The current situation regarding the subject of the project
The cultivation of aromatic and medicinal plants, with lavender as the dominant crop, is rapidly expanding in Western Macedonia, emerging as one of the most dynamic agricultural sectors in the region. This development creates a unique opportunity for the implementation of integrated actions focusing both on the management of cultivation residues and the sustainable utilization of soils, thereby enhancing sustainability and strengthening the local rural economy.
The main problem lies in the management of the residual biomass resulting from the lavender extraction process, although the potential for residual green mass produced is extremely high, it is not utilized.
The implementation of the action concerns the exploitation of the residues resulting from the distillation of lavender with the aim of producing a composted product with particularly competitive characteristics compared to conventional fertilizers, which provides high added value and contributes to diversification in agriculture.
The importance of the action is high, as it aims at the proper management of residues and the production of an organic fertilizer which will be applied simultaneously to aromatic-medicinal and fodder plant crops for further comparison of crop yields, due to the application of the new fertilization.
The production of a new organic fertilizer utilizing residual lavender biomass and its application to the corresponding cultivated areas will constitute an innovation, as it will provide the prospect of developing an “organic crop” by giving particular importance to the value of the circular economy.
The innovation
The innovation of the action lies in the fact that the economic efficiency of the agricultural holding will be improved through the restructuring of cultivation practices, resulting in the creation of a circular economy and market diversification.
It is worth to note that significant quantities of lavender distillation residues have been available in recent years, but through this action, it is the first time that the correct and scientific approach to its use will be implemented in the country.
An important innovation will be the increase in the quality of arable land, whether it concerns aromatic or fodder plants, as the former will produce high-quality essential oil and the latter will contribute to the production of high-quality animal feed.
An important innovation of the Partners Team is the increase in the added value of the final product, as it is sold directly from the producer to the consumer and the action will provide a significant competitive advantage to the members.
Agricultural European Innovation Partnership (EIP-AGRI)
The objective of Measure 16 is to strengthen the culture of cooperation between the involved bodies with the aim of:
- strengthening the competitiveness of businesses in primary production (agricultural holdings) in the food sector, mainly local products but also as well as
- the search for new cultivation practices and production practices that contribute to the protection of the environment but also to adaptation to climate change.
Through the partnerships that will be developed, the opportunity will be given to utilize new technologies and innovative processes for:
- the production of safer and healthier food.
- the reduction of water consumption and in general the cost of inputs for economic and environmental benefit
- ensuring the uniqueness of certified agricultural products