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Balkan Vegetables Research Centre for transfer of European knowledge, research and practice

Final Report Summary - EU-BALKANVEGETABLES (Balkan vegetables research centre for transfer of European knowledge, research and practice)

Project context and objectives:

The agriculture is a leading branch in Bulgarian economy. In view the dramatic changes from centralised planning to market economy and the new requirements of the European market and legislation, the Bulgarian vegetable farmers face a lot of practical problems connected with yielding of quality and safety production. The Maritsa Vegetable Crops Research institute (Maritsa VCRI) is a unique centre of horticultural science with long-term of existence and its role as an advisory centre for implementation of new varieties, technologies and requirements in horticulture, is increasing permanently.

The general objective of the project is to revival and to reinforce the Maritsa VCRI to become a leading horticultural research centre in the Balkan region for disseminating the recent achievements of the European Research Area (ERA).

The specific objectives, arising from the above-mentioned priorities and related to the Seventh Framework Programme's (FP7) call are:

1. recruitment of scientists from leading European institutes to transfer the recent achievements of European knowledge in the field of plant genetics diversity, pest risk analysis, plant nutrition and organic production
2. enhancement the professional level of young researchers of Maritsa VCRI and exchange of know-how and experience for senior scientists in relevant advanced European institutes. The acquired knowledge and skills will be directly implemented to conduct advanced experiments in priority investigations as well as into practice
3. improvement and up grading the technical status of the laboratories of the institute; modernisation of protected and open fields and the Gene bank premises for growing and preservation of genetic resources; compost equipment as a part of organic programme.
4. establishment of Maritsa VCRI as a dissemination centre and promoter of European knowledge and practice in the field of vegetable science trough an inner and outer (Balkan) linkage including respectively relative Bulgarian institutes and relative Balkan institutes/universities. Annual meetings are envisaged

Most of the priority investigations of Maritsa VCRI are defined in respect with the Priority Thematic Areas of Research, foreseen in the Theme 2: Food, Agriculture and Fisheries and Biotechnology of FP7, especially in Activity 2.1: Sustainable production and management of biological resources from land, forest and aquatic environments; Area 2.1.2 Increased sustainability of all production systems (agriculture, forestry, fisheries and aquaculture); Plant health and crop protection. The progress beyond the state-of-the art of Maritsa VCRI was achieved by:

1. the lecturers from leading European institutes who acquainted the auditorium with the latest achievements in the management of genetic resources, molecular breeding, molecular genetics and molecular aspects of disease resistance; composting, biocontrol and biofertilisation as well as in some practical aspects of management of international projects and development of regional clusters.
2. short-terms visits of young researchers in specialised European laboratories improved their research capacities and skills, which are exploited in conducting advanced experiments in the modern trends of horticulture, in new and emerging areas of research.
3. sabbatical visits of prominent scientists of Maritsa VCRI in advanced European institutes in the fields of exploitation of vegetable genetic resource diversity and their simultaneously improvement of pathogen resistance, organoleptic and agronomic qualities by molecular biology techniques. These visits beyond the exchange of know-how and transfer of European knowledge and experience contributed to establishment of collaborative programmes and incorporation of Maritsa VCRI in ERA.
4. upgrading the existing technical equipment in the institute in order to conduct advanced experiments in priority investigations and to create favourable environment for young people and to motivate their stay in the institute. The new trends equipment support the advanced level investigations in the priorities of FP7, directed to management of: biological resources, including the exploitation and creation of biodiversity; organic production systems; plant health and crop protection; monitoring, preservation and enhancement of soil fertility; pest risk analysis.
5. the developing of Maritsa VCRI as a dissemination centre for transfer of European knowledge and practice to the relative Bulgarian and Balkan institutes (Balkan linkage). The aim will be to establish complementary and efficiency in research policy of Bulgarian vegetable science; to create an interface between the Maritsa VCRI and farmers and processors to transfer and disseminate the advanced European technologies; to combine the efforts of scientists in Balkan region to solve the common problems. The elaboration of Balkan linkage increase Balkan vegetable science competitiveness, exploitation and dissemination.

The achievement of the objectives of the project shifted the level of research in the leading priorities of FP7 (improved management of valuable vegetable gene resources, plant health, crop protection, pest risk analysis and soil fertility) and its performance on an advanced level. Tight co-operation and coordination of national and Balkan research programmes on vegetables will create the critical mass that Balkan need to sustain the competitiveness in this area. Intensified contacts between Balkan vegetable scientists through the established Balkan linkage facilitates the exploitation and dissemination the scientific results and their practical application. Thus, Maritsa VCRI will possess high ability to influence as a scientific adviser in the area of vegetable production in Bulgaria and also will be the dissemination centre of the latest European knowledge and achievements. The support of Maritsa Vegetable Crops Technology Transfer Office (Maritsa VCTTO) will improve the innovation infrastructure in Bulgarian vegetable production and will create an modern intermediate body between Maritsa VCRI and vegetable farmers, from one side and between Maritsa VCRI and Balkan institutes, from the other side, for exchange the technologies, information and seed materials.

Project results:

The following main results were obtained by the project implementation:

Acquaintance with advanced knowledge in top priorities of vegetable science by lecture courses lead by prominent scientists from European institutes

The activities within task were performed according to the envisaged programme and within the foreseen period. There were some deviations concerning the personality of some invited lecturers and some topics but all changes were considered with the European coordinator. There were also minute deviations from the envisioned fields of interests.

Seven courses were carried out at Maritsa VCRI by prominent European lecturers. Important fields of advanced science were subjected in these courses:

1. quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping of vegetable diversity and use in vegetable breeding, performed by Dr Mathilde Causse, the National institute for Agronomic Research (INRA), Research Unit on Genetics and Breeding of Fruit and Vegetable, Montfavet, France. Several important topics were explained: molecular markers techniques; gene and QTL mapping; tomato breeding - objectives and traditional methodology and - molecular markers and biotechnology for tomato breeding.
2. molecular aspects of disease resistance, presented by Dr Carole Caranta, INRA, genetics and breeding of fruits and vegetables, Montfavet, France with three lectures included, namely genetics of plant virus resistance, functional aspects/properties of natural virus resistance genes and breeding and management of virus resistance durability (with detailed examples on pepper and tomato).
4. tilling technology, performed by Dr Filomena Carriero, Metapontum Agrobios, Metaponto (MT), Italy. The topics of lectures presented were explanation of the tilling technology and its application, report of the Agrobios tilling experience with tomato and wheat species and application of tilling (EcoTILLING) for discovering natural polymorphisms (own experience with tomato and wheat).
5. compost: process management, quality insurance and plant health, performed by Dr Jacques Fuchs, Research institute of Organic Agriculture (FiBL), Frick Switzerland. The topics of the lectures included three issues, i.e. biological basis of the composting process; compost influence on soil fertility and plant health and quality insurance to produce good composts.
6. biocontrol and biofertilisation, performed by Dr Claudio Altomare, institute of Sciences of Food Production, Bari, Italy. The topics of the lectures comprised three aspects, namely biological control of plant diseases with antagonistic microorganisms, fungal secondary metabolites in plant pathology and biofertilisers, the microbiological answer for sustainable management of soil fertility.
7. Development of regional clusters, presented by Linze Rijswijk, The Development Agency East Netherlands, the Netherlands including the lecture 'The development on regional food clusters: The path towards more cooperation between companies and research institutes'
8. management of international projects was presented by Dr Rene Lankhorst, Wageningen University and Research Centre, The Netherlands. His lecture was 'EU-SOL as an example of a successful integrated project within FP6: Science, Organisation and Management of the project'.

The invited audience in all performed courses included scientists, lecturers, specialists and students in the field of plant nutrition, soil ecology, plant protection, molecular biology from Agricultural University, Plovdiv; institute for Plant Genetic Resources, Sadovo, Maritsa Vegetable Crops Research institute, Fruits Growing institute, Plovdiv, institute of canned foods; Plovdiv and visiting scientists from institute for Vegetable Crops, Smederevska Palanka, Serbia. At some lectures there were representatives from companies dealing with organic seeds and representatives of the company issuing the organic certificates; producers of vermicompost, producers of organic vegetables (open field and greenhouses); representatives from Plovdiv Regional Administration etc. All lectures were disseminated electronically (English and Bulgarian versions) to the participants via the web page of the project.

After the performance of the lectures each invited speaker was officially accepted by Director of Maritsa VCRI. After the general presentation of Maritsa VCRI they became familiar with the laboratories dealing with similar problems and the possibilities for a future bilateral scientific collaboration were discussed.

Enhancement the professional level of young researchers and know-how exchange and experience for senior scientists after training or after scientific visits at relevant advanced European institutes

The activities within the task were performed according to the working programme and within the time schedule. There were some deviations concerning the personality of some young scientists and some topics for training but all changes were considered with the European coordinator. There were also some deviations from the foreseen fields of interests.

Six training programmes and three sabbatical visits were executed during the whole period of the project. After the return each scientists prepared a report about the business trip which was approved by Maritsa VCRI scientific council. The young scientists presented the acquired knowledge and skills in front of the open auditorium consisting of MSc and PhD students, lecturers, specialists, in some cases farmers, etc.

Laboratories technical upgrading and improvement of research facilities at Maritsa VCRI

One of the main activities of EU-BALKANVEGETABLES project is to improve the technical infrastructure of Maritsa VCRI Units which priority investigations are focused on modern breeding and technological approaches according to European strategies for raising crop productivity while safeguarding consumer health and decreasing environmental impact. As a result from trainings, sabbatical visits and acquiring of new equipment the Maritsa scientists have the proficiency and skills to perform the investigations in new advanced directions:

1. assessment and exploitation of valuable vegetable germplasm using advanced methods of molecular biology, analytical chemistry, etc. for creation of new varieties with high biological quality, resistant to biotic and abiotic stress factors.
2. developing methods and protocols for marker assisted selection. Fingerprinting of breeding lines and varieties for authority rights defending.
3. providing effective approaches and tools for plant characters manipulation in staple food crops using mutants. Maximising the application of genetic stocks for improving human health nutrition.
4. diagnostic of economically important viruses on vegetables by molecular methods.
5. molecular characterisation of genes for virus resistance in different vegetable species.
6. creation of vegetable germplasm with durable virus resistance.
7. new strategies for soil fertility management and plant protection, based on exploitation of biological resources for reducing the need of chemicals, to protect the environment and to obtain safer food.
8. study and exploitation of indigenous strains of beneficial macro- and microbioagents as an integral part of sustainable horticulture.
9. study and exploitation of organic wastes from agriculture and aquatic environments as soil amendments in order to provide affordable fertiliser to farmers for increasing fruit yield and protecting the environment.

The laboratories involved in these new investigations are the plant nutrition laboratory; virus immunity laboratory; plant protection laboratory; laboratory for vegetable fruit quality; laboratory for molecular investigations; plant tissue culture laboratory and plant physiology laboratory.

Newly bought equipment was subsidised by EU-BALKANVEGETABLES project. All apparatus and accessories of the above equipment are provided with special acknowledgement labels declaring the financial support of the project.

The virus immunity laboratory, involved in the project, was renovated and designed according to good laboratory practices (GLP) in order to provide safe environment for laboratory personnel and maximum flexibility for research. This action was conducted with special permission of our European Union (EU) project manager.

The planned compost turner for Technology-for-Growing Department has not been obtained. The main reason was the incompatibility with the tractors used at Maritsa VCRI.

In order to control and quality assess the new equipment the following measures were performed. Each apparatus possesses an individual inspection record book and instrument maintenance log. Everyone who uses the apparatus is supposed to write down in individual inspection record book his/her name, date, duration of use and the signature. The instrument maintenance log keeps history of instrument performance. It is divided into daily, monthly and service pages allowing easy to archive a complete set of instrument records. In this way the required control for proper usage of the equipment is attained which is necessary for obtaining reliable data.

Maritsa VCRI is already recognised as Balkan vegetable centre for dissemination of European knowledge and practice

An appropriate structure of Maritsa VCRI was elaborated in order to become a dissemination centre and promoter of European knowledge and practice, consisting of the following

Maritsa Vegetable Crops Technology Transfer Office (Maritsa VCTTO) is differentiated as a single division within Maritsa VCRI structure. The personnel of Maritsa VCTTO are engaged in this WP. The foreseen Balkan linkage is a part of Department of International Programmes and is headed by the project coordinator who is also the head of the department.

The partnerships within the inner linkage were determined and activated and the kick-off meeting was carried out.

The kick-off meeting of inner linkage was carried out on 10 June 2010. The participants were mostly scientists from the country devoted on vegetable science: Maritsa VCRI; Agricultural University, Plovdiv; institute of Genetics, Sofia, Plant Protection institute, Kostinbrod; institute for Plant Genetic Resources, Sadovo; institute of Soil Science, Sofia. The forum was welcomed by Dr S. Masheva, the Director of the Maritsa VCRI, who presented the status-quo of vegetable science in Bulgaria with its weak and strong sides. Dr D. Kostova, EU-BALKANVEGETABLES coordinator, acquainted the audience with the project achievements during the first two years. She announced that some of the actions within the project reached already their potential impact - the newly purchased equipment is in exploitation, the knowledge, acquired from invited lecturer courses and training visits have been applied by the young scientists in their investigations; the inner linkage is already a fact.

The first draft of strategy was presented by the elected team of Bulgarian scientists-experts in four leading priorities: 'Management and assessment of genetic resources'; 'Breeding, variety maintenance and seed production of vegetable crops'; 'Management of soil fertility' and 'Pest risk management'. The four group leaders presented the status-quo of the related priority in Bulgaria, what was achieved, what is needed and also what realistically could be done in a period of next 5 years. The final point in the programme was the discussion. The audience was very active, sharing opinions, supporting or criticising some of the speakers. Most of the remarks were taken into account in order to improve the final version of the strategy first draft. As a conclusion, a memorandum for joint action was signed by one representative from each participating institution.

The strategy for Bulgarian vegetable science was elaborated.

At a meeting of Management Assistant Board (MAB) and Scientific Consult Committee (SCC) of the project, a database was created including all institutes and universities in Bulgaria dealing with the problems of vegetable science. The most prominent researchers in these entities were chosen as representatives in four thematic groups embracing the main scientific priorities of investigations:

1. 'Management and assessment of genetic resources'
2. 'Breeding, variety maintenance and seed production of vegetable crops'
3. 'Management of soil fertility'
4. 'Pest risk management'.

The action plan of each working group included two main points:

1. election of group leader; specifying the date and place of gatherings of the experts, way of communication, etc.
2. elaboration strategy per each priority which will come out based on current situation and problems in respect with: personal expertise; technical facilities; relationships with the practice; possibilities for joint investigations and sharing of equipments.

After several experts meetings the strategies concerning the 4 priorities were elaborated and presented at the meeting of the stakeholders. Most of the issues were strongly discussed, corrections were made and a small group was elected which combined the four strategies into a general one as a first draft. That first draft of the strategy was presented at kick-off meetings of inner as well as of the outer (Balkan) linkages.

During the Second meeting of Balkan linkage the main aim was to discuss the ways for funding of agricultural science as an important part of the strategy of vegetable science. Unanimously a Resolution was voted and it was sent to responsible ministries and institutions in order to solve the existing problems connected with funding of the research institutes within Bulgarian Agricultural Academy. This RESOLUTION was supported by the participants of the Meeting and was spread in the Parliament, Council of Ministers, Ministry of Agriculture and Food, Ministry of Finance and Agricultural Academy for support and for decisions making.

As a consequence of the Resolution an official answer was received from the Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Food, Dr Tsvetan Dimitrov. He generally welcomed the proposed suggestions.

As a result the final variant of the strategy is already elaborated. It is based on four important pillars: 'Management and assessment of genetic resources', 'Breeding, variety maintenance and seed production of vegetable crops', 'Management of soil fertility' and 'Pest risk management'. The status-quo of each of these directions was considered as well as the current problems were taken into account. The new trends of investigations were observed in a short-term plan, covering and combining the national priorities with the leading ones of the ERA.

The partnerships within the outer (Balkan) linkage were determined and activated by the implementation of Balkan linkage kick-off meeting.

During the first year of the project at a meeting of MAB and SCC the most prominent institutes and universities on Balkans were chosen as potential partners in the outer (Balkan) linkage. Negotiations were carried out with researchers who are leading experts in four priorities of vegetable science, namely management of vegetable genetic resources; assessment of vegetable genetic resources; pest risk management and soil fertility management.

Finally the participants at the kick-off meeting were elected from Albania, Croatia, Forrmer Yugoslav Republic (FYR) of Macedonia, Romania, Serbia and Turkey. The elected two representatives from Greece (Dr I. Manosopolous, Plant Protection institute of Patras and Dr Andreas Voloudakis from Agricultural University of Athens) were not able to come due to busy professional programme, but they declare their readiness to participate in the linkage. Dr Keith Harrap, Independent Scientific Advisor to the European Commission and one of the coordinators of food cluster also confirmed his participation as moderator of the meeting.

During the process of establishment the list of Balkan participants in outer linkage there was an announcement in SEE-ERA.NET Plus Joint Call. A decision was taken from MAB to apply within this call. The idea was shared with elected members in inner and outer linkages. Most of them supported the idea. The final result was successful project Seeeraplus-226, entitled: 'Capsicum Balkan biodiversity - Exploration of Balkan biodiversity of Capsicum spp. to extract biotic stress resistant germplasm'.

The kick-off meeting of the Balkan linkage was carried out during the period of 5 and 6 July, 2010 at Maritsa Vegetable Research institute, Plovdiv. The Bulgarian representatives included all participants in the inner linkage. The meeting was attended also by business representatives as 'Superior seeds', a private breeding company from Serbia with trade office also in Bulgaria was present.

All invited speakers from Balkan countries presented the current status in their countries in the fourth scientific priorities, mentioned above. They also outlined the priority investigations in their country, mentioning the strong and weak sides, some running problems and the relationships with the business. Each presentation was closed with bright ideas for joint research programmes within Balkans. Mr Dzhinovich presented the development trends and the problems of the vegetable growers from the point of view of the private growers.

On the second day of the meeting, Dr Keith Harrap presented the purpose and policy of the European food cluster. He pointed out the need for creating an effective link between the research institutions, the business and the politicians. Dr Harrap was also the moderator of the round table discussion. The main topic of the discussion was the possibilities for cooperation between the Balkan partners for creation of a common strategy concerning the development of Balkans vegetable science. A steering group was selected that took the responsibility for the further management and development of the Balkan linkage. All participants signed a Concluding memorandum of the event.

Annual meeting of Balkan and inner linkages was carried out for discussion the issues and decision making.

The second meeting of the outer (Balkan) linkage was carried out together with the inner linkage on 23 and 24 April, 2012. The scientists, members of Balkan and inner linkages on vegetables, were gathered at Maritsa VCRI in Plovdiv. The meeting was attended also by representatives of Bulgarian Agricultural Academy (AA), Bulgarian Ministry of Agriculture and Food, directors and colleagues from institutes, belonging to AA and Agricultural University. The coordinator of the project, assoc. Prof. Dr D. Kostova, welcomed the guests and summarised the aim and the programme of the meeting. She emphasised that the main goal of the Second meeting is to discuss the ways for funding of agricultural science as an important part of the strategy of vegetable science. All linkage's members were invited to share the financial problems which hamper their research programs.

Assoc. Prof. Dr S. Masheva, Director of Maritsa VCRI, as a first key-note speaker, presented the financial status of Maritsa VCRI and underlined that the current improvement of technical and human potential of the institute is due entirely to the successful projects, European as well as national ones. In the same time, these project, especially the national, caused the biggest and the most difficult problems. According to the current legislation the national project's funds are centralised and their return to the beneficiary institute is a slow and time-consuming procedure. The same problems were pointed out at the presentation of Dr R. Bachvarova, the director of AgroBio institute in Sofia.

Dobrudja Agricultural institute was represented by its director, Dr I. Kiriakov. The Institure's income from royalties, licenses, seeds and other activities far exceeds the government subsidies. But unfortunately this own income goes to AA and does not remain at the institute to support its updating and progressing.

Contrary to the problems in Bulgaria, the colleagues from Serbia, FYR Macedonia, Greece and Albania presented the financial models of their institutes and universities. According to these models all funds, generated from own production, are invested back in the institutes. As a consequence the progress and upgrading the level of scientific research investigations is obvious as well as the scientists and supporting personnel is more motivated and dedicated.

A vivid discussion followed. But the organisers' efforts this discussion to be heard by responsible persons from Parliament, Ministry of Agriculture and Food, Ministry of Finance, Regional authorities etc. were in vain. The send official invitations by mail and by phone calls were declined. The scientific secretary of AA, Dr M. Nikolova, supported the general opinion to give publicity of the current problems.

Dr Hans De Steur, Ghent University presented how to write successful projects in EC Frame Programs, or at least where to pay attention in order to pass the threshold. He made the audience familiar with the new platform 'Food2Know', where industry meets research. Tihomira Slaveikova, the junior expert at Ministry of Environment and Water presented EC Danube strategy and its implementation mechanisms.

Last but not least was the presentation of Dr I. Chalakov, Senior research fellow at the Department of Science, Education and Innovation, IIOZ - BAS, Sofia, about the academic entrepreneurship in Bulgaria.

At the end of the Meeting a Resolution was voted and it was sent to responsible ministries and institutions in order to solve the existing problems connected with funding of the research institutes within AA. The proposed changes within the law regulations express the hope of the scientists for governmental support of agricultural science in Bulgaria.

EU-BALKANVEGETABLES web page was created and regularly updated for rapid information access. The web page (see http://www.balkanvegetables.eu online) was regularly updated regarding the fulfilment of the foreseen activities. The planned meetings and events were announced on time and after their performances the results as presentations, resolution, pictures, video etc. were launched. Web Forum within the webpage was created. The core participants of this Forum are the members of Balkan linkage, but the Forum is also open for other professionals after approval of their registration. The common problems on vegetables on Balkan region mostly as pathogens, diseases are shared. In order to increase the intensity of this type of connection between researchers on vegetables science, the creation of common account in the LinkedIn network was proposed to the members of Balkan linkage. This suggestion was discussed also during the meeting of Seeeraplus-226 project, which is one of the main success and consequence of Balkan linkage. Also the possibilities for a real time communication through teleconferencing were discussed. The unanimous support of these ideas is already the proof that the created Balkan linkage is living and has its future.

Maritsa Maritsa VCTTO is identified as a competitive and unique innovative centre in the field of horticulture

Significant support was given by the EU-BALKANVEGETABLES project to Maritsa VCTTO in order to:

1. Improve the Maritsa VCTTO infrastructure. Maritsa VCTTO meeting hall was put into final shape by additional furnishing in order to answer the requirements of a modern hall. It was equipped with audiovisual communication technique: multimedia projectors with portable PC, audio system etc. As a consequence the hall was intensively used during the linkages meetings; for presentation of the acquired knowledge of the young scientists, trained abroad; for all gatherings of the working groups on vegetable science strategy, etc. A Demonstrative Plot is set up as a part of Maritsa technology transfer office (TTO) infrastructure. The aim was to demonstrate best practices and innovative technologies in vegetable growing and preservation. The existing greenhouse units were supplied with systems to stabilise temperature and humidity using green energy from photovoltaic cells and solar panels. In respect with maintenance and conservation of vegetable biodiversity a reconstruction of Gene bank premises was performed. The hall with plant growth chambers was repaired and refreshed. The reconstruction of the building as a modern gene bank was done in order to assure premises with required sanitary environment. Two chambers were reconstructed to assure required environment for medium-term storage of the seeds with controlled conditions of temperature and humidity, using AermecCooling System. They were isolated using special materials and furnished with shelves.
2. Expand the existing Maritsa VCTTO database. Maritsa VCTTO database is enlarged periodically by new technologies and updated lists of new varieties, created at Maritsa VCRI. These lists contain short characteristics per each variety and recommendations for growing. The VCTTO database is also extended with new technologies concerning environmentally friendly cultivation of vegetable crops, including staking technology for growing indeterminate tomato varieties; technology for production of planting materials; hydroponic technology for tomato and cucumber; asparagus growing manual; technological guidance for growing pea, squash, bean, broccoli, pepper. Lectures, about organic vegetable production, presented by leading scientists from FiBL, Switzerland and Catholic University of Leuven, Belgium, were also added to the database. All current information, concerning the relationships of Maritsa VCRI and practice is also included.
3. Enrich the Maritsa VCTTO website. Maritsa VCTTO website (see http://www.tto-maritsa.org online) is duly updated with information about events happening at Maritsa VCRI during the current year, namely announcements about all initiatives within EU-BALKANVEGETABLES project; announcements about the International Agricultural Exhibition 'AGRA 2010', 'AGRA 2011' and 'AGRA 2012' in Plovdiv; announcement of lectures, about organic vegetable production, presented by leading scientists from FiBL, Switzerland and Catholic University of Leuven, Belgium; announcements about participation and the award of First prise (Gold medal) for tomato juice 'Plovdivska karotina' in the competition for innovation at the International Agricultural Exhibition 'AGRA 2012'; announcements about: 'Open days for tomato' on 29.07. 2011; 'Open days for potato' on 11.07. 2012 and the accompanying presentations; presentation of the demonstrative open pepper field in Krumovgrad under the supervision of Maritsa VCRI experts; presentation of the demonstrative open field in Zveniza village, region of Kurdjali, with pepper variety Kurtovska kapia, created in Maritsa VCRI. Information is given about the carried out discussion with producers concerning the growing technologies; information about EDUECO project and participation of Maritsa VCTTO on 08.03.2012; information about exchange of foreign experience in growing asparagus and realisation of the production on the market; information about visits, meetings, presentations etc. and other events supporting technology transfer.
4. Perform feasibility analysis of ideas related to innovations. Preliminary investigations on market demands were carried out by the Maritsa VCTTO team. On the first round, according to these investigations, two new Maritsa VCRI tomato varieties were selected for testing under production conditions in private farms in order to obtain data for feasibility analysis. Later it was decided only tomato variety 'Plovdivska karotina' to be included in the experiment. As a result a comprehensive feasibility analysis for production of tomato juice 'Plovdivska karotina' was carried out. The following innovative idea was evaluated: 'Creation of value chain in production of healthy tomato juice from variety 'Plovdivska karotina', patented by MaritsaVCRI'. Analysis itself is covering all aspects of technical, economical and financial assessment of the innovation. Main revenues for MaritsaVCRI will come from exploitation of value chain by transfer of technology of production of tomato. Signing license contracts for growing tomato variety 'Plovdivska karotina' with producers and further consulting as well as selling seedlings comprise the main source of income.
5. Advertise all Maritsa VCRI activities. Maritsa VCTTO organised the advertising the Maritsa VCRI participation at the International agriculture exhibition AGRA - 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012, Plovdiv, Bulgaria. The TTO staff prepared all advertising printing materials; the design of the institute's stand; the sheets of inquiry; presentations and posters. They also realised the contacts with the producers and collected the data of stakeholders who were interested in Maritsa VCRI's activities. Based on the inquiry an analysis of vegetable producer needs of innovations was performed. An event was organised at a vegetable region near to the town of Kardjali. The topic was 'Improvement the competitiveness of farmers in the region of Kardjali by exploiting of ecologically friendly technologies in vegetable growing'. The new Maritsa varieties and technologies were presented and an emphasis was given on the link between science and practice. The meeting was attended also by the regional authorities. An 'open day - tomatoes' was also organised by Maritsa VCTTO. The aim of the event was to advertise the new tomato varieties and hybrids, created at the institute as well as some new technological aspects of tomato cultivation and occurrence of new pests on this crop. The following presentations were given: New tomato varieties and hybrids - lecturer Prof. Dr V. Rodeva; Technological solutions for tomato production by Assoc. Prof. Dr M. Mihov and New tomato pest - Tuta absoluta by Assis. Prof. V. Yankova. The session was attended by students, scientists as well as by tomato growers. Each presentation was followed by discussion and sometimes critical assessments for some varieties, which were included in TTO database for improvement the subjects of scientific investigations. At the end there was tomato panel test of the new varieties and visit of the demonstrative field. This event was reported in two local newspapers, the local radio and national television (TV). The performance and the output of the Pilot project 'Plovdivska karotina' were advertised and announced trough newspapers, radio and TV interviews and comments.
6. Develop a demonstrative pilot project. The main objective of the pilot project is to demonstrate a successful transfer of Maritsa VCRI innovation as 'new variety' into practice. Specific objectives are: popularisation of a new tomato variety of the institute; analysis of its feasibility and production of a food (juice) with high biological value, answering the requirements for safeguarding consumer health and the environment. The new Maritsa VCRI variety 'Plovdivska karotina', specialised for production of tomato juice, was chosen for the purposes of the Pilot project. The variety is distinguished by its high biological value, based on high content of Vitamin C, Beta-carotene and Lycopene. Tomato variety 'Plovdivska karotina' contains about 60mg% Beta-carotene and 40% Lycopene from total pigments content (up to 6.5 mg%). Vitamin C content is about 50 mg%, which is 20-25 mg% over the content in conventional varieties. Contracts were signed with two private tomato producers, possessing lands in two different locations around Plovdiv. The third tomato field was at Maritsa VCRI. The aim was to compare the three different technologies for growing of tomato. Maritsa VCRI provided the tomato seedlings for all plots. The private farmers applied their own technologies. In some cases they were advised by Maritsa VCRI experts. The tomato fruits were processed in a small private canning factory 'Lyasi' Ltd., located around 30 km from Plovdiv. The produced juice was bottled (750 ml volume), labelled (with all information about nutrient value, contacts information, date of expire and acknowledgment to EU-BALKANVEGETABLES project) and packed (12 bottles in one cardboard box). On 29 November 2011 an official presentation of tomato juice 'Plovdivska karotina' was carried out in conference room of the Maritsa VCRI. The meeting was attended by representatives from Ministry of Agriculture and Food, Plovdiv Chamber of Agriculture, 'Rhodope' Municipality, colleagues from Maritsa VCRI, Agricultural University - Plovdiv, University of Food Technology, Food Research and Development institute-Plovdiv, institute of Organic Chemistry with Centre of Phytochemistry, as well business representatives - 'Orpheus Wellness club' Ltd, Lyasi Ltd, Labtech, etc. The event began with degustation of tomato juice and presentation of Assoc. Prof. Dr P. Denev from institute of Organic Chemistry with Centre of Phytochemistry, who emphasised the benefits of consumption of foods with high biological value. Assoc. Prof. Dr D. Kostova, the coordinator of the project EU-BALKANVEGETABLES, shortly presented the project initiatives. Dr I. Tringivska, from EU-BALKANVEGETABLES team, presented the main steps of realisation of Pilot project 'Plovdivska karotina'. Dr D. Ganeva, the Maritsa VCRI tomato breeder, presented the new tomato varieties of the institute. The meeting continued with discussion led by Misho Grublev, journalist in radio "Plovdiv". The main topic of discussion was the benefit of production of products with high biological value. Mrs. Evgenia Mitrova from Ministry of Agriculture and Food answered the questions concerning problems in Bulgarian horticulture. In conclusion the breeders of the variety 'Plovdivska karotina', Prof. Dr H. Manueljan and Prof. Dr M. Yordanov, special guests of the meeting, expressed their satisfaction from the Pilot project and the successful realisation of the final product - tomato juice 'Plovdivska karotina'. The tomato juice 'Plovdivska karotina' was nominated to take part in the competition for Bulgarian innovative product at the International Agricultural Exhibition 'AGRA 2012' in Plovdiv. 44 products of various companies and institutes also took part. But 'Plovdivska karotina' was selected by the jury and honored with the highest award (gold medal). The Minister of Agriculture and Food, Dr Miroslav Naidenov bestowed the medal on the Director of Maritsa Vegetable Crops Research institute, Assoc. Prof. Dr Stoyka Masheva.
7. Analyse vegetable producers' needs of innovations. As a result from the previous inquiry and questioning, selected farmers were subjected of analysis for their needs and requirements. The received answers highlighted the needs for new high yielded varieties are expected; close link between scientists and producers; training courses; new growing technologies; improvement of the technologies for seed production; expectation of innovations in plant protection and plant nutrition, new varieties with high biological quality.
8. Participate actively in European food cluster networking. As a part of European food cluster initiative EU-BALKANVEGETABLES project took active participation in all food cluster initiatives.

The project team participated in the European Week of Regions and Cities, 6 to 9 October, 2008, Brussels. As a first step a strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) analysis of food industry and research sector for South Central Region of Bulgaria was elaborated and presented at the second official meeting of the food cluster 15 to 16 September 2008, Brussels. As a consequence of SWOT analysis SOR analysis was developed for presentation at the third official meeting of the food cluster - 'Connecting European food clusters' during 23 and 25 February 2009 in Mersin, Turkey. At this meeting EU-BALKANVEGETABLES team participated in working groups sharing ideas for future development of the food cluster.

EU-BALKANVEGETABLES representatives as part of the European food cluster initiative, were invited to Research Connection 2009 - a major event on EU research initiatives; 7 and 8 May 2009, Prague, Czech Republic. For the purpose a brochure 'What's new in Bulgarian science' containing information about EU-BALKANVEGETABLES project's activities was printed together with a poster for the project. These materials as well as Maritsa VCRI food products from vegetables like grounded red pepper, dried onion and pickled cucumbers were exhibited on stand of the food cluster within the frame of the event in Prague.

An initiative was performed at Maritsa VCRI to establish a food cluster between science, business and politics in South Central region of Bulgaria. For this purpose a kick-off meeting was performed on 16 September 2009 in the Conference hall of the institute. This meeting of so called Thracian food cluster was attended by representatives from research entities in the region, private firms, farmers and regional authorities. The audience accepted the idea of clustering and some issues concerning the future existence and support of the cluster were discussed. It was decided to search for potential investors.

The fourth official meeting of food cluster initiative took place in Wageningen, the Netherlands, during 7 and 9 October, 2009. EU-BALKANVEGETABLES team was represented there by four persons. The major consequence of the meeting was the proposal received from Blgg AgroXpertus general manager Henri Hekman for establishment a spin-off company between Maritsa VCRI and Blgg, The Netherlands specialised on soil and plant analysis and expert consultation of farmers. Our team also attended the RAF-Regions meeting (another project within European food cluster initiative), which took place in Plovdiv during 18 and 19 November 2009. The fifth food cluster Meeting was carried out in Thessaloniki during the period 5 and 6 March, 2010. EU-BALKANVEGETABLES team was represented there by four persons. The most important event during the meeting was the discussion concerning the future development of the food cluster, the negative, positive sides and trends for the future.

The team of EU-BALKANVEGETABLES participated also in The Week of innovative regions in Europe (WIRE 2010) - Granada (Spanish Presidency conference) Granada, 15 and 17 March, 2010. We applied with a poster entitled: 'A step forward in Bulgarian horticultural science'. The poster was approved by the Organising committee and we joined the forum. During the meeting we discussed some food cluster problems with L. Rijswijk, The Development Agency East Netherlands and carried Dr K. Harrap's consent to participate the kick-off meeting of Balkan linkage, organised by EU-BALKANVEGETABLES project.

In April, 2010 Henri Hekman, Joep Koene - project manager in development agency East Netherlands and Dr Daan Kuiper, Crop Eye visited Maritsa VCRI. During this visit all issues concerning the establishment of the spin-off were discussed. The idea to set up a company devoted on soil and plant analysis perfectly fitted with the current needs of Bulgarian agriculture. A second visit of Hekman and Koene was performed at the beginning of September the same year. As a result from the visit a business plan and a contract between the three parties were prepared. This contract is still in the stage of negotiation. Dr I. Tringovska, later in November, 2010 visited the Blgg laboratory (this visit was coordinated with the European manager) and she was acquainted with the process of analysis, evaluation and interpretation of the results. It could be concluded that setting up a spin-off company between Maritsa VCRI, BLGG AgroXpertus Ltd. (the leading horticultural and agricultural analytical laboratory in The Netherlands) and Four C, Sole Trader (Dutch private consulting company) is the main business oriented outcome from EU-BALKANVEGETABLES membership in the European food cluster Initiative.

We took advantage of the Conference in Brussels entitled 'The Knowledge based bio-economy towards 2020' during the period 13 and 14 September 2010 in order to search possibilities to apply with new proposals within FP7. Later the same year the representatives of EU-BALKANVEGETABLES took part in the Annual Meeting of European food cluster Initiative (8 to 10 December, 2010) in Ghent, Belgium. The FCI conference focused on improving the links with industry in the 'Triple helix' when building regional clusters and on how to spot relevant support sources to ensure a sustainable concept. EU-BALKANVEGETABLES team was invited to present the project achievements especially, those answering the main topic of the conference. This was the initiative to build up a spin-off company between Maritsa VCRI and BLGG AgroXpertus - the leading horticultural and agricultural analytical laboratory in the Netherlands. The Dutch partners attended also the meeting and expressed their desire for such collaboration.

As member of European food cluster initiative, the EU-BALKANVEGETABLES project was invited to take part in the third call of the Interreg See Op; Terms of reference: Policy Learning Mechanisms in Support of Cluster Development. The partners in the project were from 10 countries: Hungary, Austria, Italy, Slovenia, FYR Macedonia, Serbia, Montenegro, Bosnia, Croatia and Germany. The coordinator was from University of Debrecen, Hungary. The project was entitled: 'New policy mechanism for cluster development in the food value chain in SEE'; Project acronym: SEE FoodClusterValue. Observers came from Wirtschaftsfoerderung Region Stuttgart (WRS) GmbH, DE and State Ministry of Finance and Economics, Land Baden-Württemberg, Stuttgart, Germany. The outcome was successful submission of the EoI but unfortunately the SEE FoodClusterValue Project did not achieve the score to be invited to the second step of the call.

As member of European food cluster initiative, the EU-BALKANVEGETABLES project was invited by a group of students at Wageningen University in the Netherlands, supervised by Mr Joep Koene (Development Agency East Netherlands) to develop a pilot project for establishment an agro-food cluster between Dutch companies and Maritsa VCRI.

As acknowledgment of being member of European food cluster initiative we were invited to visit the partnership meeting of the Adriatic-Danubian Clustering (ADC) Project. The Bulgarian Economic Forum was the host of the event. ADC united 13 partners from nine European countries. The main goal was establishment of Future Agro-food Processing Network. Maritsa VCRI representatives took part in the Match-making meeting (sectoral round table on fruit and vegetables). A discussion was carried out with producers and processors of vegetable fruits about their needs and requirements. The necessity of establishment of specialised cluster on fruits and vegetables (fresh and processed) was discussed.

Our last initiative within this task was the participation in the Annual Meeting of European food cluster Initiative on 13 and 14 October 2011 in Brussels - Belgium. Two workshops were carried out: Workshop one - 'Food Research and Food Production - priority setting with smart specialisation strategies' and WORKSHOP II - 'Excellent Examples of Smart Specialisation for Food Research Clusters'. Our team was forced to speed up the initiative to establish the Maritsa AgroXpertus spin-off company.

Potential impact:
% With the finalisation of the activities within the project we consider that the foreseen objectives are achieved. The potential impact of the project is impossible to be assessed per single work package (WP). Almost all performed actions were closely interconnected; they influenced each other and generated at the end the final impact: one modern research entity with well equipped laboratories, appropriate contemporary facilities for preservation and assessment of valuable germ-plasm, with highly motivated and good trained young scientific staff; an entity - centre of vegetable science not only for Bulgaria but also well known on Balkans, reliable partner not only for scientific research but also by western partners for a joint venture.

First positive results were obtained during the implementation of WP2 and WP3. The exchange of knowledge and experience with European partners improve the expertise of Maritsa VCRI researchers in their specific scientific areas and also uncover an opportunity to acquire and develop new knowledge, expertise and skills in areas such as molecular breeding, ecological horticulture, composting, high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analyses of bioactive compounds, etc.

The implementation of the invited lectures was announced to a wide public through the web pages of: EU-BALKANVEGETABLES project; Maritsa VCTTO; Bulgarian Agricultural Academy and also by personally written invitations. The open access to all lectures reached one of the main purposes of this activity: to disseminate the new knowledge to a wide audience as scientists, lecturers, specialists, students and in some cases farmers, producers or regional authorities. The electronically spread of all lectures via the web page of the project (English and Bulgarian versions) assisted the effect of the dissemination. Dissemination of the new knowledge was achieved also by presentations given by young scientists of Maritsa VCRI, after their training at European institutes or by presentations from senior scientists after sabbatical visits. They shared the acquired knowledge and skills at audience interested in and closed professionally to the specific fields of the trainings.

Several agreements for a supervised research were negotiated during the lecturers visits: with Dr M. Causse in the field of molecular breeding; with Dr C. Caranta in the field of genetics of plant virus resistance; with Dr F. Carriero in the field of tilling technology; with Dr J. Fuchs in the field of composting; with Dr C. Altomare in the field of application of biofertilisers for sustainable management of soil fertility. Some of the above mentioned supervised research started during the execution of the project (the junior researcher Ts. Dincheva from Technology for growing department was trained FiBL, Frick, Switzerland by Dr J. Fuchs) but the other will be performed after the termination of the project, which generates the impact of the project beyond its termination. For example the junior researchers G. Pasev, Dr S. Grozeva and Dr I. Tringovska include in their research programmes new aspects of molecular biology and bio fertilisation, which will be supervised by Dr C. Caranta, Dr M. Causse and Dr S. Ravnskov. Short scientific visits are foreseen in the near future for the above mentioned scientists at INRA laboratories and at the Department of Agroecology Aarhus University, Denmark. These visits will be supported by another Maritsa VCRI project, subsidised by Bulgarian Ministry of Education.

A circle of stakeholders was created gathering people interested in the progress of compost technology as a result of Dr J. Fuchs lecture (Prof. Stoycho Karov - President of Association for organic farming 'Ecopharm'; Anna Karova - Executive Director of QC & I International Ltd. for service control and certification of organic production; Krassimir Kunchev - Representative 'Balkan Biocert', the First national Inspection and Certification body; Asen Peev - Representative Gimel Company). The Maritsa VCRI is the centre of this initiative.

An attractive working environment for scientists and other personnel, especially the young ones was created at Maritsa VCRI thanks to the new equipment and facilities. This new environment was the ground for introduction of advanced methods of analysis, improvement the quality of experiments and reliability of experimental results, opportunities for conducting modern fundamental and applied research. The added value of this activity is spreading beyond the participants of the project by offering the new facilities to relative institutes and universities for education and collaborative research and to vegetable producers and farmers for analysis of soil and plant samples and for consultation about plant protection, nutrition and fertilisation of vegetable crops. Now Maritsa VCRI is recognised as a modern equipped and leading vegetable crops research centre on Balkan region. For the time being two PhD students from institute of Tobacco and Tobacco Products and Plovdiv University are performing their investigations using the new apparatus and facilities of Maritsa VCRI. Periodically, the institute is visited by groups of students from Agricultural University and Plovdiv University to be acquainted with new trends and methods of investigations. Most of them later prefer to spend here their obligatory practical courses or to prepare part of the master thesis.

New progressive directions of investigations and high quality research are included now in the scientific programme of Maritsa VCRI. The young scientist G. Pasev from Virus Immunity Lab is applying now in his PhD programme specific molecular techniques for virus resistant gene identification in Phaseouls spp., learned at Misión Biológica De Galicia. His first scientific paper, with acknowledgement to EU-BALKANVEGETABLE project, has been published in an international journal with impact factor. The junior researcher Ts. Dincheva from Technology for growing department now is the Maritsa pioneer expert in composting of plant residues and application of compost in organic farming after her training at Research institute of Organic Agriculture (FiBL), Frick, Switzerland. She demonstrates the new expertise preparing the first composts with different ingredients and testing their quality at Maritsa VCRI laboratories. The junior researcher Dr I. Tringovska from Plant Nutrition Lab now is the Maritsa pioneer expert in application of PGPR (Plant Growth Promoting microorganisms) in growing media after her training at Department of Agroecology, Aarhus University. She demonstrates the new expertise and applies the acquired methods within the activities of a research project which she coordinates. The junior scientist A. Atanasova from Plant Nutrition Lab after her training at IARFR, Poland is now the only HPLC expert at Maritsa VCRI and leads all investigations, concerning the analysis of bioactive compounds in vegetables. She is part of a team which won a national funding for young scientists and applies successfully the acquired skills and knowledge. The junior scientist Dr Y. Arnaoudova from Cytology Lab during her training acquired proficiency in isolation and quantitation of DNA, application of molecular markers in hybrid purity tests and cultivar identification in pepper and tomato.

Letter of intent for collaboration was officially signed and stamped by the Directors of the Maritsa VCRI and COMAV University, Valencia, after sabbatical visits of senior scientists Dr Kostova and Dr Todorova. Also it was decided to participate with a joint project in a FP7 call: Cooperation Work Programme: Food, Agriculture and Fisheries and Biotechnologies; KBBE.2013.1.4-06: Innovative solutions in organic food and agriculture for next generation of food systems seeking synergies between rural development, natural resource management and food security and quality - ERANET+; Call: FP7-ERANET-2013-RTD. For the time being the consortium of the project and the main objectives are discussing.

The most important aim of the project was to establish Maritsa VCRI as a dissemination centre and promoter of European knowledge and practice in the field of vegetable science in Bulgaria as well as in Balkan region. A lot of efforts were spent on creation and establishment of inner (Bulgarian) and outer (Balkan) linkages, uniting scientists devoted on vegetable science. The consequence is that these linkages are already fact and have their future. The first proof is the successful application in SEE-ERA.NET Plus Joint Call 2009 with a joint project, created by the member of the linkages. The result is an active project, entitled: 'Exploration of Balkan biodiversity of Capsicum spp. to extract biotic stress resistant germplasm' (SEEERAPLUS-226). The executed already meetings in this project confirmed the willingness of the participating countries as Serbia, FYR Macedonia, Albania and Greece to continue this collaboration in the future.

The main result of the inner linkage is the elaborated Bulgarian strategy for vegetable science. All current problems were considered and the new trends of investigations were revised in a short-term plan, covering and combining the national priorities with the leading ones of the ERA. One very important issue, especially for Bulgaria, was the financial support of the vegetable science. This problem was discusses on the Second meeting of Balkan linkage. Significant changes are supposed to be performed in the law of AA in order to improve the status-quo of research and to include the new tends of development. These changes are precisely expressed in the voted resolution:

1. all own incomes generated by the institutes in the frame of AA including those from innovative products as new varieties and technologies have to remain at the institutes;
2. the profits from laboratories' analysis and services to farmers to be allocated to the same laboratories covering consumables cost, maintenance and amortisations of apparatus and personal costs;
3. the project's funds have not to be centralised and operated by Ministries or AA but to go direct to the beneficiaries;
4. an account to be created at AA which balance is not expected to be zero at the end of each year;
5. a state co-financing or budget adjustment to be foreseen for the institutes with successful European projects where VAT expenditures are not eligible costs;
6. new law is required allowing establishment of start-up or spin-off companies between applied institutes and industry which will reduce the governmental funds for science.

This resolution was supported by the participants of the Meeting and was spread via web page or by letters to the Parliament, Council of Ministers, Ministry of Agriculture and Food, Ministry of Finance and Agricultural Academy for support and for decisions making. As a consequence support was received from the Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Food, who welcomed the proposed suggestions.

Being member of the European food cluster Initiative we fully improved our knowledge and awareness about the importance of cluster structure and the concept of the triple helix. Our active partnerships with the members of the European food cluster Initiative led to application with a join project within the call of the Interreg See Op.

But the main outcome and consequence from our membership in the European food cluster Initiative is the creation of spin-off company 'Maritsa Agro Xpertus' Ltd (Bulgarian and Dutch partnership), devoted on soil and plant analysis. Its aim and the subjects perfectly fit with the current needs of Bulgarian agriculture. The establishment of this company within Maritsa VCRI will contribute to:

1. successful operation under conditions of market economy in order to profit from scientific outputs;
2. improvement of the links between science and practice in commercial aspects;
3. stabilisation of Maritsa VCRI as a leading advisory centre in Bulgaria in the field of horticulture;
4. performance of high quality services concerning the crop growing in consensus with European standards and regulations, namely soil and plant analysis regarding the nutritional and health status using advanced (innovative) methods of assessment and elaboration of detail recommendations for plant nutrition and plant protection which will contribute to solve the current problems and to make the best decision.

The execution of the demonstrative pilot project 'Plovdivska karotina' showed the successful transfer of one Maritsa VCRI innovation into practice up to final product. From the specialised Maritsa tomato variety 'Plovdivska karotina', a natural tomato juice was produced with high amount of three antioxidants - vitamin C, Carotene and Lycopene. The tomato juice 'Plovdivska karotina' won the gold medal for innovative product at the International Agricultural Exhibition 'AGRA 2012'. High interest was expressed by electronic media and newspapers. Also European producers like AMC group, Murcia, Spain expressed their interest in collaboration on this topic.

All described above activities and events within the project and European programmes were dully announced on project web page. Through its regularly updating and contacts with the target groups we succeeded to achieve high rate of public dissemination and awareness of the foreseen project's activities, meetings, events, their performances and their outcomes.

Web page: http://www.balkanvegetables.eu

Maritsa Vegetable Crops Research institute
32 Brezovsko shosse street
4003 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
Telephone +35-995-1227