The project
2020
2021
2022
The ICARUS project - Process and Marketing Innovations for the Valorization of Apulian Artichoke in a Sustainable Perspective - has been funded under the public call for support applications within Sub-measure 16.2 and 2. This funding supports the implementation of pilot projects and the development of new products, practices, processes, and technologies in the agri-food and forestry sector. It also facilitates the transfer and dissemination of results achieved by the operational groups.
Objectives
The project aims to improve the competitiveness of the artichoke supply chain in Puglia by strengthening various aspects along the chain. These include particular attention to the recovery of local varieties, the enhancement of cultivation techniques in terms of sustainability, the introduction of new fourth and fifth range products (with the development of relevant processes), and the recovery of processing waste for the production of supplements and natural cosmetics.
Level of innovation
The first innovative aspect is represented by the expansion of the variety range through the valorization of local germplasm, with the aim of producing high-value nutraceutical artichoke heads and artichoke heads that meet agro-industrial requirements for processing.
Territory
The Apulian artichoke today
Puglia, with just under 12,000 hectares of cultivation, is the second-largest region in Italy for artichoke production, estimated at around 120,000 MT. Production is concentrated in the provinces of Foggia and Brindisi, followed by Bari and BAT, while it is smaller in Taranto and Lecce.
Recovery and valorization
The ICARUS project was born to address the challenges throughout the entire supply chain and find alternative solutions for the valorization of the product with innovative processes that offer high-value-added services (fourth and fifth range artichokes). Additionally, the project aims to valorize the by-products and waste, opening up new markets.
Critical aspects
Like the rest of the country, which remains the world's leading producer, the artichoke industry in Puglia has experienced a contraction in cultivated area, production, and yield per hectare over the past two decades. This is due to the challenges in managing the crop, including frost damage, as well as the propagation techniques of traditional varieties, which have led to a depletion of the germplasm used. Furthermore, the crisis in the sector, low prices imposed by processing companies, and competition with foreign markets have prompted many producers to opt for more profitable crops.
Partners
