘’EU funding for Research and Innovation in the Outermost Regions”, which was held from 22-24 September 2010 in Ponta Delgada (Azores Island). AgriSciMont Project was presented as a success story from an EU consortium research centre within the Workshop dedicated to the agriculture, fishery, biotechnology and food.
- AgriSciMont actively participated in Conference Food Cluster Initiative in Gent (Belgium - “How to build successfully regional clusters” and “How to find support” held from 8-10 December 2010.
- As a part of the activities planned under WP5, Professor Xavier Gellinck (University in Ghent) held workshop on SWOT and SOR analysis to the members of AgriSciMont team and other colleagues from BTF (detailed information in the DELIVERABLE D5.8).
- AgriSciMont was presented at WIRE Conference: Week of Innovative Regions in Europe – Granada, 15th – 17th March 2010

AGRISCIMONT PROJECT MANAGEMENT (WORK PACKAGE 6)
The objective is to ensure that the project is lead as planned, on time and within the budget.
Responsibility: WP leader: Dr. Milan Markovic, project coordinator, WP substitute: Dr. Jelena Zindovic, project manager, Mrs. Rada Minic, Financial and administrative manager
The main activities (tasks) planned by DoW:

Task 6.1 Technical management
The overall project management is performed by the project coordinator, with the assistance of project manager. WP Leaders will coordinate activities of the project and report to the coordinator. Regular meetings of CC (PC, PM and WPs leaders) hold in principle every month and written minutes collected.

Task 6.2 Financial and administrative management
Two global financial revisions are planned (M18 and M36), apart from the day-to-day financial follow-up. Two management and financial reports will be issued, as well as one final report. Two audits will be performed in M18 and M36.

Task 6.3 Communication with the EC
The coordinator will collect information, compile the reports and transmit them to the EC. When necessary, further information will be provided to the EC.
The management tasks and achievements
In a frame of the project management (WP6), the predefined tasks were conducted as follows:
Many activities had been done before official start of AgriSciMont project in June 2010:
- 7meetings of the Coordination Committee with agenda and minutes were held
- Necessary documentations (detailed plans by the work packages etc.)
- Delegation of the duties and tasks in the Project team.
The first official management activity on the project was organization of the Kick-off meeting on 24th June, 2010.
Management control in the accomplishing of project tasks was fully committed to execution of duties and activities in accordance with the deadlines and in order to provide expected deliverables. The overall project management has been leaded be project coordinator, with the assistance of the project manager.
The meetings of the Coordination Committee (CC) were held regularly starting before the official launch of the project. Thus 7 CC meetings were held before the project launch, meant a careful preparation of the resources (the project team and management) for the realization of such a complex project. In total 46 CC meetings were held. The BTF management had attended the CC meeting regularly. Written minutes collected continuously. In addition to the official meetings, constant communication between CC members on a weekly basis has been practised.
The Advisory Board Meeting was held four times (M1 - Kick of meeting; M18 – Second Advisory Board Meeting, Third in July 2013 and the Fourth – last one in January 2014).
There have been no changes in the Advisory Board (AB) or in Coordination Committee (CC).

List of the project meetings, dates and venues
Meeting type Date Venue
CC Meeting 1 February 10, 2010 BTF, Podgorica
CC Meeting 2 February 12, 2010 BTF, Podgorica
CC Meeting 3 February 22, 2010 BTF, Podgorica
CC Meeting 4 March 01, 2010 BTF, Podgorica
CC Meeting 5 March 12, 2010 BTF, Podgorica
CC Meeting 6 May 12, 2010 BTF, Podgorica
CC Meeting 7 May 31, 2010 BTF, Podgorica
Advisory Board Meeting 1 (Kick-off) June 25, 2010 BTF, Podgorica
CC Meeting 8 June 07, 2010 BTF, Podgorica
CC Meeting 9 June 14, 2010 BTF, Podgorica
CC Meeting 10 June 21, 2010 BTF, Podgorica
CC Meeting 11 June 23, 2010 BTF, Podgorica
CC Meeting 12 August 30, 2010 BTF, Podgorica
CC Meeting 13 September 06, 2010 BTF, Podgorica
CC Meeting 14 September 17, 2010 BTF, Podgorica
CC Meeting 15 October 04, 2010 BTF, Podgorica
CC Meeting 16 October 22, 2010 BTF, Podgorica
CC Meeting 17 November 03, 2010 BTF, Podgorica
CC Meeting 18 December 20, 2010 BTF, Podgorica
CC Meeting 19 January 18, 2011 BTF, Podgorica
CC Meeting 20 February 01, 2011 BTF, Podgorica
CC Meeting 21 March 07, 2011 BTF, Podgorica
CC Meeting 22 April 07, 2011 BTF, Podgorica
CC Meeting 23 May 09, 2012 BTF, Podgorica
CC Meeting 24 June 02, 2011 BTF, Podgorica
CC Meeting 25 July 08, 2011 BTF, Podgorica
CC Meeting 26 August 22, 2011 BTF, Podgorica
CC Meeting 27 September 01, 2011 BTF, Podgorica
CC Meeting 28 October 17, 2011 BTF, Podgorica
CC Meeting 29 November 10, 2011 BTF, Podgorica
CC Meeting 30 December 01, 2011 BTF, Podgorica
Advisory Board Meeting 2 December 08, 2011 BTF, Podgorica
CC Meeting 31 January 20, 2012 BTF, Podgorica
CC Meeting 32 March 09, 2012 BTF, Podgorica
CC Meeting 33 June 04, 2012 BTF, Podgorica
CC Meeting 34 August 29, 2012 BTF, Podgorica
CC Meeting 35 October 10, 2012 BTF, Podgorica
CC Meeting 36 November 19, 2012 BTF, Podgorica
CC Meeting 37 January 16, 2013 BTF, Podgorica
CC Meeting 38 February 25, 2013 BTF, Podgorica
CC Meeting 39 May 16, 2013 BTF, Podgorica
CC Meeting 40 June 20, 2013 BTF, Podgorica
Advisory Board Meeting 3 July 01/02, 2013 BTF, Podgorica
CC Meeting 41 July 11, 2013 BTF, Podgorica
CC Meeting 42 September 30, 2013 BTF, Podgorica
CC Meeting 43 October 16, 2013 BTF, Podgorica
CC Meeting 44 October 25, 2013 BTF, Podgorica
CC Meeting 45 November 7, 2013 BTF, Podgorica
CC Meeting 46 January 13, 2014 BTF, Podgorica
Advisory Board Meeting 4 January 16/17, 2014 BTF, Podgorica

The AgriSciMont kick-off meeting - The first event was the kick-off meeting held on 24-25 June 2010. That event was attended by many guests: the decision makers (three Montenegrin ministers), the EU representatives (the EC Brussels and EU Delegation to Montenegro Podgorica), the international and local project partners, and the industry representatives, academia representatives (the universities rectors and many faculties’ deans).
The 2nd Advisory Board meeting of the FP7-REGPOT-2010-5 AgriSciMont project was held on 8th December 2012 at Biotechnical Faculty in Podgorica. Partner institutions were represented by Dr. Eva Thorn (Swedish Biodiversity Centre – Sweden), Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Kneifel (University of Natural Resources and Applied Life Sciences – Austria), Dr. Jochem Gieraths (University of Hohenheim – Germany) and Prof.Dr. Emil Erjavec (University of Ljubljana, Biotechnical Faculty – Slovenia). Progress achieved in the first reporting period (from month 1 to month 18), the activities in the next period were discussed. The special attention was given to the mobility trainings and to participation of the partners to the International Conference.
The 3rd Advisory Board meeting of the FP7-REGPOT-2010-5 AgriSciMont project was held on 1st and 2nd July 2013 at Biotechnical Faculty in Podgorica. Partner institutions were represented by Dr. Eva Thorn (Swedish Biodiversity Centre – Sweden), Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Kneifel (University of Natural Resources and Applied Life Sciences – Austria), Dr. Jochem Gieraths (University of Hohenheim – Germany) and Prof. Dr. Emil Erjavec (University of Ljubljana, Biotechnical Faculty – Slovenia). Progress achieved in the second reporting period (from month 18 to month 36), new activities planned within the scope of the project extension, mobility program on executed trainings and trainings foreseen with the project extension, RTD Strategy of the Biotechnical Faculty, as well as further collaboration with partner institutions and formalization of collaboration through the letters of agreements, were the main topics covered by the Agenda.
The 4th Advisory Board meeting of the FP7-REGPOT-2010-5 AgriSciMont project was held on 16th and 17th January 2014. All the partner institutions were represented: Dr. Eva Thorn (Swedish Biodiversity Centre – Sweden), Prof.Dr. Wolfgang Kneifel (University of Natural Resources and Applied Life Sciences – Austria), Dr. Jochem Gieraths (University of Hohenheim – Germany), Prof. Dr. Emil Erjavec (University of Ljubljana, Biotechnical Faculty – Slovenia) and Prof. Dr Chris Kik (Wageningen University, The Netherlands). The progress achieved for the entire project realisation with specific focus on RTD Strategy, Centre of Excellence application and sustainability, as well as further collaboration with partner institutions were discussed during the meeting.

All deliverables have been produced and delivered:
- D1.1. Report on the laboratory reorganization
- D2.2. Report on recruitments and impact of the inside courses
- D3.3. Impact of mobility trainings on BTF’s research excellence
- D4.4 Activities lead with end-users and their impact on the intensity of industry academia dialogue
- D4.5 Long-term strategy and joint collaboration agenda
- D5.6. Project leaflet
- D5.7. AgriSciMont web-site
- D5.8. SWOT and SOR analysis.
- D5.9 Open-day report
- D5.10 Report on dissemination in terms of result visibility
In order to present the activities and content of the AgriSciMont meetings, the Agenda and Minute of the one Coordination Committee Meeting were enclosed.

Project planning and status
Project planning has been done on the basis of the following taken activities:
- Managing of technical, financial and administrative project activities,
- Regular and constant communication between the Coordination Committee members, as well as communication with the representatives of the collaborative partners,
- Organizing of the Coordination Committee and Advisory Board Meetings,
- Setting up agendas for meetings and issuing the meetings’ minutes,
- Developing and maintaining the AgriSciMont web-site,
- Archiving of project documentation,
- Maintaining a constant communication with the Project Officers first Dr. Irmela Brach and then with her follower Dr.Grzegorz Ambroziewicz, who visited Biotechnical Faculty on 23-24 January 2013.
Note:
As one of the Project goals was to create the new project proposal, AgriSciMont team, accompanied with other BTF researchers, prepared and submitted in September 2013 the application for Call on First Montenegrin Centre of Excellence, launched by Ministry of Science. Biotechnical faculty applied with project entitled “Boosting the competitiveness of consumer-oriented food production and sustainable agriculture in Montenegro– FoodBoostMe”.The project proposal was evaluated by international experts and it was second ranked (77.17 points, the first ranked scored 77.92 difference was only 0.75 points, while third ranked lagged behind 13.17 points. The FoodBoostMe project proposal is on the reserve list with expectation to be accepted for financing.
As a logical and necessary continuation of AgriSciMont (FP7 REGPOT- Capacities), FoodBoostMe is a 3-year duration project (2.92 mio. Euro), involving 15 partners from 6 countries. FoodBoostMe goes far beyond a research project, it is a global approach to drive the Montenegrin promising industry to levels never achieved so far. The main goal of FoodBoostMeis to provide innovative and smart solutions, covering the whole food value chain, able to boost the competitiveness of the agriculture and food industry in Montenegro. FoodBoostMe is structured in a way so that all the research excellence is directed towards the industry in order for the food sector to be a growing driver of the Montenegrin economy. The FoodBoostMe project proposal is submitted as an additional deliverable of AgriSciMont project.

Potential Impact:
Expected impacts listed in the work programme
The impact of the AgriSciMont project is very strong. It can be categorised as follows: scientific impact on a global scale, impact on the Faculty level, impact on the national level and impact on the international level. Generally, research competencies and capacities of the institutions in Balkan countries are lagging behind EU centres of excellence. One of the main reasons for that is fact that research has been based rather on local or national than on widely internationally recognised approaches used in well-developed EU research centres. Therefore, there was and still is a need to improve the potential of the BTF by advancing its research competencies, increasing presence of its researchers in international scientific society and their collaboration with excellence research centres thus improving their ability to compete on the international research scene. In the following text the impact of the AgriSciMont project on different scales is presented and discussed.

Scientific impact on a global scale
By reorganising the Faculty around pertinent and top priority interdisciplinary research areas, the scientific impact is high. New axis of joint research between departments has been emerged, and this at the global benefit of excellence in the science-based development of the Montenegrin agriculture.
Enabling BTF to increase its capacities allows the whole Faculty to increase its level of scientific excellence, which benefits to the whole European and international community since research is a pillar to human evolution and research topics. The major results achieved in realization of AgriSciMont project contribute BTF’s to better answering future challenges not only on national but on European Union level too.

Here are the main scientific global themes addressed by AgriSciMont:
In the area of Food and Feed Safety and Quality BTF’s scope of research targets a crucially important theme for the European Union: food and feed safety and quality. “The central goal of the European Commission's food safety policy is to ensure a high level of protection of human health and consumers' interests in relation to food, taking into account diversity, including traditional products, whilst ensuring the effective functioning of the internal market.” Thanks to the AgriSciMont project, en excellent and promising centre from Montenegro contributes to cover this top priority.
The EC also underlined the importance of Agro-environmental measures: - the Common Agricultural Policy reinforces the respect of standards of good agricultural and environmental conditions referring to protection of soil from erosion, water from pollution and maintenance of environment in a widest sense. Biotehcnical faculty, as advisor to farmers, orientates them towards cleaner and more efficient technologies.
These EU priorities are also visible in the national frames in Montenegro. The AgriSciMont project answers to the scientific and capacity-building objectives targeted in most of the programmes of reference: the strategy in 2006 “Montenegrin Agriculture and the EU – Strategy of Development of Food Production and Rural Areas”; “National Programme for food production and rural areas 2009-2013”; “Law on Agriculture and rural development”; and S&T Strategy.

Impact on the Faculty level
Since the AgriSciMont Action Plan is a direct answer to all the strengths and weaknesses identified in the SWOT analysis, the impact on BTF is very high. The impact of the AgriSciMont project on BTF is as follows:
- An increase in scientific knowledge on the defined topics of trainings and dissemination activities.
- An increase in the quality of the research performed.
- An increase in general knowledge for the staff and in particular in languages, publishing abilities, quality management; general management and project designing and preparation skills.
- An increase of the technological capacities within every department of BTF, and of the efficiency and safety of laboratory installations.
- BTF has become the centre for sustainable management and conservation of the genetic resources in agriculture and forestry.
- BTF contributes to implementing EU standards for many Montenegrin products, by applying modern analysis as tools for detection the quality control and food safety programme.
- A better integration and joint research agenda between the departments, leading to great internal synergies.
- An increase of the pool of excellent scientists due to the recruitment of 3 experienced scientists.
- An increase of publications with high impact factors.

Moreover, successful implementation of AgriSciMont project has significantly reinforced an integrated interdisciplinary approach of BTF around the main research areas of excellence. It certainly enables BTF to answer to top priority research topics. The multi dialogue with end-users and decision makers has been fully established on the long run (through the establishment of common laboratories, the organisation of mobility trainings per research areas). BTF has gained a high competitiveness, and the impact of such approach is tremendous.
The gains for BTF achieved through AgriSciMont will be sustainable on the long run, since during the project, sustainable activities have been implemented: long-term RTD research strategy elaboration and joint agenda with high-quality research institutions; return-mechanisms post-mobility; implementation of an internal life-long learning system, etc.
The impact of AgriSciMont project for BTF is an increase in competitiveness and human resources management, both enabling it to be more attractive and visible internationally.

Impact on the national level
On the national level, the AgriSciMont project has got a positive impact. In Montenegro, collaboration between research institutions is still weak. Thus, Biotechnical Faculty through its invitation for Montenegrin research entities to assist or participate to trainings, conferences and workshops has strengthened ties among them and impulse communication. Communication efforts have particularly reinforced with end-users, farmers and agricultural advisors, through the workshops, trainings, farmers’ days and deepening of the extension services, as the main link with agriculture producers. Therefore, the impact is on the whole agricultural sector and food production chain – which is of high importance to Montenegrin economy in general.
Knowledge dissemination, as the results achieved through AgriSciMont project, is very important for many target groups: academicians, producers, and decision makers; and has contributed to strengthen a nationally integrated system. The Conference and the workshops have provided strong ground to share knowledge and experience.
From a social point of view, the AgriSciMont project has positively impacted the national situation. Nowadays, Montenegro is still facing the so called phenomena of “brain-drain”, thus limiting considerably the number of high potential scientists within the country. Thanks to numerous dissemination activities, the general level of knowledge in Montenegro has been increased. Moreover, BTF hired three researchers with good international experience thanks to AgriSciMont. This is in complete compliance with the Lisbon Strategy, which “established the goal of developing an economy in Europe that is capable of sustaining growth and producing high-quality jobs” (priority of the renewed Lisbon Agenda in 2005, EU Strategy for Growth and Jobs). In addition, AgriSciMont dissemination has contributed to the diffusion of information to the public and thus decreases the science/society gap.
From a scientific point of view, AgriSciMont is supporting sustainable agricultural production; the implementation of the program of products quality and safety monitoring and national programme to preserve agricultural genetic resources and sustainable use of them. The project has also contributed to raising public awareness on the importance of genetic resources.
Fostering a science-based development of the Montenegrin agriculture is a crucial decision-making activity for the Montenegrin public institutions. Increasing BTF’s capacities will enable the Faculty to issue more accurate information and therefore to better serve national and international interests. BTF has improved its capabilities in advising farmers on adaptation and mitigation on how farmers can adapt their producing process to a more sustainable production and how agriculture can limit its dangerous consequences on the environment and agro-biodiversity.

Impact on the regional level
The AgriSciMont project has helped to increase better cooperation among researchers between BTF, regional and European research institutions. This has also increased awareness within the Balkan research community on the importance, opportunities and benefits of the Framework Programs/Horizon 2020 and will contribute to working and thinking at European level in accordance with general EU policies.
Impact on the international level (other than scientific excellence)
The European Research Area, created in 2000 in order to generate a unified area all across Europe, emphasizes on the need for an adequate flow of competent researchers with high levels of mobility between institutions, disciplines and countries; effective knowledge-sharing notably between public research and industries, as well as with the public at large; well-coordinated research programmes and priorities.
The AgriSciMont project insists a lot on flow of researchers and knowledge sharing, all this in conformity with the principles set out in the European Charter for Researchers and in the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers. BTF has strengthened its ties with five excellent partners and organized the international conference and many workshops of high level of scientific excellence directed towards well recognized research centres. Thus, the visibility of BTF has been increased within the European Research Area, which will certainly generate much higher participation to EU funding projects.
The AgriSciMont project fully answers the ambition of the EU to support Balkan research entities to better perform, in the perspective of the countries’ possible adhesion to the EU.
Finally, funding the AgriSciMont project has enabled the European Commission to go ahead with its orientation to impulse synergies between various sources of EU funding and complementary funding.
Spreading excellence, exploiting results, disseminating knowledge
Project dissemination is one of the key factors of success of the AgriSciMont project. Knowledge and experience in research at Biotechnical Faculty is wide. Therefore, knowledge transmission is even more crucial, most of all since research results obtained and disseminated have had a great beneficial impact on agricultural best practices.

The dissemination strategy has relied on the following major components:
- The Open-Day at BTF and participation of AgriSciMont team in different events organised in Montenegro by the Ministry of Science and other institutions (Chamber of Commerce and others)
- The AgriSciMont project presentation abroad through Food Cluster Initiative
- The conference, the workshops, three farmers’ days, many scientific support trainings
- The upgraded national scientific journal “Agriculture and Forestry”
- The seven Bulletins published and distributed
- The communication tools (website, brochures, leaflets, roll-up and posters, the film about BTF etc.)
- Wide use of different electronic and printed media to disseminate the project results and to improve BTF visibility
The Open-Day attracted a wide audience on the national and regional scales and directly contributed to the visibility of the project’s results. The conferences involved experts from the project partner institutions, as well as the experts from other research centres (the representatives from 20 countries or 44 institutions participated). More details on the conferences are provided in the WP4. The workshops have involved the project team, invited lecturers and experts from abroad, with main focus on the beneficiaries: all stakeholders in food chain, responsible government bodies and decision makers.
Moreover, the thee farmers’ days and thescientific trainings, open to a wide audience (research, SMEs, farmers, professional associations, public bodies, decision-makers, etc.), have immensely contributed to the project’s dissemination.
The website www.agriscimont.me is the central tool of results dissemination. It is still active and directly linked to the BTF official website www.btf.ac.me providing useful information on the other BTF’s activities. The website is described in WP5.
The previous experience of the project coordinator, project manager and the whole project team in this area ensured that the services were efficient. Action undertaken to make the web portal a major reference site included: referencing the portal on the Internet, regular updating of information, announcements of the major project events - the conference, the workshops and the other project activities.
The seven Bulletins were published and uploaded to the website and distributed to the partner institutions and to many experts. A press dossier (project summary in one paragraph, project description in 2 pages) was distributed at the beginning of the project. Dissemination activities have not only focused on the research community, but non-specialised audience (presentation of the project and the project results).
As a conclusion, AgriSciMont project was something very new, innovative and original not only at the Biotechnical Faculty and University of Montenegro, but in Montenegrin science too. Actually, it was the first project of that kind in the Montenegrin science community.
Summarising the project achievements, they can be considered as visible and more tangible and those which are impactful on long term (conditionally saying less visible).

Major visible impactful results
- The technical capacities are modernized by equipping existing and establishing new laboratories enabling BTF very high performance in conducting research and providing different lab services
- Level of research improved significantly – many new methods are introduced
- Improved performances in English languages (writing of project proposals, reporting, direct communication)
- General communication skills of BTF staff improved
- Increased the number of papers in the Journals with high impact factor
- Better communication with the research institutions in MNE,
- Integration with service users of BTF improved and strengthened,
- Quality of BTF support to the activities of Montenegrin institutions involved in EU accession is improved

Long-term impactful results (less visible)
- Biotechnical Faculty unlocked its potential and now it is considered as very open institution
- Better and more realistic recognition of BTF weaknesses and more positive attitude toward use strengths and opportunities
- Internal reorganisation and delegation of the tasks in performing events on the Faculty level, like conference, workshops etc is improved
- Sharing knowledge and experiences gathering abroad now is common practice at BTF
- There is definitely no place for ‘’Science just for science’’ at BTF

The key achievements
– World famous and recognized experts stayed at BTF and shared their knowledge, expertise and experience
– International Conference – a strong step into the international research area
– Wider involvement of the food sector in the activities of BTF
– RTD Strategy – clear vision, mission, strategic goals and priorities with the action plan
– Reviving the Journal ‘’Agriculture and Forestry’’
– The successful application for Centre of Excellence

Lessons learned
‒ Teaming and team work is conditio sine qua non for successful involvement into the research
‒ Lifelong learning program is of key importance in strengthening human resources
‒ Gathering around good ideas and creation critical mass is the main prerequisite for positive changes and making progress
‒ Sharing positive experiences from abroad is of great importance and immense benefit for BTF
‒ Permanent dialogue with the sector is a ground for long term strategy of BTF
‒ Internal collaboration is most powerful tool in use of synergies existing in Montenegro

List of Websites:

www.agriscimont.me
[e-mail]
[phone]