October 1st 2016: Open Fields officially started Bio2, the two-year project which also involves the University of Parma (UNIPR), Agriform Scarl (training organization), Molino Grassi Spa, Azienda Agraria Sperimentale Stuard and five farming companies in mountain or high hill areas in Parma and Reggio Emilia provinces.
This working group aims to enhance the competitiveness of traditionally marginal areas focusing on organic farming and on the extraordinary biodiversity of our ancient grains.
During these two years the study group will test and identify the combinations of ancient genotypes, organically grown and mixed in the same plot, that will be able to better perform in terms of yield and will show the better predisposition to the primary and secondary processing.
With respect to technical capabilities, the mixed grains and the pure varieties will be characterized, the possible presence of contaminants mycotoxins will be detected, and finally the content of micro and macro elements (B vitamins, phenolic acids, fiber) will be analyzed.
From the flours, the working group aims to develop healthy and functional end-products, following the evaluation of their nutritional value and their health effects (such as the accessibility of in vitro nutrients, blood glucose curve, insulin).
For more info, the dedicated website will be soon available at www.bioalquadrato.it