CPSBB hosted a work meeting with pea producers within the framework of the BELIS project

CPSBB organized and hosted a work meeting with pea producers and pea processing specialists from Bulgaria. The meeting was attended by the Director of CPSBB, Prof. Tsanko Gechev, researchers from the Center – Manuela Stoyanova and Alexander Angelov, as well as scientists from the partner scientific institute of CPSBB – “Maritsa” Vegetable Crops Research Institute (MVCRI).

The main objective of the meeting was the discussion on existing challenges in legumes’ production and protein products production from peas for fodder and human consumption, as well as to identify the main characteristics that are important for producers and end users.

The participants prioritized main research directions of the scientific experiments within the project, aiming to develop varieties with improved crop characteristics. High protein content, low anti-nutrient and gluten content, as well as high yield were among the main characteristics emphasized during the discussion.

The main objective of the BELIS project is to assist local producers by identifying the difficulties in legume production and identifying strategic directions for overcoming them with the participation of both researchers and industry representatives.

The Bulgarian partners within the project are CPSBB and MVCRI. For the second year in a row, the scientific teams are conducting field experiments with 153 lines of peas in order to analyze biometric characteristics, protein content, amino acids, trace elements, etc. As a result of the analyses, samples will be selected for hybridization and development of new varieties with valuable and priority qualities for industrial production. The rich genetic base, generated by the scientists of the project, will contribute to the development of varieties with improved characteristics, valuable both for producers and end consumers.