Articles
HORTICULTURE IN EUROPE: FROM HISTORY TO INNOVATION
Article number
817_2
Pages
43 – 58
Language
English
Abstract
The highly intensive horticulture practiced throughout Europe today is the result of signal scientific and cultural innovations.
The new tools developed in biology, chemistry, physiology, genetics and biotechnology have driven dramatic advances in all areas of the fruit industry.
Spurred initially by efforts in the public sector and more recently by input from the private, these innovations have brought about significant changes in field testing and orchard management and greatly enhanced both the expertise of growers and crop quality.
Another novelty that has taken root is the awareness that because of its intensive nature the fruit industry must be eco-compatible and, hence, sustainable.
The first fruits of this imperative have been the principles embodied in the protocols of integrated and organic production, codes which have led to a more proactive approach to emerging trends throughout the supply chain.
Noteworthy too in this march of historical development has been the leadership of the European Union.
It has taken, and is taking, a guiding role in informing the ethical and socio-economic principles with which technological innovation can be harnessed to promote and enhance collective expectations and well-being.
These efforts are perhaps most visible today in the policy agenda driving research priorities in biodiversity, biotechnology and GMOs, precision technologies, the life sciences, food safety, health and nutraceutics.
The EU has championed collaborative, interdisciplinary research through partnerships in both public-private funding and integrated projects aimed at boosting the competitive edge and value-added of the end-users in the global arena.
One effect of an increasingly global marketplace is to put the spotlight on the issue of crop quality in relation to health and price.
The new tools developed in biology, chemistry, physiology, genetics and biotechnology have driven dramatic advances in all areas of the fruit industry.
Spurred initially by efforts in the public sector and more recently by input from the private, these innovations have brought about significant changes in field testing and orchard management and greatly enhanced both the expertise of growers and crop quality.
Another novelty that has taken root is the awareness that because of its intensive nature the fruit industry must be eco-compatible and, hence, sustainable.
The first fruits of this imperative have been the principles embodied in the protocols of integrated and organic production, codes which have led to a more proactive approach to emerging trends throughout the supply chain.
Noteworthy too in this march of historical development has been the leadership of the European Union.
It has taken, and is taking, a guiding role in informing the ethical and socio-economic principles with which technological innovation can be harnessed to promote and enhance collective expectations and well-being.
These efforts are perhaps most visible today in the policy agenda driving research priorities in biodiversity, biotechnology and GMOs, precision technologies, the life sciences, food safety, health and nutraceutics.
The EU has championed collaborative, interdisciplinary research through partnerships in both public-private funding and integrated projects aimed at boosting the competitive edge and value-added of the end-users in the global arena.
One effect of an increasingly global marketplace is to put the spotlight on the issue of crop quality in relation to health and price.
Authors
S. Sansavini
Keywords
Advanced researches and technologies, Fruit industry management and strategies
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