Research Objectives & Activities

• Development of certification protocols for agricultural practices of reduced inputs and outputs at field level.
• Good crop and farming management practices - comparative studies of energy and other inputs.
• Utilization, management and protection of water resources in agriculture. Comparative evaluation of irrigation system efficiency, life cycle analysis and water footprint assessment of agricultural production systems. Development of precision irrigation techniques to sustain water and energy resources and adapt to climate change
• Development of innovative fertilizers and generally soil conditioners with: (i) development and isolation of new bioactive molecules from natural products, (ii) use of agricultural / municipal / industrial waste and by-products and (iii) vaccination of fungi, mycorrhizal fungi, root crops and plant growth in the direction of replacing conventional fertilizers.
• Application of high-efficiency assays for the study of biological material of plant and animal interest used in reduced input agricultural systems.
• Certification of phytosanitary with development and application of methods of diagnosis of fungal, virological and bacteriological diseases in propagating and plant material of cutting edge crops
• Development and implementation of innovative disease control methods in cutting-edge crops and farms, which may include (i) new bioactive molecules from natural products, (ii) fungal, mycorrhizal, root and bacterial vaccines to reduce conventional plant protection agents.
• Evaluation of new plant protection products with a comprehensive study of their effectiveness against target organisms, impact on plant / animal physiology, ecotoxicity, bee toxicity and residue, through the development of modern analytical methods, monitoring of their behavior, presence and risk to food safety and environmental protection.
• Research and development of quality control methods in soils and surface and groundwater. Assessment of agricultural management practices in relation to soil quality with a view to improving their fertility and rehabilitating degraded and contaminated soils.
• Evaluation of genetic material and fruit quality control.
• Scientific and technological support of existing and new Food industries, mainly small and medium-sized (Small-Medium Enterprises - SMEs) from the concept stage to the pilot production stage at pilot, pre-industrial level in conditions of reduced inputs.
• Research and design of innovative foods and processing schemes for the development of new and competitive foods, safe, quality, high nutritional value. Determination of packaging needs (specifications), with nutritional evaluation and design of nutrition labeling according to the specific characteristics and production conditions of reduced inputs of each product.
• Promotion, protection and registration of Protected Designation of Origin and Protected Geographical indications traditional products and our food culture (Mediterranean diet).
• Risk study throughout the production and processing process.
• Development of programs for the education and training of young researchers and professionals in the application and utilization of cutting-edge technologies in the agri-food chain and production processes of reduced inputs.
• Support services in matters of agricultural production to individuals, companies, legal entities under public and private law, Local Government Organizations and public authorities.