Each year the “mechanization of chicory unit” of PVBC (Programma Voorlichting Biet Cichorei) selects an aspect of the chicory harvesting process that they want to optimize that year. We consult all stakeholders from the chicory cultivation and processing industry to do this.
The Aroma-roots project aims to stimulate the cultivation of horseradish, angelica and lovage in Flanders.Research approachWe optimize the cultivation of horseradish, angelica and lovage through better varietal knowledge, cultivation mechanization (including weed control, sowing and harvesting), increasing the quality of the harvested biomass and multi-valorization
This is partly due to limited cultivation knowledge (varieties, bacterial inoculum, cultivation mechanization) and partly due to the lack of a local chickpea processing chain.
From that, we then draw generic conclusions.Relevance/ValorizationThe CIMAT partners hope to show what potential exists in the context of sustainable agriculture, for smart mechanization and electrification that is also economically feasible for small and medium-sized players within agribusiness (both growers and manufacturers).
These were all variants and innovations in terms of mechanization, crop monitoring and the time of cultivation. Farmers, contractors, machine designers/distributors, tire manufacturers, etc. were intensively involved in the trials through a user group. Many useful results were recorded: Prevention proved to be the better option.
Mechanization and digitalization are often the key. The objective is to improve a range of processes within horticulture, arable farming, livestock farming and food processing, making them more sustainable and more efficient.