Research into new state-of-the-art storage and processing contributes to the development of the fruit and berry sector in Latvia.
- 01 January 2005
Context
The Latvian fruit industry is currently in a period of development and there is a growing market demand for Latvian-grown fruit. However, because of a lack of modern storage facilities, Latvian-grown fruit currently accounts for only 10% of the Latvian market. To address this situation, research into suitable storage regimes for commercial varieties of fruit is a high priority. ULO (ultra low oxygen) type storage is becoming increasingly popular because it preserves the quality of fruit for a longer period. However, successful application of this method requires optimisation of storage conditions (the most suitable gas mixtures for each fruit crop and variety, as well as their length of storage and other parameters). Therefore, the successfully introduction of this technology into the Latvian fruit and berry sector requires initial optimisation using experimental ULO type storage facilities.
Processing is also an important part of the fruit and berry sector in Latvia, and research in this area is also considered to be a high priority. An experimental, Fruit and Berry Processing Centre has been established at the Dobele HPBES, which carries out research on a wide range of fruits. The results of this research allow growers to select the most suitable varieties and provide processing enterprises with data on optimum processing conditions. However, to continue this research a new state-of-the-art spectrophotometer and HPLC are required for the biochemical laboratory and, in the context of EU membership, it is also necessary to upgrade the processing facilities to meet EU standards.
A competitive fruit sector
The project aims to support the development and production of healthy and functionally active fruit and berries (i.e. with high biochemical value), grown in a sustainable and environment-friendly manner. Latvia is one of the few countries in the world where the climate allows production of fruit and berries with high biochemical activity while using minimal applications of chemical sprays.
A specific objective of the project is to facilitate the expansion and modernisation of fruit and berry processing research, which is considered fundamental to the development of commercial fruit growing in Latvia. The results of the research will in particular be used by processing enterprises and will help to improve their overall competitiveness.
The project will also support new research into the optimum storage conditions of Latvian-grown fruit and berries in ULO type storage. The results of this research will be transferred to fruit and berry farms, thereby allowing these farms to supply the local market with fresh locally grown fruits and berries throughout the year.
The implementation of the project is divided into four stages:1. Organising the tendering process and competitions for the purchase of equipment.2. Renovation and preparation of the premises for the installation of the new equipment.3. Purchase and installation of the equipment.4. Training of personnel in the use of the equipment.
Results
The acquisition of cutting-edge scientific equipment will facilitate new research and development, as well as improvements in the quality of research in the fruit and berry sector in Latvia. It will also facilitate the development of knowledge and skills among researchers and technical employees, as well as among the final beneficiaries.
The up-to-date fruit storage technologies and the new expertise acquired will specifically allow new research on the storage of Latvian-grown fruits and berries. This will result in the increased competitiveness of local fruit growers, which will be able to supply the local market with home-grown products throughout the year, and also exploit export opportunities for some products.
Better storage and improved processing will facilitate the development and commercialisation of competitive, high value-added fruit and berry products, which will contribute to boosting the competitiveness of the Latvian economy.
The development of greater innovative in Latvian food production will indirectly facilitate the development of tourism and will contribute to the development of the regions and in particular, rural areas.