New products based on cereals and pseudocereals from organic production

Emerging strategic direction in the development of agriculture and food production that supports sustainable development is organic farming. The basic aim of the project is to create an assortment of new bakery and confectionery products based on cereals (spelt)and pseudocereals(amaranth, buckwheat) predestined by nature for cultivation in organic farming. In the frame of genetic divergence research, populations and cultivars of these species will be collected and investigated regarding various aspects of quality with emphasize to phytopatology and health safety issues. Part of the research related to the production of new bakery, fine bakery and expanded/extruded products includes process optimization and modelling, selection of adequate natural supplements and improvers tolerable in processing of organic materials aimed at enhancing the nutritional,sensory and functional properties of new products. Basic medicinal research to support and confirm the functional contribution of nutrition enhanced with products based on alternative cultures will be commenced in parallel directions –using an animal and human model. Research activities in the field of organic products marketing will address details essential to successful development and upgrade of national organic market. Development strategy for organic market, crucial to economic survival of organic farmer, will be provided.