What was the challenge/problem addressed?
The Korinthiaki staphis (also known as black Korinthian raisin) is an important agricultural product in the coastal areas of Peloponnese and the Ionian Islands and is known worldwide for its superior quality. One of the most important, in terms of its qualitative characteristics, is biotype Vostizza. One of the quality factors of the product is the percentage of seeded currants. A high percentage of seeded currants leads to a reduction in the competitiveness of the product since, despite the development of technology, it is difficult to remove the seeded raisins from the finished product.
How did you solve the problem?
Recent research has shown that 28 biotypes of Korinthiaki staphis are cultivated in Greece and that different cultivation techniques affect the percentage of seeded raisins in each biotype differently. Based on these results, an Operational Group was formed, consisted of the Farmers Unions Vostizza, the Agricultural University of Athens and the Harokopion University. Its aim is to investigate the combined effect of the biotypes of Korinthiaki staphis, the environmental conditions and the cultivation techniques on the percentage of seeded raisins as well as the fertility of flowers in order to further improve the quality of the final product.
What is innovative in your practical case?
This is a technical innovation with a strong organizational angle, demanding close collaboration of the universities’ researchers with the Unions’ advisors and a considerable number of grape-growers (>25).
What are the success factors in solving the problem?
Close collaborations, good communication and trusted relationships among scientists, advisors and farmers is of upmost importance for the success of the project.
Lessons learned
Process in progress
What role does the advisor or advisory service play with the practical case?
Advisors employed by the Farmers Union Vostizza and scientists of the Agricultural University of Athens (Faculty of Crop Science, Lab. of Viticulture ) are in charge of supervising and monitoring the implementation of modified crop treatments and yields and providing feedback to the grape-growers about the best cultivation practices. Α guide with the best practices will be issued at the end of the project.
Can your approach be transferred and/or adapted for other innovation challenges and regions?
Yes
Estimated transferability on a scale from 1 to 5
(where 1 is easy and 5 very difficult)
3
For sharing the experience on the good practice, please contact
Katerina Biniari
kbiniari@aua.gr , +30 2105294632
Link to external information