Sielinko, Poland – The Carina project team from the Poznań University of Life Sciences (PULS) made a significant impact at the Polish National Field Days held from June 3 to 6, 2023. The team actively participated in the event, which was organized by the Agricultural Advisory Center in Poznań, and successfully spread awareness about the Carina project to a diverse audience.
With approximately 100,000 attendees comprising farmers, policy makers, and school youth, the event served as an ideal platform to showcase the winter and spring camelina, as well as the spring carinata crops, and their growth and productivity in field conditions. The scientific staff of the Carina project, along with collaborating farmers, seized the opportunity to present and engage in discussions with visitors regarding crucial agrotechnical aspects related to cultivating these crops.
The CARINA project’s official tent garnered substantial attention and became one of the most visited attractions at the event, underscoring the tremendous interest in cultivating plants that exhibit resilience to environmental conditions. Polish farmers, in particular, displayed keen interest in learning about the agrotechnical aspects of growing both species, including sowing and harvesting dates, yield optimization, fertilization techniques, disease and pest management, and soil requirements.
Notably, the experimental plots featuring winter and spring camelina and spring carinata even captivated the attention of prominent individuals, including the European Commissioner for Agriculture, Mr. Janusz Wojciechowski. Commissioner Wojciechowski familiarized himself with the main objectives of the CARINA project, recognizing its potential impact on the agricultural landscape.
While some visiting farmers were already acquainted with camelina cultivation or were aware of the use of camelina oil in the food industry, the majority had never before encountered spring carinata. The event provided a unique opportunity for attendees to witness the characteristics of this innovative crop firsthand.
Reflecting on the three intensive days, all members of the Carina project team unanimously agreed that the Polish National Field Days served as an exceptional promotional platform for the project. The team’s presence and active engagement contributed significantly to raising awareness about the project’s goals and the importance of cultivating crops that are resilient to diverse environmental conditions.
The Carina project team from the Poznań University of Life Sciences remains committed to advancing agricultural practices through their research and promoting sustainable and efficient crop cultivation techniques. With their breakthrough crop varieties, they aim to empower farmers and contribute to the future of agriculture in Poland and beyond.
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