Research, innovation and digitization can be better targeted in the field of organic products. This was highlighted on October 23, 2020, when both the Association and the Inter-BIO Cluster Consortium, together with USH Pro Business organized, in Brașov, the seminar “Challenges from organic farming”, a new meeting dedicated to operators in the sector. The event was hosted by Bio Carpathia Agricultural Cooperative, from Brasov and took place in a hybrid format.
The debate highlighted topics related to the importance of standardization in organic farming, the need for collaboration between operators, the importance of research, knowledge transfer and technology, and the application of digitization solutions, connection between the processes, AI algorithms for predicting field-specific events.
The conclusions of the debate highlighted the immediate challenges in the organic field, that were accelerated by the epidemiological crisis. The pressure is equally on farmers, processors, traders in the effort of each, or all, to provide quality products, at the required national or international standards.
The objectives of the operators related to the digitization of the processes are now pressing. These involve training qualified staff for advanced technologies to implement new farm-level solutions.
The list of immediate needs identified is long and includes: identifying and implementing smart solutions to reduce energy consumption in farms and processing units, reducing the carbon in food products, finding innovative solutions in order to extend the shelf life of organic products, monitoring of crops in an intelligent way and last but not least the technological transfer in the field of organic food production and processing.
At the same time, an important benchmark in aligning with market requirements is standardization. It is necessary for those who are working in the field, because it brings the right information at stakeholders level.
The representative of ASRO explained, the role of national and international standards for organic operators, the importance of guiding operators, authorities and consumers in identifying those quality organic agro-food products. Moreover, the representatives of the institution insisted on the involvement of standardization in research, in the elaboration of guidelines and even of technical supports underlying the elaboration of specific legislation.
“We intend to support all those involved in the supply chain of organic products to invest in RDI and digitalization. We are part of the regional centers for digitization and innovation and we are ready to support them. And this time, the start-ups and partner companies of Spiru Haret University presented digital solutions that were appreciated”said Costin Lianu, General Manager of USH Pro Business, President of the INTER-BIO Association.
“We are glad that we were able to host such an event, together with Spiru Haret University and Inter-Bio Association, where SHU it is a founding member. We have multiple collaborations both in the field of RDI and in the area of organizing and supporting product chains. Our association is an active promoter of the ecological products both in the region and at national level”said Aurel Blaj, President of the Bio Carpathia Agricultural Cooperative, based in Brașov.