Research and innovation are an investment in the future. This was also the motto of the official award ceremony in the innovation competition. The thirteenth edition of the event was held in the "Plovdiv" hall of the Plovdiv International Fair. 49 products, scientific developments and technologies of 26 companies and 11 scientific institutes participated in the ten sections of the competition this year. At the beginning of the ceremony, the Academic Council of VUARR awarded the "Scientist of the Year in the field of agricultural sciences" award. The prize went to Assoc. Dr. Dimitar Yakimov for his contribution in the field of biotechnology.
In the category "Machines and equipment for plant growing", a plaque and diploma for an innovative product of AGRA 2022 was awarded to Granit Parts with a product from the PROBOSS series. The highlight of the PROBOSS range is the AS3520 high-end seat with air suspension. The ergonomic seat and backrest plus the cushions, equipped with ventilation channels, guarantee optimal comfort during prolonged work. Built-in lumbar support, fine adjustment of the backrest and armrests promote a healthy sitting position, while the elegant design with well-thought-out details and high-quality damask enhance the look of any cabin. The PROBOSS AS3520 seat features an innovative low-frequency suspension that offers maximum comfort, reducing harmful vibrations and preventing rocking during field work. A distinction in the same category was also awarded to the company Pleven Agro Consult, with its technological innovation "Machines and bags for the storage of grain and fodder".
In the "Plant production technologies" category, Fiamma received an award for the product "cultivator-chopper SACHO Geacut". One of the "secrets" of the Geacut 600 is the way each of the three work rollers is connected to the frame. The intelligent engineering solution allows the machine to work at higher speeds than usual. To be used to its full capacity, the device must be attached to a tractor with a power of at least 180 hp. SACHO Geacut successfully fits into the lines of No-Till and Strip Till technologies. It provides the highest efficiency in the processing of stems and residues of sunflower, corn, cereals, rapeseed, tobacco, cotton, cover crops, etc. It significantly reduces the use of pesticides and chemicals. The speed cultivator has lower operating costs compared to conventional cultivators and higher productivity.
The Bulgarian company Predistik was also awarded with a diploma for the innovative product "GRAS systems for smart agriculture". GRAS is an intelligent system including hardware and software that enables complete remote monitoring of plantations. GRAS helps minimize losses from unexpected climate change. It can be used in all planted and green areas: fields, greenhouses, nurseries, gardens and parks. A large range of sensors is available, depending on the customized areas: humidity; temperature; acidity (PH); light level; atmospheric pressure; hazardous gases (CO2, CH4 and others); presence, sound, smoke, etc. GRAS can also be linked to multiple agricultural systems, including: irrigation/irrigation; fogging; fertilization systems; lighting, ventilation/ventilation/temperature control.
In the "Machinery and installations for animal husbandry" category, an award for an innovative product was awarded to Agritop, for its vertical lifting system. VLS (Vertical Lift System) is an innovative system changing loading/unloading with telehandlers. The VLS system is patented by Weidemann. It allows continuous operation and supports the operator through the partially automated movement of the telescope. The movement of the telescope with VLS is almost vertical, which provides the machine with optimal stability, safety and comfort. In addition, the VLS system offers three modes of operation, for additional comfort when loading: bucket operation; arrangement; manual mode. Another advantage of the innovative VLS system is the increase in machine productivity, thanks to the continuous mode of operation and the avoidance of erratic lowering speed, which further contributes to the safety of the operator and the machine.
Recognition in the "Technologies for animal husbandry" section was awarded to Oltec Bulgaria for the product "Feeding control and management system". KEENAN InTouch brings together management software, a forage-mixing trailer controller and the expertise of nutritionists. The InTouch software features a 3G and 4G Wi-Fi component, allowing remote control of rations and dispensing by mirroring the InTouch screen to the InTouch mobile app. The technology is accessible from anywhere and anytime through automated data sharing. It enables farmers to monitor rations, mixing and feeding in real time and, if necessary, adjust them remotely.
In the "Variety Seeds and Planting Material" section, the Fruit Institute - Plovdiv was awarded for a new Pagane plum variety. IZK "Maritsa" was awarded with a diploma for an innovative product for cucumber Teresa and the Institute of Maize - Knezha, for corn hybrids Knezha 573, Knezha 575 and Knezha 651. Knezha 573 is stress tolerant, with high resistance to biotic and abiotic stress. Knezha 575 is tall and well-foliated with a rich panicle, which provides excellent pollination. Knezha 651 realizes a high yield of grain and biomass. Successfully overcomes permanent drought. Hybrids combine high productivity with resistance to economically important diseases and enemies of maize.
In the "Fertilizers and Preparations for Agriculture" section, three representative companies were awarded for innovations in organic agriculture. The first, Summit Agro Romania SRL - Bulgaria branch, received a plaque and a diploma for a bacterial soil improver named Amylis. Amylis is an innovative technology for soil nitrogen management. It contains two specially selected strains of bacteria that contribute to the decomposition of plant residues, mineralization of organic matter, fixation of nitrogen from the atmosphere and in the soil, stimulation of root development. It also acts as an antagonist of pathogenic microorganisms in the soil.
The innovation for biostimulation of growth and physiological development of plants TYTANIT is presented by AFM. TYTANIT is a liquid preparation with a stimulating effect that activates the natural physiological processes in the plant. The aTIUM molecule is a bioavailable, organic titanium compound that has a positive effect on crop quality and quantity. It provides faster uptake and high availability of titanium for the plant, while being safe for crops and the environment. The product increases the viability of the pollen; enhances photosynthesis, chlorophyll synthesis and enzyme activity; improves the efficiency of absorption of nutrients from the soil, etc. The specialized commission also awarded biofertilizer for insecticidal action "Metamax" of Global Agro Solution. Metamax is a microbial fertilizer, an inoculum of microorganisms, suitable for foliar and soil application. The product helps plants to overcome a number of stress effects on the root and leaf system.
In the "Scientific activity and developments" section, a plaque and a diploma were awarded to the Institute of Soil Science, Agrotechnology and Plant Protection "N. Pushkarov" for an installation for the purification of sunflower oil using an ultrasonic field. The Dobruja Agricultural Institute - General Toshevo was awarded a diploma for the hybrid sunflower "Krasela", as well as the Institute of Rose and Essential Oil Crops - Kazanlak, for the perfume "Tobacco and Roses".
Farm Solution was awarded in the Livestock category for the innovative DTM Professional on-farm nutrition control and management system. The product is manufactured in Italy by Dinamica Generale S.p.A. It is compatible with all types of mixers. Cloud-based software provides full control of warehouse, task performance and costs. A computer with a display for performing mixing and dispensing allows for remote control via an app and individual access to each employee. In the section "Machines and technologies for the production of wines and spirits" Adig received a plaque and a diploma for personal programs for targeted viticulture and Enoteris winery.
Three companies were honored in the machinery and technology section of the food industry. The product "Finely ground rosehip husk, sweetened with finely ground fruit fructose" received an award. The innovation is from the Bulgarian company Balevski and Kirov. A clinical station for extracting meat from cattle of the company Blitz was awarded with a diploma for an innovative product. The Dimitrovgrad company Fermata 2016 was also awarded for a new type of donkey milk candies developed with the help of the Alpi factory. The competition for innovations in agriculture, the food industry and the wine industry for another year is being held at the initiative of the Plovdiv International Fair.