PREPARATORY ACTION EU and animal genetic resources in agriculture

Compendium of projects

BULGARIA

Sustainable Einkorn Production

The publication is part of the study “Preparatory action on EU plant and animal genetic resources in agriculture”. The Preparatory Action has been initiated by the European Parliament and financed by the European Commission.

The objectives of the Preparatory action are to better understand the stakes of European neglected genetic resources in agriculture and to tap onto their economic potential.

It aims to provide inspiring examples of how to make the conservation of neglected breeds and varieties economically viable and encourage farmers and other stakeholders to engage.

Funded by the European Union

Legal notice The information and views set out in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official opinion of the European Commission. The Commission does not guarantee the accuracy of the data included in this publication. Neither the Commission nor any person acting on the Commission's behalf may be held responsible

1 Introduction The project aims at promoting and valorising the Einkorn, an ancient Bulgarian variety of (Triticum monococcum L.). After years of analysis and studies on Einkorn, the results shows that it has some specific characteristics, which make it particularly suitable for low-input farming and for relatively stable yields and productions. On this basis, the project has the objective to foster the introduction of the variety in the Bulgarian crop rotation system and to sustain its valorisation.

2 Description of the genetic resource Einkorn is an ancient form of soft angiosperm wheat, which has remained unchanged since its origin. Initially the Einkorn was grown only in the Bulgarian regions of , , , , and (also known as "yaza"). Nowadays this crop is often cultivated on field boundaries and grassed areas near fields and roads in the regions of Haskovo, , Yambol and . From an agronomic perspective, the Einkorn can be cultivated on different typologies of soil, including the poorest ones. At the same time, this ensures relatively stable yields also where intensive wheat varieties usually fail. This cereal seems to be hardly affected by common diseases or pests and does not require large amounts of treatments to provide good productive results. For all these reasons, Einkorn seems also suitable for organic farming and for small farms with closed production cycle. From a medical perspective, Einkorn is recommended as a powerful antioxidant rich in proteins. In comparison to other conventional “high-yielding” wheat varieties, Einkorn contains indeed more proteins, minerals and B vitamins and seems easier to digest. A comparative study between Einkorn and dough and those obtained from and , concluded that Einkorn flour has weak rheological and baking properties, also confirming its higher content in proteins and mineral components and its lower content in farinaceous particles. The has a low volume, concise crumb, with small even pores, yellow colour and a very pleasant flavour. The strength of the is similar to that of common wheat, but gluten itself is tackier and has low moisture retention capability. Thanks to its peculiar characteristics, this alternative cereal might be easily introduced in Bulgarian farmers’ crop rotation system: given the steady yields, farmers’ incomes may benefit from a reduced

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uncertainty related to climate conditions, as well as from a lower use of mineral fertilizers and pesticides.

3 Objectives of the project The project has the main objective to incentivise the introduction of Einkorn within the Bulgarian crop rotation system, by valorising the variety and the products obtained from it. It aims to explore the opportunities which may derive from the Einkorn’s original characteristics, defining it as an alternative cereal, able to ensure high and steady yields. Three main objectives may be consequently identified, and namely: 1. To introduce the Einkorn within the Bulgarian farmers’ crop rotation system. 2. To analyse the features of Einkorn, also in comparison with other wide-spread wheat varieties.

3. To explore opportunities arising from Einkorn’s peculiar characteristics.

4 Actors involved and roles The value chain includes all the actors who cooperate to the production from the farm level to the processing of products, and namely: farmers producing Einkorn; millers producing flour for baking; bakers processing the flour into bread, which finally comes to consumers. Furthermore, a relevant role is played by the scientific institutes involved in research programs to optimize both cultivation and processing techniques.

5 Steps and activities undertaken The most relevant activities carried out so far involve the whole supply chain, from cultivation to processing. More specifically, they have included:  The study of origin, distribution and importance of Einkorn.  The identification of the correct botanical classification and morphological characteristics of the variety.  The determination of the biological requirements of Einkorn as the basis for the development of agro-technology for production.  The evaluation of the Einkorn through enrichment of Triticum monococcum L. collection of National Genebank in IPGR Sadovo: specifically, 83 samples were collected, out of which 68 are stored in long term storage conditions.  The systematization and analysis of the main problems registered in the production of Einkorn.  The determination of suitable precursors, period and density of sowing, using fertilizers and herbicides.  The set up of two demonstration centres where visitors can taste and buy products.

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6 Results to date At present, positive results have already been achieved with reference to the increased knowledge of the intrinsic characteristics of Einkorn and their impact in the cultivation methods. In relation to these technical results, an effective communication to a wider public of these achievements has been pursued and reached. The main results can be summed up as follows:  Development of the booklet “Methodology for Sustainable Einkorn Production in ”, which is also available online1.  Production of “training” and information videos destined to farmers.  Collection and systematisation of general information about the origin, distribution, botanical characteristics and botanical classification of Einkorn.  Analytical description of the strengths and weaknesses related to the Einkorn production, as well as threats and opportunities for farmers and processors.  Development and validation of specific techniques for all the relevant biological phases: planting, germination, harvesting and storing of the cereal, and identification of specific needs of improvement.

7 Next steps Basing on the already achieved results, further efforts are foreseen to improve the cultivation and processing techniques and support the farmers’ training about good practices and sustainable production systems. These further developments should allow producing a final product able to meet the needs of a healthy nutrition as well as the specific requirements coming from the processing industry. The next foreseen steps can be summarised as follow:  Carrying out missions to other regions in the country with the aim to collect new Einkorn samples and enrich Gene-Bank’s collection.  To identify areas and farmers in the country working to preserve original local Einkorn germ plasma and creating in situ/on-farm storage.

8 Lessons learned and good practices Due to the increased interest in nutrition and organic farming, the Einkorn has revealed to be suitable for future research programs basing on its potentiality as an alternative and sustainable cereal, also thanks to its good performances in less-favoured areas where the main agricultural crops are low productive. These lands are the mountainous and semi-mountainous

1 http://theeinkorn.eu/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/METHODOLOGY-FOR-SUSTAINABLE-EINKORN.pdf

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regions of Bulgaria, as the Eastern Rhodopes, Strandzha-Sakar, region, parts of the Stara Planina Mountains and some areas of North-Western Bulgaria. The involvement of different types of stakeholders including farmers, processors, researchers, experts and students, played a crucial role to build a comprehensive project, where all actors along the chain are well engaged and may contribute to the progressive improvement of the production system. The creation of an online training platform, having the objective to provide information to different target groups, has played a role too and been much appreciated by the involved stakeholders.

9 Participation to other projects and networks/ Funding The Einkorn participated to the bilateral project “Inventory and collecting local plant genetic resources of vegetable and aromatic for their protection and targeted use in Bulgaria and China”. 2011-2016; Project coordinator of this project is IPGR Sadovo.

Contacts of the responsible of the project: Tencho Cholakov Institute for Plant Genetic Resources “K. Malkov“ 2 Drouzhba Str., 4122 Sadovo, Plovdiv district, Bulgaria [email protected] http://ipgrbg.com/

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