Researchers from the Institute for Environmental Solutions (IES) in cooperation with international experts of agriculture and SIA “Field and Forest” will develop innovative methods for cultivation of globally demanded herbs – ginseng (Panax spp.) and Chinese horseradish (Angelica sinensis). And together with “Apsara” tea company researchers will prototype new tea mixture products containing abovementioned herbs.
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In 2017, the International Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), showcased that Latvian Economy has grown robustly but not enough for strong convergence in living standards. Boosting Latvia’s growth required better export performance. According to the OECD, while export performance, including diversification of products and destinations, is improving, Latvia’s exports still rely on low value-added products, reflecting in part skills shortages and weak innovation. To reach and grow into the international market, Latvia needs to find new niches and innovative globally demanded products.
There is a rapidly increasing demand for natural herbs that could substitute chemical-based medicinal, cosmetic and food products. In Europe and other parts of the world, one of the ost wanted herbs are ginseng and Chinese horseradish. According to the medicinal plants researches, the weather and soil in Latvia is very well-suited for cultivation of ginseng, Chinese horseradish, as well as other herbs. During the next four years, in cooperation with scientists, agronomists and innovative entrepreneurs IES and SIA “Field and Forest” will experiment and explore best methods and technologies for cultivation of ginseng and Chinese horseradish. To develop prototypes for new tea mixtures containing ginseng and Chinese horseradish, the researchers will cooperate with professional tea company which has successful export experience.
While creating of innovative cultivation methods, IES and SIA “Field and Forest” will also try to establish a good practice of using transdisciplinary approach for development of new products. Representatives of agriculture, agricultural product processing industry and science will work together to create truly innovative methods and product prototypes. As a result, researchers, agronomists and entrepreneurs will create new knowledge and skills that can be transferred to the other fields of research and agriculture.
Innovative methods for cultivation of ginseng and Chinese horseradish will be developed as a part of the project “Developmend of innovative technologies for cultivation and food production of ginseng (Panax spp.) and Chinese horseradish (Angelica sinensis)” No. 17-00-A01620-000008, which is supported by EU European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development, Rural Development Programme.
Find out more about the project here
