Report 2014
2014
2014
Report
Report 2014
2
1 Letter from the President
2014 was highlighted by the commissioning of our Experi-
mental Centre, which opened in April and is located on land
ceded by the council of Viator. This means Tecnova now
has two different headquarters and reinforces its position
as a benchmark for the agribusiness sector. It was created
as a result of the support of its companies to represent all
of the cutting edge technology forming part of the Almeria
agricultural model and is what has made it so successful.
This is a unique, international reference centre, compris-
ing 12 hectares of land with fully equipped facilities using in-
novative technology to carry out tests and trials for the mar-
ket. All of this is done under real conditions in connection
with greenhouse crop production, where R&D&I together
with knowledge and technology transfer is carried out, the
ideal place to undertake technology missions that explain
the reality of the agricultural model.
Regarding our primary headquarters located in the PITA
and after more than two years of continuous hard work,
businesses have seen how the centre has become a meet-
ing place to promote their products and services to cus-
tomers through business meetings and technology demon-
strations. The Foundation premises have also become an
important training centre through the various informative
technical conferences on quality and safety of minimally pro-
cessed fresh products, organic farming and R&D&I taxation.
Training programmes for culinary innovation are also carried
out under the collaboration agreement with ACRIA (Almeria
Association of Chefs and Hoteliers), together with presenta-
tions for fruit and vegetable varieties, amongst others. All
of the above is always done with the aim of encouraging
promotion, internationalisation and in particular, innovation
in the fruit and vegetable sector.
Thanks to the different facilities, from greenhouses, lab-
Emilio Martínez Aguado
President of the Tecnova Technology Centre
Report 2014
3
1Letter from the President
oratories, pilot plants for robotics and minimally processed
fresh, amongst others, which are housed in the two Tecnova
headquarters, to a large team of researchers and experts in
areas of specialisation, we are in constant touch with the
needs of the sector, developing projects and initiatives of
interest to ensure technological improvement and innova-
tion. Specifically, during 2014 we developed more than 70
projects with companies as well as our own projects, work-
ing across the value chain, from technology used in green-
houses, environmental sustainability, plant nutrition and bio-
technology to post-harvest treatment and technology, also
in formats ensuring benefits for the end user.
Tecnova is also managing to create a leading brand na-
tionally, building strategic alliances through agreements and
collaborations with important R&D&I centres such as Tec-
nalia, CNTA, Wageningen University, Kemerovo Institute of
Food Science and Technology and VTT Technical Research
of Finland, amongst others .
Internationally, Tecnova is part of two Focus Groups
from the European Commission in Brussels, actively par-
ticipating in the decisions and issues of interest regarding
new lines of R&D&I for the Horizon 2020 funding strategy.
In addition, we are working on 4 continents, Europe, Africa,
America and Asia, carrying out different types of technical
advisory services and R&D&I projects
It has to be said that none of this would have been pos-
sible without the work and support of the governing bodies
of Tecnova, including the Board of Directors, Board of Trus-
tees and Board of Trustees, who have fully supported me
in making decisions regarding strategic lines to follow and
together with all the Tecnova staff, we are fast becoming the
best agri-food technology centre in Andalusia.
I would also like to thank the companies that placed their
trust in us and became partners with Tecnova during 2014,
amongst which are: AGROPONIENTE, S.A.; BIOFLOWSUR,
S.L., DOMCA, S.A., EUROPEA DE SOLUCIONES ALIMEN-
TARIAS, HEROGRA ESPECIALES, S.L., HM CLAUSE, S.A.,
HORTOFRUTÍCOLA COSTA DE ALMERÍA, S.L., MEDIALIA
GROUP CORREDURÍA DE SEGUROS, S.L., MERCOMO-
TRIL, S.A., RAMIRO ARNEDO, S.A., REQUENA COMPA-
NY ABOGADOS ASOCIADOS, S.L.,ULMA PACKAGING, S.
COOP. & UPL IBERIA, S.A.
After nine years as head of the presidency of the Foun-
dation and casting a look back, I know that together with
the companies we have always worked towards the ad-
vancement and progress of the sector, investing in R&D&I
and making the work of the companies more visible. I am
proud of the outstanding success Tecnova has achieved,
as it has grown from being a small organization to becom-
ing a benchmark Center for Agri-food business in Andalu-
sia, not only regarding facilities, but also in knowledge and
work skills regarding innovation and technology transfer to
industry.
Finally, to paraphrase Albert Einstein, who said “If you
want different results, do not do the same things,” Tecnova
will continue to work hard in the future together with the
whole of the fruit and vegetable industry, from production to
harvesting, post-harvest and packaging, hand in hand with
its companies, seeking new challenges ahead whilst remain-
ing focused on continuous improvement, looking for tangi-
ble results to make them more productive and competitive in
an increasingly global market and always as a flag bearer of
innovation and knowledge and technology transfer.
Report 2014
4
2 Overview and Evolution
The Foundation for Auxiliary Technologies for Agriculture
(Fundación Tecnova) was born on 9th of January, 2001. It is
a non-profit private entity listed in the Registry of Founda-
tions from the Regional Ministry of Social Affairs of the Au-
tonomous Community of Andalusia (Spain) since 25th May,
2001, and together with more than 120 companies of the
field of the Auxiliary Industry and Services for Agriculture.
In March 2007, it was qualified as Technological Centre of
the Auxiliary Industry for Agriculture at Andalusian level by the
Regional Ministry for Innovation, Science & Business and in
June 2013, it was qualified by the Ministry for Innvation Sci-
ence & Business as Centre for Support for Technological
Innovation at Spain.
The MISSION of TECNOVA Technological Centre is to pro-
vide an added value, promoting innovation and technological
development while favouring business competiveness in the
agriculture auxiliary industry sector. It works at international
level and with the collaboration of all the agents involved in
the process.
The VISION of this Technological Centre is to be a bench-
mark and a provider of technological knowledge with an
international view, regarding techniques to be applied in:
agrochemistry, greenhouse construction, climate and en-
vironment control, packaging and containers, engineering,
laboratories, agricultural and handling machinery, plastics,
biological production, ferti-irrigation, seeds, seedbeds, culti-
vation substrate, waste management & environment.
The OPERATIONAL MODEL of TECNOVA Technological
Centre is based on strategic working commissions. These
are integrated by representatives of all implied subsectors,
for a more optimised and comprehensive view, together with
a further specialisation, in accordance with current business
fabric.
The PURPOSE of TECNOVA Technological Centre is the
technological development, promotion and commercialisa-
tion of the Auxiliary Industry and Services for Agriculture, by
means of innovation, competitiveness and training promotion.
For the said purpose, TECNOVA carries out as many main
and complementary activities as necessary, especially:
a) Carrying out Investigation, Technological Develop-
ment and Innovation (R&D+i) activities in areas relat-
ed to production, commercialisation & the Auxiliary
Industry for Agriculture (Agroindustry).
b) Promotion of relations between the members of the
Foundation, as well as between the Foundation and
the several other actors involved in the Science,
Technology and Business system.
c) Collaboration and cooperation with other national
and International bodies and organisations, in order
to reach common goals and/or to participate in na-
tional and international programmes.
d) Provision of assistance and of advanced technolog-
ical and engineering services in the mentioned field.
e) Carrying out technological surveillance and collab-
orating in the transfer of Research results and Tech-
nologies in this field.
f) Organisation of training activities, technical confer-
ences and sessions for the improvement of the sci-
entific and technical education of citizens. Together
with the organisation of other types of technological
events, such as fairs or conferences.
g) Promotion and coverage of reports, publications,
studies and statistical data, including prospective
ones, in relation to the aforementioned sector.
h) Carrying out promotion and commercialisation ac-
tions for this industry.
i) Engagement in any other general activity which
could be of interest for the sector.
Overview
Report 2014
5
2Overview and Evolution
2001 - 2013 2001 - 2014
Training
No. of studies on the training needs of companies which are part of the Foundation 72 86
In-Person Training courses and sessions organised 108 122
No. of people having being trained 3372 4.142
Promotion
No. of information bulletins issued 281 302
No. of technological surveillance bulletins issued 90 100
No. of press releases 2702 2.992
Collaborations 162 188
No. of actions for the promotion of the Auxiliary Industry and Services for Agriculture carried out by Tecnova 489 495
Collaboration agreements 152 164
Internationalisation
No. of commercial missions in which Tecnova participated 114 122
No. of commercial missions organised 54 56
No. of international fairs attended 45 49
No. of queries answered on Foreign Trade 1977 2002
Projects developed on Foreign Trade 20 22
R&D+i
No. of R&D+i projects developed by Tecnova 46 53
No. of collaborations with companies for R&D projects 179 248
No. of registered trademarks for companies 15 15
No. of companies advised on R&D+i issues 401 552
No. of queries answered on R&D+i issues 1876 2142
No. of publications 79 80
Evolution
Report 2014
X
6
Catalogue of Services3
• Production technology design.
• Process modernisation and automation.
• Development of agricultural trials.
• Environmental sustainability.
Services
• Design and mechanical calculations.
• Environmental Sustainability.
• Automation, robotics and artificial vision.
• Plastic materials.
• Optimisation of agro-industrial structures.
Postharvest and Packaging Technology
• Development of new products and Methods.
• Postharvest Handling.
• Agrifood Packaging.
• Non destructive analysis technologies.
Services
• Postharvest consulting.
• Non-destructive analysis techniques.
• Packaging studies.
• Ready-to-eat and Fresh Cut Vegetable.
Agricultural Trials
Services
• Characterisation studies for the introduction of new crops
and varieties.
• Development and evaluation of new products for zero res-
idue agriculture.
• Evaluation in microcosmos and in semi-field and field con-
ditions to characterise the efficiency of new beneficial in-
sects to combat insect plagues.
• Fine-tuning of micropropagation techniques in plant spe-
cies.
What does Tecnova offer?
• Collaboration and continuous support throughout the
whole innovation process.
• Tailor made solutions based on client needs.
• Personalised customer service at every stage of the pro-
ject.
• Complete confidentiality regarding the development and
results of the company projects.
• Workforce: We are proud to have a team made up of sci-
entists, agricultural, industrial, chemical and biological en-
gineers, as well as graduates and support staff with a wide
range of experience in the sector.
• Equipment: We have equipment that uses cuttingedge
technology, able to provide the best solutions to the pro-
duction, sales, postharvest and packaging sectors.
Strategic Development for R&D&I
Food and Vegetable Production Technology
Report 2014
X
7
Catalogue of Services 3
• Formulation screening of new products by means of agri-
cultural trials in lamp growth chambers.
• Development and evaluation of new substrates and using
sustainable crop production.
• Studies to improve the efficiency of inputs in the produc-
tion system of vegetables grown in greenhouses.
• Evaluation of cutting-edge technology for the production
of vegetable crops grown in greenhouses
Gastronomical Development
• Sensorial analysis laboratory. It is a vital, integral part in
determining the quality of any type of food.
Services
• Panel of experts.
• Panel of consumers.
• Expert and non-expert focus groups.
• Sensory profile (texture, taste, etc).
• Company consulting
Gastronomical innovation laboratory
Services
• Nutritional optimisation.
• Healthy cooking.
• Gastronomical meetings and short courses.
• Presentations for new products.
• Show cooking.
• Evaluation of fruit and vegetable products.
• Development of ready-cooked products.
Related Activities
Innovation
Responsible for its own R&D&I projects belonging to Tecno-
va as well as those of companies and public and prívate re-
search centres.
Innovation management
• Technical consulting.
• Information and guidance in the field of tax law.
• Research into the state-of-the art and techniques regard-
ing the project.
Publication of Results (OTRI)
• Coordination of technological innovation projects.
• Facilitate technology and knowledge transfer.
• Encourage the creation of Technology Based Companies.
• Organisation and advertising of conferences.
• Help to find financing for companies.
• Applying for patents, utility models, brands and hallmarks
processing.
• Technology watch.
• Awareness of popular science.
Report 2014
X
8
Catalogue of Services3
Public Relations and Marketing
• Creation of electronic press releases.
• Press agent.
• Specialist research and article publication.
• Job offers.
Training
• Organising and running short courses,seminars and work-
shops with successful companies and business gurus.
• Training for agricultural, postharvest and packaging tech-
nology at national and international level.
Foreign Trade
• Organisation of promotional activities, including Outbound
and Inbound Trade Missions
• Participation at international agricultural trade fairs.
• Carrying out development plans and market research for
emerging economies.
• Technology transfer at government and business level.
• Technology transfer and projects of interest for the sector.
• Development of turnkey projects.
• Creation of national and international consortiums.
• Help to find financing.
www.fundaciontecnova.com
TwitterFacebook
Linked in You Tube
Report 2014
X
9
Corporative Information 4
In order to attain its objectives, TECNOVA is organised ac-
cording to an efficient and working structure. It is with
this view in mind that the following structure was detailed in
the articles of association of the Foundation. All subsectors of
the agriculture auxiliary industry are represented in the Board
of Trustees.
Organisation Structure
Foundation Board
Board of Trustees
Managing Board
Direction
General Ressources Innovation Strategic Projects
Trade & Marketing Laboratories
Tph
Tpe
Report 2014
10
4 Corporative Information
Executive Board
President
Cerys, S.A.
D. Emilio Martínez Aguado
Vice-president 1st
Sistemas de Calor, S.L.
D. Antonio Cambil Montoro
Vice-president 2nd
PITA, S. A.
D. Rafael Peral Sorroche
Secretary
AMB, S.A
D. Antonio Alonso Alarcón
Treasurer
Agrobío, S. L.
D. Francisco Torres Carmona
Member
Dicsa, S.L.
D. Emilio Leite Terrasa
Member
IMP Consultores, S.L.
D. Antonio Mayor Rodríguez
Report 2014
11
4Corporative Information
Position Company Name and Last Name
President Cerys, S.A. Emilio Martínez Aguado
Vice-president 1st Sistemas de Calor, S.L Antonio Cambil Montoro
Vice-president 2nd Parque Científico-Tecnológico de Almería (PITA,) S.A Rafael Peral Sorroche
Secretary Amb, S.A Antonio Alonso Alarcón
Treasurer Agrobio, S.L. Francisco Torres Carmona
Members
Biobest Sistemas Biológicos, S.L. Fernando Castilla Cantón
Dicsa, Distribuciones Industriales y Científicas, s.L. Emilio Leite Terrasa
Himarcan, Técnica del Agua y Clima, s.L José Manuel Pérez González
Ideas y Desarr. Para la mejora contínua IDM, S.L. Angel Barranco Vega
Ingeniería Mantenimiento y Productividad, S.L Antonio Mayor Rodríguez
Ingeniería y Centro de Cálculo, S.A. Francisco Martínez Rodríguez
Jarquil Andalucía, S.A. Miguel López Martínez
Philoseed España, S.L Manuel López Martínez
Planprotect, S.L. Juan José Martínez Lázaro
Grupo Hispatec Informática Empresarial, S.A Miguel Rodríguez de la Rubia
Sotrafa, S.A. Vicente Cejas Medina
Smurfit Kappa Almería, S.A. Miguel Hernández Góngora
Tecnoponiente Invernaderos, S.L. Manuel Villegas Fuentes
Board of Trustees
Report 2014
12
4 Corporative Information
Management Mª Carmen Galera Quiles
Food And Vegetable
Production Technology
Guadalupe López Díaz
Eduardo Pardo Martínez
José Luis Pardo Alonso
Mª Del Mar Villegas Oliva
Postharvest And
Packaging Technology
Ana Belén Cabezas Serrano
Teresa Turiño Rodríguez
Analitical Services
Joaquín Pozo Dengra
Adolfo de Valenzuela Santaella
Rosa Redondo Miranda
Gaspar Francisco Segovia Torrente
Business
Diego Teruel Giménez
Juan Carlos Jiménez Palacios
Innovation
Esther Escámez Hernández
Francisco Ibáñez Cruz
Agronomical Trials
Carolina Clara Martínez Gaitán
Carolina Sánchez Barranco
Francisco García Checa
Jorge Molina Castillo
Francisco Domínguez Mateo
Fernando Jiménez Sánchez
José Luis Barranco Viciana
Corporate Resources
Miguel Rodríguez Sánchez
Apolonia Gázquez Gázquez
María Molina Pérez
Verónica Navarro Jiménez
Technical Team
Report 2014
13
4Corporative Information
The Board of Trustees is in charge of governing, managing and represent-
ing the Foundation Tecnova, which will meet with its foundational aims
while being able to delegate powers to one or more of its members. Com-
petences include sorting out any issues concerning the governing, manag-
ing and representation of the Foundation, as well as the interpretation and
edition of the Statutes.
The first Board of Trustees meeting of the year was held on the 27th
of May, with the following Agenda: report by the President, overview and
approval of budget, yearly inventory and accounts, auting report of 2013 as
well as approval of new members and acceptance of their position, among
other issues.
On the 25th of November, had the second meeting of the Board of
Trustees took place, in which the following was on the Agenda: approval of
Action Plan 2015, overview of applications to join the Foundation, followed
by approval if deemed convenient, report by the President and other issues
of interest to the Foundation.
Board of Trustees
Report 2014
14
5 Composition of the Patronage
Companies in 2014
Biotechnology
Greenhouses
Certification
Consulting
Climatecontrol
systems
PlantNutrition
Training
Containersand
packagings
Informationand
communicationsTech.
Engineering
Institutions
Laboratories
Agricultural
machinery
Post-harvest
machinery
Otherservices
Plastics
Pestcontrol
Irrigationand
fertirrigation
Seeds
Seedbeds
Environmental
controlsystems
Substrates
Watertreatments
Wastetreatments
andenvironment
1 AGENCIA DE INNOVACIÓN Y DESARROLLO DE ANDALUCÍA
2 AGRAR PLANTAS DEL SUR, S.A
3 AGRINATURE INDÁLICA, S.A.
4 AGRISTAL, S.L
5 AGROBIO, S.L.
6 AGROCOLOR, S.L.
7 AGROFRESH Exportación de Frutas y Hortalizas
8 AGROINDUSTRIAL KIMITEC, S.L
9 AGROINVER, S.L.
10 AGROLABORATORIOS NUTRICIONALES, S.A.
11 AGROSISTEMAS DEL SUR, S.L.
12 ALARCONTROL, S.L.
13 ALDEILLA SUMINISTROS INDUSTRIALES, S.L
14 ALMERIPLANT EXPLOTACIONES, S.L.
15 AMB, S.A
16 ARES CONSULTORES, S.L.
17 ARS PRIVILEGIUM, S.L.
18 BIO CRISARA S.L.
19 BIOBEST SISTEMAS BIOLÓGICOS, S.L.
20 BIOCOLOR, S.L
21 BIOINTEGRA MEDIOAMBIENTAL, S.L.
22 BIONUTRICIÓN VEGETAL, S.A. (B.N.V.)
23 BIORIZON BIOTECH, S.L.
24 BIO SABOR, SAT
Listed Companies Foundation Tecnova
Report 2014
15
5Composition of the Patronage
Companies in 2014
Biotechnology
Greenhouses
Certification
Consulting
Climatecontrol
systems
PlantNutrition
Training
Containersand
packagings
Informationand
communicationsTech.
Engineering
Institutions
Laboratories
Agricultural
machinery
Post-harvest
machinery
Otherservices
Plastics
Pestcontrol
Irrigationand
fertirrigation
Seeds
Seedbeds
Environmental
controlsystems
Substrates
Watertreatments
Wastetreatments
andenvironment
25 BUILDING-IDEAS, S.L.L
26 BUREAU VERITAS ESPAÑOL, S.A
27 CAJAMAR
28 CAPARRÓS NATURE, S.L
29 CAPITAL GENETIC EBT, S.L.
30 CARFIA, S.L. (COFLOR)
31 CARRETILLAS AMATE, S.L
32 CENTRO DE FORM. NOBEL XXI, S.L.
33 CERTIS EUROPE, S.C.A
34 CERYS S.A. (GRUPO ALMAFRUT ALMERÍA)
35 COLEGIO OFICIAL DE INGENIEROS TÉCNICOS AGRÍCOLAS
36 CONSTRUCCIONES MECÁNICAS EMILIO GEA, S.L.
37 CRISTALERÍA PLATIL, S.L.
38 CUALIN INTEGRAL, S.L.
39 DELEGACIÓN INNOVACION, CIENCIA Y EMPRESA
40 DERETIL AGRONUTRICIONAL, S.L.U
41 DICSA, DISTRIBUCIONES INDUSTRIALES Y CIENTÍFICAS, S.L.
42 ECOHIDRO AGUA Y MEDIO AMBIENTE EBT, S.L.
43 ENZA ZADEN ESPAÑA, S.L.
44 ESTRATEGIA DE CREATIVIDAD, S.L.
45 EUROSEMILLAS, S.A
46 FORMATIO POSTGRADO, S.L.
47 FUNDACIÓN BAHÍA ALMERIPORT
48 FUNDACIÓN CAJAMURCIA
Listed Companies Foundation Tecnova
Report 2014
16
5 Composition of the Patronage
Companies in 2014
Biotechnology
Greenhouses
Certification
Consulting
Climatecontrol
systems
PlantNutrition
Training
Containersand
packagings
Informationand
communicationsTech.
Engineering
Institutions
Laboratories
Agricultural
machinery
Post-harvest
machinery
Otherservices
Plastics
Pestcontrol
Irrigationand
fertirrigation
Seeds
Seedbeds
Environmental
controlsystems
Substrates
Watertreatments
Wastetreatments
andenvironment
49 FUNDACIÓN MEDITERRANEA DE LA UNIVERSIDAD DE ALMERÍA
50 GOGARSA S.L.
51 GRUPO HISPATEC INFORMÁTICA EMPRESARIAL, S.A
52 HIJO DE ALFREDO RODRÍGUEZ, S.L.
53 HIMARCAN, TÉCNICA DEL AGUA Y CLIMA, S.L.
54 HORTALAN MED, S.L
55 HORTIMAX GROWING SOLUTIONS, S.L
56 IDEAS Y DESARR. PARA LA MEJORA CONTÍNUA IDM, S.L.
57 IMANIMA, S.L.L
58 INDUSER PONIENTE, S.L
59 INGENIERIA MANTENIMIENTO Y PRODUCTIVIDAD, S.L
60 INGENIERIA Y CENTRO DE CÁLCULO, S.A.
61 INGRO MAQUINARIA, S.L
62 INVERNADEROS FERRER, S.L
63 ISPEMAR, SOLUCIONES AGRÍCOLAS NATURALES, SCA.
64 JARQUIL ANDALUCÍA, S.A.
65 KOPPERT ESPAÑA, S.L
66 LABORATORIO ANALÍTICO BIOCLÍNICO, S.L.
67 LABORATORIOS ECONATUR, S.L.U
68 LEON Y VERGEL ASESORES, S.L
69 MADERAS Y CONTRACHAPADOS, S.L.
70 MARTÍNEZ INTEGRAL, S.L.
71 MIGUEL GARCÍA SÁNCHEZ E HIJOS S.A.
72 MONTAJES DE ELÉCTRICIDAD MOYA, S.L.
Listed Companies Foundation Tecnova
Report 2014
17
5Composition of the Patronage
Companies in 2014
Biotechnology
Greenhouses
Certification
Consulting
Climatecontrol
systems
PlantNutrition
Training
Containersand
packagings
Informationand
communicationsTech.
Engineering
Institutions
Laboratories
Agricultural
machinery
Post-harvest
machinery
Otherservices
Plastics
Pestcontrol
Irrigationand
fertirrigation
Seeds
Seedbeds
Environmental
controlsystems
Substrates
Watertreatments
Wastetreatments
andenvironment
73 MORERA & VALLEJO INDUSTRIAL S.L.
74 NEW GROWING SYSTEM, S.L
75 NOVEDADES AGRÍCOLAS, S.A.
76 PARQUE CIENTÍFICO-TECNOLÓGICO DE ALMERÍA (PITA) S.A
77 PELEMIX, S.L
78 PIQUERSA MAQUINARIA, S.A.
79 PHILOSEED ESPAÑA, S.L
80 PLANPROTECT, S.L.
81 PLATAFORMA DE PUBLICIDAD, S.A.
82 PONIENTEPLAST, S.A.
83 PRIMA-RAM, S.A.
84 RAFAEL ALONSO AGUILERA S.L.
85 REACTIVA LABORATORIO, S.L
86 RIEGOS Y TECNOLOGÍA, S.L.
87 RIJK ZWAAN IBÉRICA, S.A.
88 RITEC-HIDRO, S.L
89 S&B INDUSTRIAL MINERALS SPAIN, S.L.U.
90 SEMILLERO LAIMUND, S.L.
91 SERFRUIT, S.A
92 SICA AGRIQ, S.L.
93 SISTEMA AZUD, S.A
94 SISTEMAS DE CALOR
95 SMURFIT KAPPA ALMERIA, S.A.
96 SOLPLAST, S.A.
Listed Companies Foundation Tecnova
Report 2014
18
5 Composition of the Patronage
Companies in 2014
Biotechnology
Greenhouses
Certification
Consulting
Climatecontrol
systems
PlantNutrition
Training
Containersand
packagings
Informationand
communicationsTech.
Engineering
Institutions
Laboratories
Agricultural
machinery
Post-harvest
machinery
Otherservices
Plastics
Pestcontrol
Irrigationand
fertirrigation
Seeds
Seedbeds
Environmental
controlsystems
Substrates
Watertreatments
Wastetreatments
andenvironment
97 SOTRAFA, S.A.
98 TECNOPONIENTE INVERNADEROS, S.L.
99 TORRESA EUROCONSTRUCCIONES S.L.
100 UNICA GROUP, S.C.A
101 VELLSAM MATERIAS BIOACTIVAS, S.L.
102 VIAGRO, S.A.
103 VIAJES CEMO, S.A.
104 VITRANSGROUP INTERNATIONAL, S.L
Listed Companies Foundation Tecnova
Report 2014
19
5Composition of the Patronage
New Companies in 2014
Biotechnology
Greenhouses
Certification
Consulting
Climatecontrol
systems
PlantNutrition
Training
Containersand
packagings
Informationand
communicationsTech.
Engineering
Institutions
Laboratories
Agricultural
machinery
Post-harvest
machinery
Otherservices
Plastics
Pestcontrol
Irrigationand
fertirrigation
Seeds
Seedbeds
Environmental
controlsystems
Substrates
Watertreatments
Wastetreatments
andenvironment
105 AGROPONIENTE, S.A.
106 BIOFLOWSUR, S.L.
107 DOMCA, S.A.
108 EUROPEA DE SOLUCIONES ALIMENTARIAS
109 HEROGRA ESPECIALES, S.L.
110 HM CLAUSE, S.A.
111 HORTOFRUTÍCOLA COSTA DE ALMERÍA, S.L.
112 MEDIALIA GROUP CORREDURÍA DE SEGUROS, S.L.
113 MERCOMOTRIL, S.A.
114 RAMIRO ARNEDO, S.A.
115 REQUENA COMPANY ABOGADOS ASOCIADOS, S.L.
116 ULMA PACKAGING, S. COOP.
117 UPL IBERIA, S.A.
Listed New Companies Foundation Tecnova
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R&D&I is one of the main lines of work for the Tecnova Tech-
nology Centre so given its importance, many related action
plans for knowledge and technology transfer are carried out
throughout the year.
This section reflects a synthesis of the work carried out
during 2014, regarding transfer actions as well as our own
prominent projects in collaboration with companies in the fruit
and vegetable industry.
Action plans for Technology Transfer &
R&D+I
Office for Research Results Transfer Activi-
ties (OTRI)
The Ministry for Science and Innovation, currently the Min-
istry for Economy and Competitiveness, has acknowledged
the contribution of the Tecnova TC in Technology Transfer
by means of its registration in the OTRI Register. This is the
culmination of the progress made by the Technology Cen-
tre in terms of promoting innovation and spreading its results
throughout the field of the Ancillary Industry for Agriculture.
The OTRI is a service offered by Tecnova TC and is re-
sponsible for promoting and managing relations for the centre
with the world of innovation and with corporate technological
development in the field of research. It is also responsible for
promoting and spreading the results of R&D&I projects car-
ried out by the Foundation to the public, as well as providing
information on new funding lines for businesses
Participation in the First National Symposi-
um of Horticultural Engineering
The Tecnova Technology Centre participated in the First Na-
tional Symposium of horticultural engineering entitled “Agro-
motics in Agriculture” organized by the Spanish Society of
Horticultural Science at the Polytechnic School of Orihuela.
As part of this, the researcher José Luis Pardo from Tec-
nova, introduced the Advanced Centre for Development of
Advanced Robotics and Artificial Vision Systems for specific
applications in the Horticulture and Agribusiness sectors of
Tecnova, which aims to assess the prototypes developed to-
gether with agribusiness firms in a 150 m2 pilot plant, consist-
ing of three separate and reconfigurable robotic cells.
Participation in the European Forum on
Science, Technology and Innovation “2014
Transfer”
The Tecnova Technology Centre once again participated in
the international innovation forum organized by RETA which
has served as a meeting place for the state of the market re-
garding R&D&I, bringing together the most prominent agents
for innovation at national and European level .
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Organization of a promotional conference for
the “Transfer 2015” Forum
In late 2014, Tecnova in collaboration with RETA, organized
a conference for dissemination and promotion amongst the
companies from the sector as part of the 2015 edition of the
European Forum on Science, Technology and Innovation
“Transfer” in order to publicise it and promote knowledge
transfer between business and innovation.
Participation in Two Focus Groups created by
the European Commission
Dr. Carolina Martinez, head of the Tecnova Experimental Cen-
tre as well as Ph.D. and expert in agricultural engineering and
plant nutrition, was recruited as one of the experts for Focus
Group 10 on “Efficiency in the Use of Fertilisers for Open Field
Horticultural Crops” and the Focus Group entitled “Organic
matter in soils of the Mediterranean Region” created by the
European Commission in Brussels to advise the European In-
novation Partnership for Agricultural productivity and Sustain-
ability (EIP-AGRI) and aims to define future lines and research
needs for science and innovation projects falling within the
Horizon 2020 strategy framework.
Annual meeting in Tecnova of Focus Group
10 for the European Commission on “Efficien-
cy in the Use of Fertilisers for Open Field Hor-
ticultural Crops”
As part of Tecnova’s participation in Focus Group 10 on “Ef-
ficiency in the Use of Fertilizers for Open Field Horticultural
Crops” and represented by Dr. Carolina Martinez, head of the
Tecnova Experimental Centre, the last of the annual European
meetings for this focus group was held in November 2014 at
Tecnova in PITA and the 20 experts from all over Europe that
make up the team attended the said meeting for two days.
Briefing on Aid to the Agri-food industry
The Tecnova Technology Centre in collaboration with the
Almeria Provincial Delegation for the Department of Agricul-
ture, Fisheries and Rural Development of the Regional Gov-
ernment of Andalusia, organised an informative conference
on aid for the agri-food industry, of interest to the fruit and
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vegetable business sector. The event was introduced by the
Territorial Delegate for Almería, José Manuel Ortiz Bono along
with the managing director of Tecnova Foundation, Maria
Carmen Galera and the main speaker was José Antonio Alia-
ga, Head of Agriculture, Industries and Quality.
Sensitization meeting on tools for financing
provided by CDTI
The Tecnova Technology Centre in collaboration with the
Centre for the Development of Industrial Technology (CDTI)
organised a business awareness action plan with the aim of
publicising the new tools provided by the CDTI to support
R&D&I companies, individually or in collaboration with groups
of firms. The talk was given by Carlos Franco, a specialist
from CDTI.
Coordination, steering committee and certifi-
cation meetings for the HUMIDEX project
Throughout 2014, the certification for the HUMIDEX project
was carried out along with the holding of several coordina-
tion and steering committee meetings between the members
of the group of firms with the aim of explaining and coor-
dinating the various activities carried out. The project: “HU-
MIDEX: Control of humidity as a limiting factor for competi-
tiveness, employability and export capacity of the Andalusian
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agro-cluster” is led by the company ‘Novedades Agrícolas’
alongside ‘Agrobío’, ‘Alarcontrol’, ‘Almeriplant’ and ‘Sistemas
de Calor’ , and has been funded by the Ministry of Economy
and Competitiveness as part of the ERDF-INNTERCONECTA
call through the IDEA Agency and the CDTI.
Participation in Mission for Growth of the Eu-
ropean Union
The Tecnova Foundation participated in the mission for the
growth of the European Union, which took place in Seville
and was organized by the European Enterprise Network as
part of the Europe 2020 growth strategy with the aim of
organising meetings with other agencies and companies
looking for new partners to start up R&D&I projects of inter-
est at European level.
Travellingtechnologicalexhibition“Tecnoferia”
Tecnova together with FESTO organized a traveling exhibition
of automation and robotics technology known as “Tecnoferia”
which served as way of showing how the Tecnova Agrifood
Robotics and Minimally Processed Fresh pilot plants work. It
also promoted the latest advances in the areas of industrial
automation and robotics as well businesses for fruit and veg-
etables, agricultural machinery, post-harvest and marketing,
amongst others. It was also of interest to future professionals,
such as vocational training students and those at university
connected with industrial, mechanical and electronical engi-
neering, amongst others.
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Networking in the Agri-food Technology
Platform “Food For Life”
As part of knowledge and technology transfer of the Food For
Life-Spain platform, led by the Spanish Federation of Food
and Beverage Industries (IFLA), and whose mission is to pro-
mote research in food and the participation of companies in
the sector through innovative projects, one of its annual meet-
ings was held at the premises of Tecnova to bring together
fruit and vegetable companies from the sector with the other
members of the Platform.
The event was introduced by Emilio Martinez, president
of Tecnova and Federico Morais, director and founder of the
Food for Life – Spain Technology Platform.
In connection with this, Tecnova has attended other meetings
in centres of excellence nationally, such as the one organ-
ized by IRTA and attended by the Dr. Joaquin Pozo, from the
postharvest area in Tecnova, who gave a presentation about
Tecnova and the projects it is carrying out linked with the are-
as of postharvest, biotechnology and health.
Participation in 2014 Infoday for Horizon
2020 at the European Commission in Brussels
Tecnova attended meetings of interest for knowledge trans-
fer carried out in the European Commission in order to get
to know other R&D&I centres and companies to explore
joint ventures regarding the search for new European pro-
jects.
“Innobus” Technology demonstration display
The multinational SMC in collaboration with Tecnova or-
ganised an educational and commercial initiative, with the
aim of introducing mechanics and process automation,
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amongst others, for the fruit and vegetable business sector.
To do this, it featured a live demonstration of technology
inside a special bus known as Innobus, created by SMC.
Taking advantage of the visit, an open day was held to en-
able professionals, students and visitors to see the environ-
mental work carried out in the pilot plant of the foundation.
Steering committee meetings in Spain and
RussiafortheEuropeanproject“BIOSAFOOD”
With the aim of coordinating the activities of the European
project “Antagonistic lactic acid bacteria and other micro-
organisms used as biopreservatives in minimally processed
fresh products and whose acronym is BIOSAFOOD”, a series
of coordination meetings were set up to monitor and develop
the project in both Spain and Russia.
As part of this, they held three steering committee and
coordination meetings in 2014, two in Spain and the other
in Russia. The participants in the project were DOMCA (pro-
ject leader) along with other entities such as MKS and the
Kemerovo Institute of Food Science and Technology, both
from Russia, and also the University of Granada together with
Tecnova itself.
They introduced the activities involved with the carrying out
of the European project, funded by the Andalusian Ministry of
Economy, Innovation, Science and Employment and the Eu-
ropean Regional Development Fund (ERDF), which forms part
of the 2012 Call for the EUROTRANSBIO initiative, operating
under the ERA-NET Seventh Framework Programme (FP7),
whose purpose is to develop biopreservatives to be applied
to minimally processed fresh fruit and vegetable products.
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Annual Meeting of the European project
“Fertiplus” in Tecnova
At the end of the year, the annual meeting of members of the
consortium of the European project “Reducing mineral fertil-
isers and agro-chemicals by recycling treated organic waste
as compost and bio-char products”, better known by its ac-
ronym “Fertiplus”, took place.
During their stay the members discussed the state of the
project and related technical issues, and took the opportunity
to pay a visit to the facilities of Tecnova and a awareness rais-
ing presentation of the Almeria agro-industrial cluster.
Finally, an event for transferring the results of the project
was introduced by the Managing Director of Tecnova, Maria
Del Carmen Galera, together with a session of live showcook-
ing using horticultural products grown in Almería to enhance
their value in the eyes of the members of the consortium who
came from different European countries.
The project is part of the cooperation program of the
Seventh Framework Programme (FP7) under the FP7-KB-
BE-2011-5 call.
Ancillary Industry for Agriculture: Technolo-
gy Watch Bulletins
These Technology Watch Bulletins (on containers and
packaging, greenhouses, agricultural machinery, irrigation,
plastics and mesh netting) are published part of as a tech-
nology alert for the state of the sector in terms of innovation.
They also introduce the national and international patents
published during the year 2014 for each of the aforemen-
tioned sectors.
“Healthy Tecnova” Bulletin
The monthly bulletin ‘Healthy Tecnova’ has proved to be a
success amongst readers, because it deals with diet-related
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health issues. The idea is to promote healthy habits and to
spread information on technical and scientific issues, both for
professional experts and for all sorts of readers interested in
different aspects of the agri-food business or about a good,
healthy, high-quality diet.
R&D&I Projects
The research lines of the Technology Centre are aimed at
the carrying out of R&D&I projects related to the areas of
Postharvest and Packaging Technology as well as Fruit and
Vegetable Production Technology in order to address the
whole value chain, from seeds, substrates and greenhouse
technology, amongst others, through to harvesting and
postharvest treatments with a focus on the end consumer
Below, an outline is drawn of the R&D&I projects carried
out by the Technology Centre along the following lines:
Own projects
Project Title: “Setting up of the Expert Tasting
Panel for Sensory Analysis in Tomato”
In 2014, the Tecnova Technology Centre started a new
line of work, setting up an Expert Tasting Panel for Sen-
sory Analysis in Tomato, in order to serve as a benchmark
for agri-food companies, seed producers and tomato sup-
pliers, as well as for companies that make ‘minimally pro-
cessed fresh’ and ‘ready to eat’ products, allowing an in-
sight to be gained into what the criteria and perceptions on
quality and sensory characteristics of the product are. This
has allowed great strides forward in the professional status
of the Tecnova sensory analysis laboratory, supported by a
team of expert tasters in addition to the continuing market
research required by companies.
Project Title: “Design of automated equip-
ment for carrying out the grafting of seed-
lings using robots with an artificial vision
system.” Injerobots Project “
This project led by the Tecnova Technology Centre in which
the companies ‘Ingro Maquinaria’ and ‘Almeriplant’ as well as
the ASCAMM Technology Centre are also participating, aims
to develop a novel and unique independent computer for
grafting vegetable seedlings, based on two anthropomorphic
robots working in tandem and endowed with an artificial vi-
sion system. In the Robotics pilot plant at Tecnova, the tasks
of conception, design, programming, assembly, trials and
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prototype testing are being carried out, while in the Experi-
mental Centre, trials and studies are being conducted that will
determine and verify the quality of the grafts performed by
robotic equipment.
This initiative is scheduled to end in 2015 and is funded by
the Andalusian Ministry of Economy, Innovation, Science and
Employment and co-financed by the ERDF.
Project Title: “Valoriza: Diagnostics in the
AIA (Ancillary Industry for Agriculture) val-
ue chain”
This project, led by Tecnova Foundation and with the partic-
ipation of ‘Imp Consultores’ aims to provide technical assis-
tance for carrying out diagnostic actions in the value chain of
10 SMEs belonging to the IAA, Post-harvest and Packaging
sectors, through which it is possible to identify ways of im-
proving their productivity and competitiveness. This project
is funded by the and with co-funding provided by the ERDF.
Project Title: “Optimization and improvement
of integrated control in fruit and vegetable
production systems”
The aim of this project of Tecnova’s own creation, is based on
research focused on the area of integrated pest management
in intensive greenhouse crops, where the evaluation of attrac-
tive or repulsive scents for beneficials in different varieties of
tomato is studied along with the safe or toxic nature of new
zero residue agricultural products on beneficials. The Caja-
mar Foundation is also involved in the project which is funded
by the Andalusian Ministry of Economy, Innovation, Science
and Employment through Knowledge Application Projects
and the ERDF.
Project Title: “Tecnova Technology Centre
Communications Network “
This is to provide the Technology Centre building with all
the networks needed to carry out its research activity, in line
with the current regulations and requirements of the auton-
omous community and with each of these networks having
been predimensioned with the future use of a building fulfilling
the characteristics of the project in its entirety. The project is
funded by the Andalusian Ministry of Economy, Innovation,
Science and Employment and the Council for Science, Tech-
nology and Innovation and is co-financed by the ERDF.
Project Title: “Project for equipping the Tech-
nology Centre for the Ancillary Industry for
Agriculture”
The idea behind this project is to equip ourselves with the
necessary infrastructure to meet the demands and needs of
companies from the ancillary industry for agriculture in terms
of laboratories and equipment associated with the design and
optimisation of products and processes. The project was
funded by the General Secretariat of University, Research and
Technology for the Andalusian Regional Government.
The aims behind this are the provision of advanced cen-
tralised services in the Technology Centre, in doing so be-
coming a national centre of excellence in research and devel-
opment related to the Ancillary Industry for Agriculture.
As part of this project, the range of equipment for the
Tecnova Experimental Centre Tecnova, plastics laboratory
and pilot plant (Advanced Centre for the development of ro-
botic and artificial vision systems for specific applications in
the fields of horticulture and agribusiness) has been widened.
Project Title: BIOBAL Project “Spherification
of Lactic Acid Bacteria as a biopreservative
system”
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This project led by Tecnova aims to develop a healthy pro-
biotic biopreservative system, free of chemical additives for
different packaged perishable foods, such as ready to eat
and minimally processed fruit and vegetables as well as fresh
meat and fish products containing Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB)
in the form of microspheres.
All the above is supported by funding from the Andalusian
Ministry of Economy, Innovation, Science and Employment
and co-financed by the ERDF.
Project Title: “Development of a predictive
model to improve production in greenhouses
in the Mediterranean area”
The goal of this project of Tecnova’s own creation is to develop
a predictive model capable of performing active dynamic con-
trol of climate variables on determinants in vegetable produc-
tion systems in greenhouses. The University of Almeria and
CSIC-IRNAS are also involved.
This project is funded by the Ministry of Economy, Innovation,
Science and Employment, through the call for Knowledge Ap-
plication Projects and ERDF.
International Projects
Project Title: “Reducing mineral fertilisers
and agro-chemicals by recycling treated or-
ganic waste as compost and bio-char prod-
ucts”
This project is part of the cooperation programme for the Sev-
enth Framework Programme, call: FP7-KBBE-2011-5.
The general aim of the project is to identify and develop
strategies and technologies to reduce and replace the use of
fertilisers & agro-chemicals and to motivate the sector to start
building and make use of waste treatment plants.
Tecnova TC is collaborating on the project as member
of a consortium led by the SME ‘Stichting Dienst Landbou-
wkundig Onderzoek’ (ALTERRA). Tecnova is leading a work
package for the carrying out of analysis for the life cycle of
processes and products generated as part of the project.
Moreover, it is also participating in various agricultural field tri-
als which will be carried out at the Experimental Centre and
which are aimed at testing the organic amendment properties
of the bio-char produced during the project.
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Among the members of the partnership collaborating in
the project, we can highlight: National Agency of the Scientif-
ic Research Supreme Council, Bauhaus-Universität Weimar,
Consiglio per la Ricerca e Sperimentazione in Agricoltura,
Foundation for the Auxiliary Technologies for Agriculture,
‘Gestora de Residuos del Sur’ S.L., ‘Graphite Resources’
(Knightsbridge) Ltd., ‘IDConsortium’ S.L., IRIS-Isontina Reti
Integrate e Servizi, ‘Organic Waste Systems’ NV., ‘Proininso’
S.A., Stichting Dienst Landbouwkundig Onderzoek, Stichting
Energieonderzoek Centrum Nederland, University of Leeds &
‘Vlaams Gewest’.
Project Title “Development of technology for
obtaining a bio-preservative based on lactic
acid bacteria bacteriocins for increasing the
shelf life of fruits and vegetables”
This European project led by the Russian company HVE
“KemIFST and in which Tecnova Foundation is actively par-
ticipating, aims to develop functional foods for the preven-
tion of cancer, based on pro-biotic compounds and bioac-
tive peptide complexes, for use in the processing of fruit and
vegetable products.
The project is funded by Russian Federation: Foundation
for Assistance to Small Innovative Enterprises (FASIE).
Project Title: “Antagonistic lactic acid bacte-
ria and other microorganisms used as bio-
preservatives in minimally processed fresh
products and whose acronym is BIOSA-
FOOD “
This European project is led by DOMCA and the Tecnova
Foundation, the University of Granada, the company MKS
and the Kemerovo Institute of Food Science and Technology
(both from Russia) are also participating. It aims to develop
biopreservatives for use in minimally processed fresh fruit and
vegetable products in order to increase their shelf life. The
initiative is scheduled to end in 2015 and is funded by the
Ministry of Economy, Innovation, Science and Employment
and the ERDF as part of the 2012 Call, EUROTRANSBIO and
ERA-NET Seventh Framework Programme.
Project Title: “New hybrid tomato high in lu-
tein content and physiologically adapted to
minimally processed fresh (TOMPLUS)”
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This European project is led by the company ‘Capital Genetic
EBT, S.L.’ from Andalusia. Its business activity is the genetic
improvement of horticultural species. The Russian compa-
ny ZDOROVOE PITANIE is also involved. The development
of project uses biotechnology tools, provided by specialist
companies and is supported by the production sector. It aims
to develop a new variety rich in antioxidant compounds, with
special interest in lutein content, and physiological charac-
teristics adapted to minimally processed fresh and functional
foods, along with the development of treatment strategies
and postharvest processing that maintain or increase the
content of bioactive compounds, one example being treat-
ment with ultraviolet radiation type C.
R&D&I organisations such as the Tecnova Foundation
and the Kemerovo Institute of Food Science and Technology
(Russia) are also involved.
The project is co-financed by the Ministry of Economy,
Innovation, Science and Employment, and the ERDF through
the 2012 Call, EUROTRANSBIO and ERA-NET Seventh
Framework Programme.
Project Title: “Cross-border cooperation be-
tween Technology Centres for business revi-
talisation in Andalusia & Morocco – RETCE-
TEC”
This project is supported by funds from the Spanish Min-
istry for Economy and Competitiveness, as well as by the
ERDF within the POCTEFEX programme. Tecnova is partici-
pating through its the area for Post-harvesting and Packag-
ing Technology. The project is being led by IDEA Agency as
the main beneficiary, together with the following Technology
Centres: CTAP, TEICA, CITOLIVA, CTAQUA, CITADESVA &
TECNOVA.
The initiative aims at contributing to the economic and
social development of Andalusia and Northern Morocco, sup-
porting cooperation initiatives between Technology Centres.
The actions entrusted to Tecnova are as follows:
· Research involving the state of aromatic plant crops and
essential oil production, in order to facilitate the study and
design of alternative cleaning products using aromatic
plants, thereby enhancing their value.
· Application of certain essential oils as cleaners and pre-
servatives to minimally fresh processed fruit and vegetable
products.
Collaborative Projects
AEI: “Association for the competitive im-
provement of the Agro-industrial cluster”
This Association started in July 2009 with a view to: promot-
ing joint ventures from a group of businesses devoted to
commercialisation and the ancillary industries; contributing
towards increasing competitiveness in the agro-industrial
cluster at an Andalusian, national and international level; fos-
tering the design and launch of new products and processes;
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detecting present cluster needs for putting into practice joint
R&D&I projects; promoting inter-sector cooperation; and re-
inforcing the economic structure of the cluster.
The Association consists of the Foundation for the Ancil-
lary Technologies for Agriculture (TECNOVA); the Association
for Farmers and Exporters of Horticultural Products (Coex-
phal); Agrobio, S.L.; Distribuciones Industriales y Científicas
S.L. (DICSA); Almeria Science and Technology Park S.A.
(PITA); AMB Consulting, S.A.; Casur, S.C.A.; Murgiverde,
S.C.A.; Cabasc, S.C.A. & Canalex, S.A.T.
After the ACAL AGM in 2014, COEXPHAL now holds the
presidency and Tecnova the secretariat for the association.
The collaborative projects submitted within the frame-
work of AEI are as follows:
Project Title: “Feasibility study about the pro-
duction of fresh cut mango in agri-food in-
dustries”
The goal of this project managed by ACAL, with the collab-
oration of Tecnova, is to study the technical and economic
feasibility of producing fresh cut mango, with a view to eval-
uating national fruit and vegetable production with a focus
on minimally processed fresh. The initiative is funded by the
Ministry for Industry, Energy and Tourism and co-financed by
the ERDF.
Project Title: “Feasibility study for the pro-
duction of native species from the province
of Almería under greenhouse conditions”
The aim of this initiative, started by the Association for the
competitive improvement of the Agro-industrial cluster
(ACAL), is to study from a technical perspective, the identifi-
cation of aromatic vegetable species which are part of the na-
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tive flora of the province of Almería. The idea is for them to be
grown in greenhouses, with the ultimate aim of using the said
plant material to develop new products for the Ancillary In-
dustry for Agriculture. The project is funded by the Ministry for
Industry, Energy and Tourism, and co-financed by the ERDF.
Projects with companies
Project Title: “Control of humidity level as a
limiting factor for competitiveness, employa-
bility and exporting capacity of the Andalu-
sian Agro-industrial cluster - HUMIDEX”
“HUMIDEX: Control of humidity level as a limiting factor for
competitiveness, employability and exporting capacity in the
Andalusian agro-alimentary cluster” is a project led by the
company ‘Novedades Agrícolas’, together with ‘Agrobío’,
‘Alarcontrol’, ‘Almeriplant’ and ‘Sistemas de Calor’, all of
whom belong to the Ancillary Industry sector, and in which
the Tecnova Technology Centre & the University of Almería
are also participating. This project has been funded by the
Ministry for Economy and Competitiveness, as part of the
ERDF-INNTERCONECTA call, via the IDEA Agency and CDTI
(Centre for Industrial and Technological Development, Spain).
This project which ended in December 2014, was devel-
oped entirely in Andalusia, over a period of three years and
involved an investment of €5 million for companies. By means
of this project, a new concept of greenhouse and techno-
logical equipment was developed, aimed at the continuous
production of vegetables throughout the year, by optimising
production resources.
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los recursos productivos.
Amongst the goals of the project, were the design of
a greenhouse structure which can house and optimise all
technologies connected with production, quality, and health
status of the plants, as well as good agricultural practices
and minimising impact on the environmental, with a view to a
greenhouse resembling the type that can be considered ideal
for a warm climate.
Project Title: “Remote control of horticultur-
al production in greenhouses and integration
with demand forecast and merchandising
systems”
This initiative is led by the company ‘Hispatec’, together with
‘Nazaries IT’, ‘Proyecta Ingenio’ and ‘Parquenat’, along with
the participation of Tecnova. Its purpose is to create a system
for the automatic control of agronomic parameters in horti-
cultural production (tomato and watermelon) with a view to
designing a forecast calculation model for production, related
to a model for calculating commercialisation estimates ac-
cording to market demand calculation. This is made possible
with the support of funds from the Ministry for Economy and
Competitiveness, as part of the ERDF-INNTERCONECTA
call, via the IDEA Agency and CDTI.
Project Title: “Preservation of highly perisha-
ble food products via active packaging incor-
porating natural compounds from the olive
oil industry (ACTIVEOLIVE)”
ACTIVEOLIVE’s goal is to add value to olive oil industry sur-
pluses, extracting high value added compounds to be applied
to preservation technologies allowing for improvement in the
lifespan of highly perishable products, such as fish as well as
with fruit and vegetables.
The companies participating in the project are: ‘Olivar
de Segura’, ‘Abelló Linde’, ‘Esteros de Canela’, ‘Bandesur’,
‘Plastienvase’ & ‘Miguel García Sánchez e Hijos, S.A.
This initiative falls within the ERDF-INNTERCONECTA call,
and is funded by the Spanish Ministry for Economy & Compet-
itiveness, via the IDEA Agency and CDTI.
Project Title: “Improvement in Agri-food
quality and safety by means of the introduc-
tion of technology into the harvesting pro-
cesses, AGROBIOTEC”
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Project Title: “Design and development of
equipment for shrink wrapping cucumber”
This project is managed by ‘Aldeílla Suministros Industriales
S.L.’ and has the task of designing and developing a new
model of machine devoted to the shrink wrapping of cucum-
bers, as such improving the current technology in collabora-
tion with the Tecnova Technology Centre. The initiative is try-
ing to come up with systems that provide noticeable energy
savings, at the same time perfecting current shrink wrap sys-
tems. This project is supported by funds from the Andalusian
Ministry of Economy, Innovation, Science and Employment
and co-financed by the ERDF.
Project Title: “Development and implemen-
tation of techniques for mass breeding of
‘Aphidius Colemani’ for production in a
bio-factory in Almería”
The project, led by the company ‘Bgreen Biological Systems’
S.L., with the participation of Tecnova, has the ultimate goal
of getting the process ready for the mass bio-production of
‘Aphibius Colemani’, a beneficial insect, in bio-factories in
Almería. Tecnova researchers will be responsible for the lab-
oratory trials in this project. These will be done using lamp
growth chambers and in semi-field trials taking place at its
Experimental Centre. The project is supported by funds from
the Andalusian Ministry of Economy, Innovation, Science and
Employment and co-financed by the European Regional De-
velopment Fund.
Project Title: “Design and development of an
automated system for cutting avocado stalks”
The project created by the company ‘Miguel García Sánchez
e hijos, S.A,’ in collaboration with Tecnova, aims to tackle the
development of a robotised system equipped with artificial
The companies ‘Capital Genetic EBT’ S.L., ‘Única Group’
S.C.A. and ‘Industrial Aeronáuticas INASOR’ S.L.U. have
come together to develop this project, in which Tecnova is
also collaborating. The activities to be carried out are: new va-
rieties of melon, software to establish nutritional and organo-
leptic parameters of such varieties, an automatic handling line
for online assessment, and the calibration algorithms of such
a handling line. The project will last for two years and aims at
improving food quality and safety via new technologies ap-
plied to Post-harvest. The initiative is supported by funds from
the Ministry of Economy, Innovation, Science and Employ-
ment and co-financed by the ERDF.
Project Title: “Ripening techniques for im-
provement in the commercialisation of the
custard apple”
This initiative is being developed by the company ‘Merco-
motril’ S.A., with the participation of Tecnova, and aims at
increasing the period for preserving, storing and commercial-
isation of custard apples, resulting in a better quality of fruit.
The project is supported by funds from the Andalusian Min-
istry of Economy, Innovation, Science and Employment, and
co-financed by the ERDF.
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6 R&D&I
of preservation strategies based on physical and non-chem-
ical treatments that are environmentally-friendly and with an
organic production system. This will allow for both a longer
commercialisation period and a longer shelf life of products
at retail outlets. The project is supported by funds from the
Andalusian Ministry of Economy, Innovation, Science and
Employment, and co-financed by the ERDF.
Project Title: “Preservation methodology
and edible coating to prevent cracking of the
cherry tomato”
This project in which Tecnova is actively participating, is led
by the company ‘Mercomotril’ and aims to extend the shelf
life of cherry tomatoes, by combining an edible film inhibiting
cracking with microbial growth through a pretreatment in a
hypertonic solution. The project is funded by the Andalusian
Ministry of Economy, Innovation, Science and Employment,
and co-financed by the ERDF.
This project, in which Tecnova is participating, is the brain-
child of the company ‘PRIMA-RAM’ S.A. and aims to develop
a hydraulic prototype allowing for the application of irrigation
dosing able to reach drip flow rates of between 100 and 400
ml/ h, along with the necessary automation for carrying out
irrigation for one or two minutes up to 200 times per day.. The
project is supported by funds from the Andalusian Ministry
of Economy, Innovation, Science and Employment and co-fi-
nanced by the ERDF.
Project Title: “Development of environmen-
tal-friendly strategies in order to reduce rot-
ting and damage by the cold in organic toma-
to and pepper crops”
This project was created by the company PROCAM with the
collaboration of Tecnova and consists of lengthening the shelf
life of tomato and pepper grown by organic farming by means
vision, able to automatically detect the position of avocados,
then proceeding to cut the excess stem and thus ensuring
the proper handling of the fruit without sacrificing quality.
The project is funded by the Andalusian Ministry of Econ-
omy, Innovation, Science and Employment and co-financed
by the ERDF.
Project Title: “Development of technology for
the application of ULR (Ultra-Low Flow Rate
irrigation) watering”
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6R&D&I
quality, safety and shelf life of fresh cut apple and pear by
incorporating innovative techniques based on UV-C radiation
and by using antimicrobial and antioxidant active packaging,
together with the development of a predictive microbiology
model that allows real-time decision making when the cold
chain is broken at different stages of the process.
Project Title: “Design and development of a
single purpose device attached to an anthro-
pomorphic robot arm able to place cucumbers
inside boxes with protective tops”
This project submitted by the company ‘Miguel García
Sánchez e hijos’ S.A. and in collaboration with Tecnova, has
the ultimate goal of creating a device that is able to pick pep-
pers up and place them into boxes with protective tops, in a
single-cycle operation. The project is supported by funds
from the Andalusian Ministry of Economy, Innovation, Science
and Employment and co-financed by the ERDF.
Project Title: “New long-life cover. Optimi-
sation of productive structures for competi-
tiveness and internationalisation of the AIA
sector”
The project put forward by the company ‘SOTRAFA S.A’.,
with the collaboration of Tecnova, aims to improve the prop-
erties of the current plastic films installed as covers, which
do not last for more than 36 months and are not resistant to
extreme weather conditions. As a result, ‘SOTRAFA S.A’. is to
develop a new film that is stronger and provides a solution to
the problems caused by the present day covers in multi-tun-
nel greenhouse structures.
The project is supported by funds from the Andalusian Min-
istry of Economy, Innovation, Science and Employment and
co-financed by the ERDF.
Project Title: “Automation of packaging lines
for cucumber, pepper and Galia melon”
The ultimate purpose of this project led by the company
‘Construcciones Mecánicas Emilio Gea’ is to develop an au-
tomatic packaging system through the design of a handling
device with computer-based vision for elongated vegetables,
especially cucumbers, peppers and melons. This, together
with a robot for final packaging, integrated as part of the line,
Project Title: “Active Packaging and UV-C
treatment for the improvement of quality in
fresh cut apple and pear”
This current project led by the company ‘Cortijo Cuevas S.L.’
and in which Tecnova is participating, aims to improve the
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6 R&D&I
Project Title: “Biological pest control and
effects of the varieties grown in greenhouses”
The project led by the company ‘Enza Zaden’ Research Cen-
tre S.L.U. and in which Tecnova is participating, aims to as-
sess the effect of the main commercial varieties of tomato
that the company has currently on the market, on the es-
Project Title: “Methodology to obtain low-fat
guacamole and making use of by-products
generated”
The target set by this project led by the company ‘Miguel
García Sánchez e Hijos’ and in which Tecnova is participating,
is the development of a new variety of commercial guacamo-
le with a lower fat content than the traditional one, obtained
via a process of self-sustainable energy production and zero
residue. This initiative is funded by the Andalusian Ministry
of Economy, Innovation, Science and Employment and co-fi-
nanced by the ERDF.
Project Title: “Design and prototyping of a
self-propelled machine with electrostatic
nozzles for the application of phytosanitary
treatments in greenhouses”
This project led by the company ‘Ideas y Desarrollo para
la Mejora Continuada, S.L. (IDM)’ and in which Tecnova is
participating, aims to incorporate self-propelled spraying ma-
chinery (Fumimatic and Fumirail) with electrostatic nozzles,
as part of the development of an electrostatic-aerodynamic
hydrid for foliar spraying in greenhouse production systems,
with the ultimate goal of optimising the treatment and reduc-
ing the impact on the environmental, caused by drain off into
the soil. The project is funded by the Andalusian Ministry of
Economy, Innovation, Science and Employment, and co-fi-
nanced by the ERDF.
and via the innovative design of a grasping system, makes it
possible to pick products up and place them into their pack-
ages automatically. These products are chosen because they
share the same calibration machine in almost all horticultur-
al handling plants, but their harvesting periods are different,
which makes them more versatile. The project is supported
by funds from the Andalusian Ministry of Economy, Innova-
tion, Science and Employment and co-financed by the ERDF.
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6R&D&I
Project Title: “Precision, Sustainable and
Competitive Agriculture: Development of an
Integrated Irrigation and Climate Controller”
The aim of the project led by ‘Maher Electrónica Aplicada,
S.L.’ and in which Tecnova is participating, is to develop a
network of sensors with WSN technology features (wireless
sensor network) applied to agricultural purposes and man-
aged by an innovative controller that integrates the tasks re-
lated to irrigation and greenhouse climate control. The project
is funded by the Andalusian Ministry of Economy, Innovation,
Science and Employment and co-financed by the ERDF.
Project Title: “Integrated control network for
greenhouses”
The project is submitted by the company. ‘HIMARCAN Téc-
nica del Agua y Clima S.L.’ , with a view to developing an
niería’ S.L. and has the goal of designing and developing an
innovative integrated system consisting of an office screen, a
false metallic ceiling and floating flooring with even finishing.
The project is supported by funds from the Andalusian Min-
istry of Economy, Innovation, Science and Employment and
co-financed by the ERDF.
Project Title: “Aquaponics with NGS Sys-
tem: breeding of tench and integration with
breeding of micro-algae”
This project, led by the company ‘New Growing Systems’,
with the participation of Tecnova Foundation, aims to com-
bine three production systems: hydroponic crops with NGS
system; aquaponics and micro-algae cultivation as a biolog-
ical filter. The project is supported by funds from the Andalu-
sian Ministry of Economy, Innovation, Science and Employ-
ment and co-financed by the ERDF.
tablishment and effectiveness in the control of populations of
pests by using beneficials. Tecnova researchers are to carry
out the laboratory trials in lamp growth chambers and also in
semi-field conditions. The project is supported by funds from
the Andalusian Ministry of Economy, Innovation, Science and
Employment and co-financed by the ERDF.
Project Title: “Formulation of and trials for a
new mineral fertiliser to improve phospho-
rous fertilisation in horticultural crops”
The goal of current project created by ‘Agrar Plantas del Sur
S.A.’ and in which Tecnova is participating, is to develop a
new phosphorous fertiliser formulated from pyrophosphates
in order to improve efficiency in the uptake of phosphorus by
horticultural crops grown under adverse weather conditions.
The project is supported by funds from the Andalusian Min-
istry of Economy, Innovation, Science and Employment and
co-financed by the ERDF.
Project Title: “Design of an integrated system:
Screen, false ceiling and technical flooring”
The project is led by the company ‘Torresa Proyectos & Inge-
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6 R&D&I
Project Title: “Protected crop system for sub-
tropical varieties (TROPROTEC)”
This project led by the companies ‘Horto-Velez, SA’ and
‘Gogarsa SL’ and in which Tecnova is participating, aims
to develop a new structure for the protection of subtropical
crops, based on an automatic retractable plastic cover to
improve crop management and profitability. This initiative is
funded by the Andalusian Ministry of Economy, Innovation,
Science and Employment and co-financed by the ERDF.
Project Title: “Development of a biodegrad-
able anti-foaming agent for liquid solutions
used in agriculture and capable of regulating
pH”
This current project, led by the company ‘Agrar Plantas del
Sur, S.A.’, has the aim of developing a pH regulator for nutrient
solutions used in horticulture, that not only regulates the pH
of the solution, but also contains a biodegradable substance
formulated from vegetable oils, coming from household and
The company ‘Tejerina Fruits S.L.’ aims to improve the
post-harvest shelf life of chestnut by combining various tech-
niques and treatments. The project is supported by funds
from the Andalusian Ministry of Economy, Innovation, Science
and Employment and co-financed by the ERDF.
Project Title: “Development of equipment for
the hygienic cutting of melon and watermel-
on in retail outlets – INFRUCUT”
The company ‘Induser Poniente’ with the collaboration of
Tecnova aims to develop machinery for retail outlets with
which to clean, cut and wrap melon and watermelon fruit por-
tions. The project is supported by funds from the Andalusian
Ministry of Economy, Innovation, Science and Employment
and co-financed by the ERDF.
application that is able to provide instant technical assistance,
bringing together all technical applications for greenhouses,
regardless of their manufacturer.
The team at Tecnova will be in charge of carrying out field tri-
als for the system, in order to analyse and validate the proper
functioning of the platform. The project is supported by funds
from the Andalusian Ministry of Economy, Innovation, Science
and Employment and co-financed by the ERDF.
Project Title: “Development of a combined
strategy for improving the post-harvest shelf
life of chestnut”
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6R&D&I
The project is funded by the Andalusian Ministry of Econ-
omy, Innovation, Science and Employment and co-financed
by the ERDF.
Project Title: “Developing a new naturally
occurring exoelicitor for the treatment of the
yellow leaf curl virus in tomato crops”
The project led by ‘Agrolaboratorios Nutrition, SA’ and in
which Tecnova is participating, has the aim of developing a
new naturally occurring exoelicitor enabling the tomato crop
to coexist with the yellow leaf curl virus without showing any
of its symptoms. The initiative is funded by the Andalusian
Ministry of Economy, Innovation, Science and Employment
and co-financed by the ERDF.
The goal of this project led by ‘’Agrolaboratorios Nutrition,
S.A.’ in which Tecnova and the University of Cordoba are
participating, is to develop specific molecules (vaccines), that
have the ability to enhance natural plant defenses, immunis-
ing them against diseases or contributing towards the pre-
vention of their development. This project is funded by the
CDTI and Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness.
Project Title: “Development of a new
three-layer plastic with asymmetrical distri-
bution and photocatalytic additives”
The project led by the company ‘SOTRAFA S.A.’ and in which
Tecnova is participating, has the general idea of developing a
new agricultural film that meets the current needs of agricul-
ture for weather resistance. It also needs to establish limits for
elevated concentrations of agrochemicals and to develop the
technology to be able to incorporate a photocatalyst into the
plastics. All of this is intended to improve anti-drip properties,
improve diffuse light transmission and lead to photocatalytic
oxidation of volatile organic material.
catering waste. This also has anti-foaming properties and is
capable of reducing the surface tension of the solution. The
project has-been supported by funds from the Andalusian
Ministry of Economy, Innovation, Science and Employment
and co-financed by the ERDF.
Project Title: “Development of new instiga-
tors of plant defense pathways against fungal
pathogens”
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6 R&D&I
The overall aim of this project led by ‘Agrolaboratorios Nu-
trition, SA’ and with the collaboration of Tecnova, is the de-
velopment of a new organic product to disinfect agricultural
soils, made from natural raw materials such as plant extracts.
The project is funded by the Andalusian Ministry of Econo-
my, Innovation, Science and Employment and co-financed
by the ERDF.
enhance the taste of cherry tomato grown hydroponically in
greenhouses with drain off, by improving the management of
irrigation and fertilisation. This initiative is funded by the Anda-
lusian Ministry of Economy, Innovation, Science and Employ-
ment and co-financed by the ERDF.
Project Title: “Design and development of a
new naturally occurring environmentally
friendly product to disinfect agricultural soils”
Project Title: “Design and development of a
prototype for robotic equipment to sort and
reposition cucumbers according to length”
The project submitted by the company ‘Miguel García
Sánchez e hijos, S.A’., in collaboration with Tecnova, aims to
automate the sorting and packaging of cucumbers, amongst
others, by combining robots, vision systems and sensors, to
carry out automatically, a complex process of sorting and re-
jecting so that the quality, hygiene and packaging parameters
are improved. The project is funded by the Andalusian Min-
istry of Economy, Innovation, Science and Employment and
co-financed by the ERDF.
ProjectTitle:“Enhancingtheflavourofcherry
tomato, reducing wastage due to excess of
nutrients”
The aim of the project led by the company ‘Miguel García
Sánchez e Hijos’ and which Tecnova is participating, is to
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6R&D&I
100 companies, offering advice on innovation management
and participating in some of the stages of the several R&D&I
projects developed.
Tecnova as a local agent of the PIDI network,
belonging to CDTI
This initiative was started in 2006 by the CDTI (Centre for In-
dustrial and Technological Development), in collaboration with
the General Directorate for SMEs and under the coordination
of the OEP: Economy Office for the Presidency of the Gov-
ernment.
TECNOVA TC is a local agent for the PIDI network (a Net-
work of Information Points on R&D&I) and offers companies
three specialised agents, which coordinate with and act un-
der the supervision of the CDTI.
The purpose of this PIDI network is to offer free informa-
tion and advisory services to companies and entrepreneurs.
These services are connected with public funds from all ad-
ministrative sectors (local, regional, national and European)
that can better suit their needs. As such, the idea is to boost
private investment in R&D&I making it easier for companies to
gain access to funding sources.
Projects for Innovation Management
‘Innovation Cheque’
The ‘Innovation Cheque’ is a funding tool provided by the Re-
gional Ministry of Economy, Innovation and Science, targeting
Andalusian SMEs & micro-SMEs. It is part of the Programme:
‘Incentives for the Promotion of Innovation and Business
Development 2008-2013’. The purpose of the Innovation
Cheque is to provide specialised consulting services, enabling
Andalusian companies to improve their production process,
seek assistance to develop or manufacture a new product,
use e-commerce, receive advice on ways to improve their
business or develop a business plan or marketing strategy
Throughout 2014, Tecnova Foundation provided consult-
ing services to the following companies; Bionutrición Vegetal,
S.A.; Agroclean, S.A.; Nutrientes Alvi, S.L.; Agrogenia, S.L.;
Tubocás, S.L. y Resbioagro, S.L.
Acknowledgment as consultants within the
‘Innocámaras’ Programme
The goal of this programme is to boost an innovation-based
culture amongst small and middle-sized companies located in
the regions considered as ‘Objective 1’. Such a programme
consists of two stages: ‘Individual diagnosis’ & ‘Innovation
support plan’. In the first one, a diagnosis is given by a spe-
cialised mentor from the Chambers of Commerce allowing
possible ways of improvement via innovation to be identified.
In the second one, TECNOVA provides advice to companies
regarding the development and implementation of these pre-
viously identified innovation-related recommendations.
Evaluation for Innovation Management to
companies belonging to the Agro-Industry
Throughout 2014, Tecnova TC collaborated with more than
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7 Training
Training
The training activities for 2014 were designed to meet the
needs of a competitive sector and thus to improve even fur-
ther the standing of the companies. For this purpose an annu-
al training programme consisting of workshops and seminars
was designed with gurus and technical training focused on
the strategic lines of the Foundation aimed at directors, man-
agers and middle managers and technical staff of companies.
External Training
Tecnova promotes sensory analysis through
its experimental kitchen - (01/14/2014)
This workshop is part of the annual culinary program be-
tween Tecnova and ACRIA focused on healthy eating, with the
ultimate aim of promoting gastronomy as part of a commit-
ment to new trends and formats in minimally processed fresh
products, as well as the promotion of different uses of fruit and
vegetable products grown in the Almeria market garden.
The aim of this course was to introduce the basics of
sensory analysis as a technique to evaluate the perceptible
properties of food through the senses, while tasting dishes
made with different textures, aromas, flavours and visually no-
ticeable colours, all of this being tied to the enhancement of
horticultural products. As part of the menu delivered, innova-
tive recipes that sought to awaken the senses of the audience
were on show.
Technical conference: “Quality and safety of
fresh cut products” - (04/08/2014)
Tecnova organized this event in order to make companies
in the fruit and vegetable industry aware of new trends and
technologies in food safety and quality in fresh cut products.
The seminar was addressed to fruit and vegetable entrepre-
neurs, quality specialists, R&D&I for cooperatives, fruit and
vegetable wholesalers along with agricultural engineers and
technicians interested in fresh cut products. The managing
director general of Tecnova, Maria Carmen Galera, introduced
the conference, followed by a seminar on Advances in Qual-
ity and Safety of fresh cut products via the European Project
“QUAFETY” given by Giancarlo Colelli, lecturer in the Faculty
of Agriculture at the University of Foggia, Italy. Finally, Ralph
Vosse, Food & Retail Trade Expert from Sensitech Inc. and
Its Logistics Security Division, led a discussion on cold chain
products.
Nouvelle desserts - Fusion of Tropical and
Mediterranean fruits (06/11/2014)
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7Training
room in the “Casa de Las Mariposas” building, with the sup-
port of Cajamar. During the post-conference dinner he signed
copies of his latest book “The Slow Fix”.
A conference forming part of the activities carried out in the
Tecnova experimental kitchen and led by Joshua Rodriguez,
Chef at the Garum Restaurant in Adra. The purpose of this
was to work with new culinary styles using tropical and Med-
iterranean fruits, through innovative presentations, enhancing
the culinary, nutritional and health qualities of the different
fruits. The workshop was aimed at anyone with an interest in
innovative cooking, through creative dishes and gastronomic
interest. In addition to the theme of the workshop, different
tips were given on buying, cooking and preserving fruits, as
well as a subsequent tasting session on the dishes created.
Conference “The Slow Revolution”
(06/20/2014)
Forming part of the VIII Meeting of the Ancillary Industry to
Agriculture, a conference was given by Carl Honoré on “The
Slow Revolution”. He is a Scottish journalist who lives in Lon-
don and is famous in the English-speaking world as a great
advocate of the “Slow Movement”. Slowness can help us to
live and work better in a fast moving world by showing us the
importance of implementing it as part of a daily routine to in-
crease our personal and professional motivation, thereby im-
proving efficiency and emphasizing the importance of its use
in team building in business. The talk was given in the function
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7 Training
Cookery workshop for children. Discovering,
learning and tasting new products and gour-
met dishes - (09/18/2014)
With the aim of promoting creativity and encouraging healthy
consumption of locally grown fruit and vegetable produce,
Tecnova organized a cookery workshop for children, paving
the way for them to become possible future chefs. In this way,
Tecnova wanted to promote healthy food hand in hand with
ACRIA, as one of the scheduled annual courses, helping chil-
dren to appreciate the value of the produce grown in Almeria in
a fun, lively and entertaining way. To do this, the Tecnova Tech-
nology Centre relied on the cooperation of Joshua Rodriguez,
Chef at the Garum Restaurant and member of ACRIA along
with his assistant Sella. During the workshop in the Tecno-
va experimental kitchen, the children came up with their own
salad combinations, colourful vinaigrettes, different flavoured
pastas and a fun dessert with fruit and chocolate mimicking
the shape of lollipops, all of which were presented to their par-
ents and then tasted after the cookery session finished to
wrap up the workshop.
Artisan bread workshop. “Make your own
homemade bread with natural and healthy
ingredients” - (10/09/2014)
The theme of this course was to promote food, in this case,
connected with traditional values. The aim of the workshop
held in the Tecnova experimental kitchen and in the capable
hands of the chef Antonio Porter, was to introduce the tradi-
tional way of making bread, as well as adding natural and
healthy ingredients to baked goods. The course was aimed at
all advocates of traditional cuisine and with an interest in
learning about the processes involved in making homemade
Report 2014
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7Training
member of ACRIA, came up with four recipes aimed at
Christmas cuisine with a gourmet touch using different
shapes, textures and flavours of fruit and vegetables, that the
40 course participants were subsequently able to taste.
In this gastronomy course, the creation of a balanced menu
was brought to life through innovative presentations.
Collaborative Organisation of
Conferences
Training seminar: Taxation for R&D&I, Certi-
fication of R&D&I projects in order to obtain
tax incentives, benefits and changes intro-
duced by the new law on entrepreneurs and
tax developments. - (02/25/2014)
The training seminar on “Taxation for R&D&I: Certification of
R&D&I for obtaining tax incentives,” which relied on the par-
ticipation of the consulting firm SGS, Imp Consultants and the
Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness through the Gen-
eral Department for the Promotion of Innovation in Business,
was held on the premises of Tecnova.
up the workshop and they were even able to take home the
leftovers. All of this as a way of promoting innovative and
healthy cuisine amongst the younger generation.
Gourmet dishes with the ability to surprise at
Christmas time - (11/26/2014)
The course concluded the Tecnova and ACRIA culinary pro-
gram for 2014, fruit of the collaboration agreement between
both parties. As part of this, Antonio Carmona, owner and
chef at the renowned Terraza Carmona restaurant in Vera and
bread. During the workshop, students were able to identify
natural and beneficial ingredients for bread, such as nuts,
wheat bran and tomato, amongst others, along with the dif-
ferent ways of working the dough, such as kneading, bowl-
ing, shaping and creating optimal conditions for fermentation
and baking quality bread.
Create your own colourful pizza. “Cook your
own pizza and garnish it with local colours
and flavours” - (10/24/2014)
This workshop was the second cookery course organised
by the Foundation for children. Its purpose was to teach the
youngsters to appreciate cuisine and healthy, wholesome fruit
and vegetables grown in Almería, in an educational and inter-
active way. To do this, the Tecnova Technology Centre relied
on the cooperation of “Your Chef at Home”. During the work-
shop, the children came up with their own pizzas in the Tec-
nova experimental kitchen, starting with preparing the dough
through to adding locally grown produce, achieving a mixture
of fun colours and in particular, healthy flavours. These were
presented later to their parents with a tasting session to wrap
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7 Training
Thanks to this type of training, companies gained an insight
into the advantages of carrying out R&D&I through existing
tax relief which could be included in their financial economic
plans.
Seminar on “The Raf tomato, a gourmet prod-
uct for home cooking” - (03/05/2014)
The RAF tomato was the main focus for this gourmet cuisine
course. On this occasion, the event was organized by Tecnova
together with Clause, the company that discovered the RAF
seed and also relied on the collaboration of CASI, a major
sales and marketing cooperative for tomatoes, along with the
well known chef José Torrente. The course was introduced
by the managing director of Tecnova, Maria Carmen Galera,
together with Andres Perez, specialist in promotion and
development at Clause and Juan Antonio Plaza, production
manager at CASI. It was divided into two parts: the first, a
more technical introduction of the RAF tomato and its history,
how it came into being, how it appeared in Almeria, how it
is produced, breeding improvements and features that set it
apart.
The second part was conducted in the Tecnova experimental
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7Training
Seminar: “Practical implementation of new
food labelling regulations” - (12/10/214)
The Tecnova Technology Centre together with Bureau Veri-
tas, organized this seminar to learn about the practical appli-
cations of the new labelling regulations based on Regulation
(EU) No 1169/2011 FROM THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT
AND THE COUNCIL from 25 October 2011 regarding food
information provided for consumers, in a practical and useful
way. After the seminar, a roundtable was held for the partic-
ipants to share ideas, where they put forward their different
points of view and discussed the the subjects expanded on
during the course.
In-house Training
Year round programme for foreign language
teaching
In order to help develop the skills of the staff at the Founda-
tion, an in-house training programme is being run connected
with the teaching of the English language led by an expert
in the field in order to provide different tools that facilitate
learning and lead to an improvement in understanding of the
subject.
preneurs, agricultural engineers and technicians, producers
and also sales and marketing companies.
Informative seminar: “Changes in ISO 9001
and ISO 14001 certifications” - (06/11/2014)
This informative seminar, sponsored by Imp Consultants and
Bureau Veritas, both belonging to the Foundation, aimed to
make known the changes and developments in the ISO
9001 and 14001 standards, so as to be of interest to busi-
nesses that already had them in place or for those who want-
ed to do so in the near future. The idea was to explain in a
practical way, new elements to be considered regarding the
management systems being implemented and certified and
how these tie in with the new principles and requirements in
the updated versions for 2015 of the standards for quality
management and environmental management systems.
kitchen where a sensory analysis test was carried out to see
whether the participants were able to differentiate between
three varieties of tomato. After the tomato tasting session,
José Torrente and Maribel from La Envia Golf Restaurant,
came up with three recipes involving the RAF tomato.
Technical conference: “Organic Production” -
(03/27/2014)
Pelemix were the driving force behind this seminar in collabo-
ration with Agrocolor and Symborg which took place on the
Tecnova facilities. The aim was to offer growers different solu-
tions regarding organic farming and to analyze the current
state of certification, in order to add value to this method of
sustainable crop growing. To this end, several seminars were
given on organic farming and wrapped up with a light cock-
tail. The conference was aimed at fruit and vegetable entre-
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Information and Promotion
Infotecnova
The Infotecnova newsletter aims to keep the lines of communi-
cation open between the Technology Centre and the business
community. It consists of four news items related to promotion
and dissemination, internationalisation, R&D&I and training. In
total fifteen newsletters were published during 2014.
TECNOVA CT on the social networks
Tecnova Foundation has a presence on the social networks
(both professional and general interest) such as: Facebook,
Twitter, Linkedin and Youtube in order to publicise the services,
activities, projects of the Foundation.
Tecnova in the media
The Tecnova CT, in a bid to raise awareness regarding actions
and services for the business sector, is constantly develop-
ing its communication department, whose skilled staff bring
together information about the events, services and activities
undertaken by Tecnova and make it available to anyone inter-
ested in the progress of the Foundation. As such, it allows the
centre to be have a presence in the mainstream media (news-
papers, online media, radio and TV). Some examples being:
Ideal, La Voz de Almería, Diario de Almería, Interalmeria,
Canal Sur (TV y Radio), Agrosfera, Tierra y Mar, Noticias RETA,
Teleprensa, Agricultura 2000, 20 minutos,Cibersur, RTVE, f&h,
Almeria digital 24 horas, Fh almería, revista Hortocampo, Re-
vista Alimentaria, Vida Rural, Agronegocios, Cadena Ser, Onda
Cero and Radio Ejido.
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The Tecnova Technology Centre officially opened its Experi-
mental Centre on May 24th, 2014, in the presence of Fran-
cisco Triguero, Deputy Minister and Secretary General of
Universities of the Andalusian; Sonia Ferrer, Delegate for the
Andalusian Regional Government; Adriana Valverde, Delegate
for Economy, and José Manuel Ortiz, Delegate for Agriculture,
along with other authorities and various professionals from the
fruit and vegetable sector in Andalusia and Eastern Spain.
The experimental centre features 12 hectares of land
where different crops techniques are on display and innovative
trials for agriculture and technology are being carried out, all
aimed at growers and companies from the Ancillary Industry
to Agriculture.
During the ceremony, which was presided over by Emilio
Martinez, president of the Foundation, guided tours led by
Tecnova researchers were given along with the unveiling of the
plaque to inaugurate the Centre.
Later, Maria Carmen Galera and Emilio Martinez, manag-
ing director and president of the Foundation, thanked those
present for their support, emphasizing the importance of the
firm commitment and involvement of companies as a driv-
ing force behind the Experimental Centre project. They also
underlined the importance of this project as an example of
research and sustainability in connection with the service to
intensive agriculture. They also paid tribute to the Ministry of
Economy, Innovation, Science and Employment for their fund-
ing and the Viator Municipal council for the cession of land
where the centre is located.
Inauguration of the Tecnova Experimental Centre
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Inauguration of the Tecnova Experimental Centre
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Inauguration of the Tecnova Experimental Centre
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Inauguration of the Tecnova Experimental Centre
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Inauguration of the Tecnova Experimental Centre
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Inauguration of the Tecnova Experimental Centre
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More than 200 business professionals from the agro-busi-
ness sectors of Almeria, Granada and Eastern Spain at-
tended the eighth edition of the annual meeting for the
Ancillary Industry to Agriculture, held by the Tecnova Tech-
nology Centre.
The event benefited from the participation of a renowned
public speaker, Carl Honore, the Scottish journalist famous
in the English speaking world as a great exponent of the
“Slow Movement”. The talk was held in the Cultural Hall of
the ‘Las Mariposas’ building, with the support of its owner
Cajamar. The business dinner was held at the famous
Cervantes Theatre in Almería, an ideal location where the
various companies that make up the foundation were able
to enjoy a relaxed atmosphere accompanied by a pre-
dinner welcome cocktail.
VIII Tecnova Foundation Dinner for Partners
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VIII Tecnova Foundation Dinner for Partners
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VIII Tecnova Foundation Dinner for Partners
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VIII Tecnova Foundation Dinner for Partners
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The head table was made up of the Subdelegate for the Cen-
tral Government in Almería, Andrés García Lorca; the Secre-
tary General for Agriculture and Food for the Andalusian Gov-
ernment, Jerome Perez Parra; the Government Delegate for
the Andalusian Government, Sonia Ferrer; the Delegate for
Economy, Innovation, Science and Employment for the Anda-
lusian Government in Almería, Adriana Valverde; the Delegate
for Agriculture, Fisheries and Environment for the Andalusian
Government in Almería, José Manuel Ortiz; the special guest
speaker invited to the dinner, Carl Honoré; and the President
of the Tecnova Foundation, Emilio Martinez Aguado together
with their guests. Also attending the event as guests were the
Director for Innovation Spaces and Strategic Sectors of the
Agency for Innovation and Development of Andalusia, Anto-
nio Sanchez Lopez; the President of the Chamber of Com-
merce of Almeria, Diego Martinez; the President of ASEMPAL,
José Cano; the President of the ‘Círculo Mercantil’, Francisco
Balcazar; and the former President of PITA, Alfredo Sánchez,
along with their guests.
Finally, representatives and business professionals were
present from the following companies making up the Foun-
dation; Sistemas de Calor; Ingro Maquinaria; Cerys, Parque
Tecnológico de Almería, Cajamar, Agrobío, Dicsa, Himarcán,
Requena Abogados, Construcciones Mecánicas Emilio Gea,
B-Ideas, Biocrisara, Ingeniería y Centro de Cálculo, IMP Con-
sultores, Jarquil, Desarrolla Consultores, Torresa, Novedades
Agrícolas, Formatio Postgrado, Bureau Veritas, Agroponiente,
UNICA Group, HM Clause, Colegio de ITA, Agrinature Indalica,
Carretillas Amate, IDM, Rijk Zwaan, Bioflowsur, León y Vergel,
Medialia Group, LAB, Biorizon Biotech.
During the dinner, Emilio Martinez, president of Tecnova
Foundation, presented a commemorative badge to the
company: ‘Construcciones Mecanicas Emilio Gea’ for a
decade of commitment to the Foundation.
VIII Tecnova Foundation Dinner for Partners
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VIII Tecnova Foundation Dinner for Partners
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VIII Tecnova Foundation Dinner for Partners
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VIII Tecnova Foundation Dinner for Partners
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VIII Tecnova Foundation Dinner for Partners
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VIII Tecnova Foundation Dinner for Partners
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As part of the XXVIII edition of the Macael Awards organ-
ized by AEMA, the panel awarded the National Prize to the
Pitágoras building as well as the Tecnova headquarters
building, both located in PITA. The award was received by
Emilio Martinez, President of Tecnova Foundation, and on
behalf of PITA, its president Sonia Ferrer, also the Govern-
ment Delegate for the Andalusian Government in Almería.
Both buildings were designed under the guidance of ar-
chitect Jose Angel Ferrer, which apart from use of White
Macael marble for the flooring, a novel technique was im-
plemented using glass facades with slats of the same type
of marble.
The Tecnova headquarters and Pitágoras building receive the National Award of the XXVIII edition of the Macael Awards
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Promotion of the Tecnova Technology
Centre
Gastronomy exhibitions
Presentation and showcooking of courgette
range by HM Clause
The company HM Clause spent three days on Tecnova
premises and using its facilities in order to give a presenta-
tion on its courgette product. To do this, they used the
Foundation experimental kitchen, in which they organised
a showcooking event by Torrente. As such, the specialists
in attendance from cooperatives and the fruit and vegetable
sector from Almeria were able to see the way the variety of
courgette was prepared in different dishes and served with
local produce.
Biorizon product presentation
Biorizon Biotech promoted the culinary use of local produce
from the province through a gastronomy exhibition at the
Tecnova CT experimental kitchen. To do this they had the
support of the chef Serge Aime Kouakouy from Sak Delica-
tessen, which has produced all kinds of dishes made up of a
variety of fruit and vegetable products, innovative in both their
design and presentation.
Cequisa product presentation
Cequisa, a company which specialises in developing, synthe-
sising, formulating and marketing/selling products for plant
protection, gave a presentation on a plant protection product
to specialists from the AIA sector. To do this, they made use
of the training facility on Tecnova Foundation premises, where
they explained the features and benefits of this product for
the grower.
Participation and attendance at fairs and
promotional events
Participation in Business Cooperation Confer-
ence at PITA
The Tecnova TC was present at the Business Cooperation
conference organised by the Almeria Science and Technolo-
gy Park (PITA). The event was attended by both companies
from the Almería technopolis, as well as companies from the
rest of Andalusia. Tecnova had its own stand, in order to pub-
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licise the research that it is carrying out, along with the range
of services available to companies in the agricultural sector. It
also took part in bilateral meetings and informal networking
meetings in a cafe where the head of business development
of the Foundation was able to get to know business profes-
sionals from the AIA. Finally, to bring the event to a close, there
were guided tours of the Tecnova Robotics and Minimally Pro-
cessed Fresh plants.
In collaboration with PITA, the Idea Agency
organized a meeting for the postharvest sec-
tor in horticulture, at which Tecnova received
an awarded for its design and implementation
In collaboration with PITA, the Idea Agency organized a meet-
ing for the postharvest sector in horticulture at which Tecnova
received an awarded for its design and implementation. The
event was funded by the Andalusia Global Innovation-Technol-
ogy-Company Grant 2007-2013 and co-financed by the Eu-
ropean Regional Development Fund, specifically through the
Andalusia ERDF Operational Programme 2007-2013.
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The aim of the meeting was to promote the use of new
fruit and vegetable technologies. To do this, Tecnova took
the responsibility for managing the schedule of the meeting,
which kicked off with several technical business seminars
related to the automation of the agricultural industry as well
as minimally processed fresh and ready to eat products.
Additionally, guided tours of the Agri-food Robotics and
Minimally Processed Fresh pilot plants were organised along
with a business exhibition where participating companies
were able to learn about and sample at first-hand, a va-
riety of cost-effective and innovative ‘minimally processed
fresh’ and ‘ready to eat’ products at the Tecnova headquar-
ters. The Foundation also organised a surprise Live Cook-
ing Show with Mr. Dani Garcia, the Andalusian two Michelin
starred chef as well as cooks from ACRIA, effectively carry-
ing out a gastronomy exhibition in the Tecnova experimental
kitchen for the attending companies. In this way, Tecnova is
able to consolidate its position as a Technology Centre in the
Postharvest sector, by promoting direct services and advi-
sory projects in Postharvest. In addition, bilateral meetings
were organised to serve as first step for companies from the
sector to get to know each other.
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Tecnova collaborated with Koppert, a company whose busi-
ness is devoted to biological pest control, in celebration of its
twentieth anniversary in Spain. The event took place at the
headquarters of PITA, in which representatives of companies
and institutions from PITA, the Ministry of Agriculture of the
Dutch Embassy, Freshfel Europe and the certification body
Agrocolor participated, amongst others, along with Tecnova.
Following this, the president of the Foundation, Emil-
io Martinez, brought the event to a close, talking about the
progress and importance of Koppert from its beginnings to
the present day as a pioneer in biological control, thanks to
its commitment to R&D&I in greenhouse agriculture. Through
its technical and advisory work, which is helping the world of
agriculture to become more professional, it is setting an ex-
ample for other regions in the world and growers themselves
to follow, allowing innovation to form part of the process of
intensive agricultural production.
Finally, as part of the previous, Tecnova researchers later
visited Koppert’s facilities to see its research activities and bi-
ofactories.
Tecnova collaborates with Koppert on its twentieth anniversary in Spain
Tecnova at the 2014 Expolevante fair
Tecnova was present at the latest edition of Expolevante
(2014) held in Nijar, a trade fair which is a benchmark in terms
of products and technology on display by businesses from
the fruit and vegetable sector. On behalf of the Tecnova Foun-
dation, in attendance were the president, Emilio Martinez, the
managing director, Maria Carmen Galera and the business
development team.
Tecnova participates in the Ideas Fair
Once again the Ideas Fair took place at the University of Alm-
ería, the aim of which was to put forward ideas and projects
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from young entrepreneurs, in order to help them find com-
mercial-financial-production support. Tecnova as a Technolo-
gy Centre, collaborates yearly in this event organised by the
University of Almeria, which aims to foster the creation of new
innovative companies helping them to make a name for them-
selves.
Tecnova at Madrid Fusion and Tasting Spain
2014
Tecnova’s attendance at the Tasting Spain and Madrid Fu-
sion fair, an international summit of gastronomy, was made
possible by Veronica Navarro, Head of Marketing and Public
Relations for the Technology Centre. This was done in order
to get to know the new agri-food and culinary trends, new
products and ready to eat formats, amongst others.
Visits around the fruit and vegetable
business sector
Tecnova visits the companies Azud and
Ecohidro
The team of researchers and specialists from the Tecnova
Foundation, along with its managing director, Maria Carmen
Galera, visited the facilities of the companies and Azud and
Ecohidro. They are located in the region of Murcia and are
dedicated mainly to the manufacture of irrigation systems,
water treatment technology and water filtration systems for
industry, amongst others. As such, Tecnova was able to
learn about the latest advances in irrigation technology ap-
plied to greenhouse crops.
Growers from around the province visit the
premises of the Foundation
Tecnova welcomed a group of growers from the province of
Almeria to their facilities, through the organisation of Emilio
Martinez, president of the Foundation. The purpose of the vis-
it was for them to get to know the facilities of the technology
centre and the research being carried along with the services
offered to companies in the fruit and vegetable sector.
Agroponiente directors and specialists visit
the Tecnova Technology Centre
The team of directors and specialists from Agroponiente visit-
ed the facilities of the Tecnova Technology Centre in order to
see at first hand the equipment it houses and the services it
provides, of interest to sellers involved with food safety and
post-harvest.
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Visit from the ‘Hortofrutícola Costa Almeria’
technical team
The technical team from Horticultural Costa Almeria was in-
terested in getting to knowing the work carried out at Tecno-
va Technology Centre, regarding both the services offered to
companies in the sector and the lines of research. For this
purpose, they had a guided tour around the premises of the
headquarters where the business development team from the
Foundation showed them the facilities including the laborato-
ries and pilot plants, amongst others.
Managing Directors and President of Unica
Group visit Tecnova
As a result of its new headquarters in PITA, the managing di-
rectors and president of Unica Group visited the premises of
The ‘Alhóndiga La Unión’ team visit Tecnova
The Tecnova Technology Centre welcomed the Alhóndiga
La Union team to their facilities, in order to see the equip-
ment it houses at first hand along with the services it pro-
vides of interest to cooperatives and wholesalers. To do this,
the specialists were given a guided tour, where they saw the
laboratories along with the Agri-food Robotics and Minimally
Processed Fresh pilot plants at the disposal of the companies
to carry out trials.
Visit from members of Briseis
Briseis company employees visited Tecnova to get to know
the Centre and its work for the fruit and vegetable sector. They
saw the different facilities it houses, such as the laboratories,
pilot plants, as well as the sensory analysis and gastronomic
innovation laboratory.
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Visits to R&D&I centres and organisations
Tecnova visit the CNTA Technology Centew
The Tecnova Technology Centre has visited the facilities of
the CNTA, National Centre for Technology and Safety, locat-
ed in Navarra, on several occasions, to see at first hand the
facilities it has available. On this particular occasion, both the
technical team and members of the Board, had the opportu-
nity to visit the CNTA and consequently signed a collabora-
tion agreement to offer new lines and services that comple-
ment the work of both centres, serving as a way of covering
the needs of the agribusiness sector.
As a way of reciprocating, the CNTA team also came to
visit the Tecnova facilities to see the centre’s work and to set
up the first lines of work in joint collaboration.
The Peru Technology Park shows its interest
in Tecnova
Representatives of companies from the Technology Park in
Peru came to see the facilities of Tecnova to get to know
about the Almeria agribusiness cluster at first hand. As such,
the functioning and work being carried out at Tecnova was of
great interest. The managing director of the Foundation, Ma-
ria Carmen Galera, accompanied the group during the visit,
explaining the equipment housed in the centre, as well as the
services and lines of research being developed, with the pos-
sible idea of establishing areas of mutual collaboration in the
future as a way complementing each other’s R&D&I activities.
Tecnova with the idea of getting to know its facilities and look
at possible areas for collaboration on future research projects.
Taking advantage of the visit, the business development team
showed them the different areas and equipment housed in
the building.
Visit from Vicasol
The Board of Directors from Vicasol visited the Foundation
to see the workings of the research centre and services for
R&D&I on offer to the fruit and vegetable sector . The Tecnova
president, Emilio Martinez, welcomed them and showed them
the facilities it houses along with the sophisticated equipment
available. He also talked about the different existing work are-
as, laboratories and pilot plants.
Visit from Nature Choice and Sat INVER
The companies Nature Choice and Sat INVER came to vis-
it the Tecnova facilities to see the Research Centre and the
work it does for the AIA sector. They also saw rest of the
facilities and the lines of research being carried out.
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Tecnova visit IMIDA
Several members of the research team together with Maria
Carmen Galera, managing director of the Tecnova Technol-
ogy Centre visited the Murcia Institute of Agrifood Research
and Development and Food (IMIDA) to promote the servic-
es of Tecnova, as well as setting up partnerships and joint
ventures through collaboration agreements and projects of
interest.
Tecnova visits the AZTI-Tecnalia Centre for
R&D&I
The Board of Trustees of the Foundation, went to the Basque
Country to visit the facilities of the Tecnalia research centre to
sign a collaboration agreement between both centres in the
search for new strategic alliances involving research as a way
of tackling the new challenges facing the sector.
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Furthermore, prior to this visit, the Azti-Tecnalia staff
paid a visit to the Tecnova premises to get to know its
research facilities in situ along with the work being car-
ried out for the business sector. By the same token, the
Tecnova technical team later visited the facilities of Az-
ti-Tecnalia.
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IRTA visits Tecnova
Researchers at the Institute of Food Research and Technolo-
gy (IRTA),located in Catalonia, visited the facilities of Tecnova
Technology Centre with the aim of setting up a collabora-
tion agreement and joint ventures for projects and services
to companies. During the visit, they saw the various types
of technology along with the broad spectrum of R&D&I and
services that Tecnova is undertaking for the agri-business
sector.
The president of Adesva visits Tecnova
The INRA and IVIA R&D&I centres visit
Tecnova
Researchers at the French National Institute for Agricultur-
al Research (INRA) and the Valencian Institute for Agrarian
Research (IVIA) visited the Tecnova Foundation facilities with
the goal of finding new ways of implementing innovation for
the agri-business sector, through strategic alliances and to
develop European projects of interest for the companies
from the sector. To this end, they also visited other organi-
sations in the ancillary industry for agriculture in the province
of Almeria, to see at first hand the research being applied in
the field and to look for solutions to improve the technology
of current greenhouse structures.
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Ramon Jauregui visits the Tecnova premises,
in connection with its status as a Centre of
excellence for R&D&I in Andalusia
The Socialist Party politician, Ramon Jauregui, visited the fa-
cilities of the Tecnova Technology Centre together with Adri-
ana Valverde, Delegate for Economy, Innovation, Science
and Employment in Almería, amongst others, to learn at first
hand about the research in the fruit and vegetable sector
being carried out in the province of Almería, as well as ser-
vices that the Foundation offers to agri-business companies
nationwide. During their stay, they visited both the facilities
at the headquarters located in PITA, and the Experimental
Centre, located in Viator, where greenhouses for agricultural
experimentation can be found.
The President of ADESVA represented by Morera & Vallejo
group, a member company of the Foundation, visited the
premises of the Tecnova Technology Centre together with
some of its staff to see the facilities at the headquarters of the
Experimental Centre at first hand. This showed their interest
in technological innovation and development, as well as the
services Tecnova offers directly to companies in the field of
plasticulture.
Institutional visits
The new managing director of the IDEA
Agency shows his interest in Tecnova Foun-
dation research
The managing director of the IDEA Agency in Almería, Fran-
cisco Gimenez, visited the premises of Tecnova Technology
Centre in order to see the technological facilities that are
housed at its headquarters, located in PITA. Emilio Martinez,
the president of Tecnova Foundation, talked about the re-
search, technological developments and services carried out
by Tecnova for the agri-business sector.
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Educational visits
CIDAF students at Tecnova
A group of students from the Research and Development
Center for Functional Food (CIDAF) came to Tecnova to get
to know more about the agri-business cluster in Almeria. As
such, they visited the main facilities of the Foundation and
were given an explanation about the role it plays within in-
dustry and more specifically about how the pilot plants and
laboratories serve the sector.
The Gastronomic Society visits Tecnova
The Tecnova president, Emilio Martinez accompanied a group
of gourmetsfrom a gastronomy society in the province, who
were interested in R&D&I connected with fruit and vegetable
products, carried out by Tecnova.
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German business professionals visit Tecnova
A group of German business professionals visited the facil-
ities of the Tecnova Technology Centre, in order to get to
know about the centre’s work in terms of research and devel-
opment, along with the services offered to companies.
Business professionals from Belgian and Por-
tugal visit Tecnova
A group of business professionals from Belgium and Portu-
gal were interested in seeing the Tecnova facilities as way of
better understanding technological research in intensive ag-
riculture.
International visits
Visit from Serbian business professionals
A group of business professionals from Serbia visited the
Tecnova headquarters, accompanied by the Department of
Economics from University of Almería. The aim was to learn
about the Tecnova facilities at first hand, as well as the agri-
business cluster making up production, the ancillary industry
and commercialisation, in order to adapt and extrapolate the
model of agricultural success in Almeria to Serbia.
CeiA3 students visit Tecnova
Students from the second edition of the Training Course
“Postharvest in fruits and vegetables: a practical vision of
sustainability, quality and food safety” given by the Agrifood
Campus of International Excellence (ceiA3) and the Univer-
sity of Almería, carried out a practical activity on the Tec-
nova premises where Dr. Ana Belen Cabezas talked about
the facilities and research in the Minimally Processed Fresh
pilot plant, as well as post-harvest projects being undertaken
by the Foundation. Also, the managing director of the Foun-
dation, explained the work being done by Tecnova for the
fruit and vegetable sector, in connection with its status as a
centre for R&D&I.
Verdiblanca members visit Tecnova
Members of Verdiblanca visited the Experimental Centre
to learn about the growing of crops in greenhouses and
afterwards they visited the headquarters to see the work
being done with regard to post-harvest, where a presentation
of the Technology Centre was given by the managing
director, Maria Carmen Galera. Finally the attendees took
part in a tasting session with the fruit and vegetables they
had gathered at the Experimental Centre.
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The main goal of the mission was to promote the tech-
nology the different companies from Tecnova have at their
disposal, in order to assess the possible implementation of
a new production system in the Chilean region, which also
would reduce the impact of CO2 emissions produced in the
region.
During this mission, visits were made to the offices of ‘Al-
gaefuels Bioenergy S.A.’ in Santiago de Chile, where possible
companies to be involved in the project were assessed, along
with the different strategic lines and protocols to be discussed
in subsequent meetings. They also went to see to a produc-
tion plant for algae derived from mussels, in order to evaluate
the different systems within the algae production process and
the different types of infrastructure available.
Outbound mission to Russia
The projects: BIOSAFOOD and TOMPLUS, amongst others,
are part of a set of European projects with a focus on bio-
technology and health, in which Tecnova is participating with
Spanish and Russian companies, as well as Russian R&D&I
centres. To this end, an outbound mission was organised in
which members of Tecnova participated, including Maria Car-
men Galera, managing director of Tecnova, Dr. Joaquin Pozo
from the area of Biotechnology & Health and also Diego Ter-
uel, from the Business Development department. DOMCA (a
leading company in the BIOSAFOOD project) and two of its
researchers, Cristina Nunez and Alberto Bañosm were also
present. They all went to see the facilities from MKS and the
Institute of Food Science and Technology Kemerovo in situ
and to hold meetings to see the status of projects in both re-
gions.
The mission also served as a meeting place and point of
contact with other institutions, research organisations and
companies from Russia in order to set up and carry out R&D&I
of interest to the Russian and Spanish business sectors.
Trade Missions
Outbound Missions
Outbound mission to Chile
Biorizon Biotech Technology Center together with Tecno-
va went on an outbound trade mission representing the
Ancillary Industry for Agriculture, a result of the interest in
the success of the Almería model shown by the Chilean
company ‘Algaefuels Bioenergy, S.A.’ which had previously
visited the province of Almeria. During their visit to Spain, the
representatives from Algaefuels were able to see the differ-
ent facilities and technologies at work in the Tecnova Tech-
nology Centre Experimental Center greenhouses, as well as
the projects being carried out regarding agricultural trials, to
improve and increase production yields under plastic.
Report 2014
83
9International Development
Inbound Missions
Visit from business professionals from
KENYA
A group of businessmen from Kenya visited the facilities of
Tecnova. This was organised by the company ‘’New Growing
Systems (NGS)’ and Maria Carmen Galera, managing direc-
tor of Tecnova, greeted them and following this, research-
ers from the Foundation explained the work being done by
research companies from the Foundation such as ‘Biorizon
Biotech’. They were given a presentation of Tecnova’s own
services and products and were able to see the facilities of
the headquarters, laboratories and pilot plants, along with the
technology and infrastructure of Experimental Centre.
Report 2014
84
9 International Development
Visit from the Chinese company CNADC
The Chinese company CNADC with the help of the Tecnova
company ‘Eurosemillas’, visited the facilities of the Founda-
tion as well as companies from the fruit and vegetable sector,
looking for partners in technology to open a new line of busi-
ness line of common interest.
Chinese business professionals visit Tecnova
and INTECA
The origin export consortium INTECA together with the TEC-
NOVA Technology Center, is continuing its expansion into
China, widening its business relationships in other regions of
China, in search of new business opportunities involving the
Ancillary Industry for Agriculture in Almeria. As such, Asian
business professionals travelled to Spain to visit Tecnova and
the companies that make up the consortium, including ‘Agrar
Plantas del Sur’, ‘Agrobío’, ‘NGS’, ‘Planprotect’ and ‘Riegos
y Tecnología’. They also visited the collaborating companies
‘Eurosemillas’ and ‘Grupo Armando Alvarez’, to establish
new strategic alliances in the area of intensive agriculture to
be extrapolated to China.
Report 2014
85
9International Development
Report 2014
86
9 International Development
VIII International Meeting of the AIA organ-
ised by Extenda
A year on and as part of the VIII edition of the International
Meeting of the Ancillary Industry for Agriculture organized by
EXTENDA, a delegation of business professionals in search
of new opportunities for business and technology from the
countries of Peru, United Arab Emirates, Mexico, Morocco,
Turkey, Algeria and Chile amongst others, were able to see
the development and workings of agriculture in Almeria with
the help of the Tecnova Foundation.
As part of this, Maria Carmen Galera, the managing direc-
tor of Tecnova, gave a presentation explaining Tecnova’s
involvement in the Almeria agri-business model, which has
been highly successful all over the world, in terms of diversi-
fication and cutting edge technology implemented for crops
under plastic. Subsequent guided tours were given around
the different laboratories, technology areas and pilot plants
for Minimally Processed Fresh and Robotics, amongst oth-
ers, and following that around the Experimental Centre to see
the technology being used under plastic and in the different
greenhouse structures. To bring the trip to a close, they visit-
ed other companies.from the sector.
Report 2014
87
9International Development
Visit from business professionals from Haiti
The agricultural businessman and former minister of the
country Haiti, Jean Robert Estime paid a visit to Spain in
search of technological and technical advisory services for
the implementation of greenhouses in his country. To this end,
he contacted Tecnova for its team of specialists to explain in
depth the business success of the Almeria Agricultural Model
and extrapolate the technology used to the French-speaking
country. To fulfill this mission, Tecnova specialists organised a
comprehensive program of visits to companies involved with:
greenhouse construction, fertilisers, seeds, climate control
systems, irrigation and substrates, amongst others, in order
to gain a first hand insight into the crop growing model for
Almeria province.
first hand the different laboratories at its disposal along with
the services on offer and lines of research being carried out.
Afterwards, they travelled to the Experimental Centre, where
they were able see in situ the various crop systems and agri-
cultural trials being performed at the time with partner com-
panies from Tecnova. At the same time ‘Fundación Mexico’,
visited several companies in the AIA sector, with the help of
Tecnova.
As part of the Innovagro Network, Fundación Produce, con-
tacted the Tecnova Technology Centre through RITEC, to
organise a visit to production and handling facilities, taking
advantage of the fact that were already in Spain. The main
goal of the visit was to see at first hand the technology, mate-
rials and commercialisation methods being used in Almeria.
The mission began with a tour around the headquarters
of the Tecnova Foundation, where they were able to see at
Mission from ‘Fundación Produce’, Mexico
Report 2014
88
9 International Development
The Consortium called ‘Innovative Technology for Agricul-
ture, S.L.’, and whose acronym is Inteca, is an initiative that
was developed and created within Tecnova CT after several
years of ground work, where meetings were held with the
Chamber of Commerce of Spain in China as well as the
Spanish Embassy Office for Economic & Commercial Affairs
in Beijing.
This business entity comprises the companies: ‘Planpro-
tect S.L.’; ‘Riegos y Tecnología, S.L.’; ‘New Growing Sys-
tem, S.L.’; y ‘Agrobío, S.L’. and is supported by funding from
the Office of Foreign Trade ICEX and the European Regional
Development Fund ERDF, to promote its business in China.
International Cooperation Origin Export Consortium - Innovative Technology for Agriculture (INTECA)
The Consortium is responsible for the development of a
strategic expansion plan seeking new market niches to es-
tablish new business relationships and broaden business op-
portunities for the Ancillary Industry for Agriculture in Almeria.
In this regard, the Board of Trustees of Inteca has established
a plan of action to diversify into international markets as a
way of becoming more competitive and continuing its inter-
nationalisation process, in order to achieve greater export
capacity for its companies and to position them better in for-
eign markets with respect to their competitors. Throughout
the year, they held several meetings to define and map out
the internationalisation strategy for the consortium.
Report 2014
89
9International Development
Alimentaria 2014 - International Food and
Drinks Exhibition
Several members of the Tecnova team, Juan Carlos Jime-
nez, Diego Teruel, both from the Business Development
Department, Dr. Ana Belén Cabezas from the Postharvest
technology area, together Maria Carmen Galera, the manag-
ing director of the Tecnova Technology Centre attended the
International Food and Drinks Exhibition held in Barcelona.
They participated in bilateral meetings for cooperation, dis-
tribution and innovation amongst exhibitors and purchasers,
where strong ties were forged for future R&D&I projects be-
tween entities with a common interest from the said industry.
contact to be made with companies in order to promote the
centre’s services and to find new clients to set in motion new
innovative projects and agricultural trials.
Greentech Fair 2014
The TECNOVA Technology Centre attended the biennial fair
Green Tech 2014, held in Amsterdam, June 10-12 and partic-
ipated with its own stand along with several companies from
the Foundation such as ‘IDM’, ‘NGS’ and ‘Hortimax’ in addi-
tion to the collaborating entity from INTECA, ‘Grupo Armando
Alvarez’.
This fair is a benchmark for exhibiting the latest technology
involved in the fruit and vegetable production chain along with
sustainable solutions in terms of water and energy available
to growers.
The representatives from Tecnova, managing director,
Maria Carmen Galera, and Diego Teruel from the Business
Development Department, travelled to Holland to attend the
fair as well as B2B bilateral meetings organised by CESEAND
(Enterprise Europe Network). This was done to promote the
services of the Technology Centre for SMEs, universities, pub-
lic and private R&D&I centres from the fruit and vegetable sec-
tor as well as to discuss possible collaborations with European
partners to set up cooperation projects together for business,
technology and R&D&I.
International Fairs
International Trade Show for the Fruit and
Vegetable Industry “Fruit Attraction 2014”
The members of the business development team, Diego Ter-
uel and Juan Carlos Jimenez and the postharvest area, Dr.
Teresa Turiño and Dr. Ana Belen Cabezas, from the Tecnova
Technology Centre along with Maria Carmen Galera, manag-
ing director of the Centre, attended the 2014 edition of the
International Trade Show for the Fruit and Vegetable Indus-
try, Fruit Attraction, which was held in Madrid. This renowned
trade fair for the fruit and vegetable sector is of great interest
to Tecnova because it allows collaborations to be set up and
Report 2014
90
10
COLLABORATION AGREEMENT BE-
TWEEN AGROINDUSTRIAL KIMITEC, S.L.
AND THE FOUNDATION FOR ANCIL-
LARY TECHNOLOGIES FOR AGRICUL-
TURE.
Almeria, January 1, 2014
The subject matter of this contract is the provision of ser-
vices by the Tecnova TC to carry out a “Comparative study
of the effect produced by a new organic fertilizer for plant
growth stimulation in intensive horticultural tomato cultivars”.
COLLABORATION AGREEMENT BE-
TWEEN AGROLABORATORIOS NUTRI-
CIONALES, S.A. AND THE FOUNDATION
FOR ANCILLARY TECHNOLOGIES FOR
AGRICULTURE.
Almeria, February 3, 2014
The subject matter of this contract is the provision of ser-
vices by Tecnova TC for the R&D project “Obtaining a new
naturally occurring exoelicitor to treat tomato yellow leaf curl
virus (TYLCV) in tomato crops.”.
COLLABORATION AGREEMENT BE-
TWEEN AGROLABORATORIOS NUTRI-
CIONALES, S.A. AND THE FOUNDATION
FOR ANCILLARY TECHNOLOGIES FOR
AGRICULTURE.
Almeria, February 3, 2014
The subject matter of this contract is the provision of servic-
es by Tecnova TC for the R&D project “Design and devel-
opment of a new naturally occuring environmentally friendly
product to disinfect agricultural soils”.
COLLABORATION AGREEMENT BE-
TWEEN BIORIZON BIOTECH, S.L. AND
THE FOUNDATION FOR ANCILLARY
TECHNOLOGIES FOR AGRICULTURE.
Almeria, February 6, 2014
The subject matter of this contract is the provision of an
agronomic trial evaluation service by Tecnova TC entitled:
“Evaluation of the effects of a new nutritional product for a
greenhouse tomato crop” using the facilities of Tecnova TC.
COLLABORATION AGREEMENT BE-
TWEEN GOGARSA, S.L. AND THE FOUN-
DATION FOR ANCILLARY TECHNOLO-
GIES FOR AGRICULTURE.
Almeria, June 1, 2014
The subject matter of this contract is the provision of ser-
vices by Tecnova TC for the R&D project: “protected crop
growing system for subtropical varieties - TROPROTEC”.
COLLABORATION AGREEMENT BE-
TWEEN HORTO-VELEZ, S.A. AND THE
FOUNDATION FOR ANCILLARY TECH-
NOLOGIES FOR AGRICULTURE.
Motril, June 1, 2014
The subject matter of this contract is the provision of ser-
vices by Tecnova TC for the R&D project “protected crop
growing system for subtropical varieties - TROPROTEC “.
COLLABORATION AGREEMENT BE-
TWEEN MERCOMOTRIL, S.A. AND THE
FOUNDATION FOR ANCILLARY TECH-
NOLOGIES FOR AGRICULTURE.
Motril, June 9, 2014
The subject matter of this contract is the provision of ser-
vices by Tecnova TC for the R&D project “Active Packaging
and UV-C treatment for improving the quality and food safe-
ty of fresh cut apple and pears “.
COLLABORATION AGREEMENT BE-
TWEEN CORTIJO CUEVAS, S.L. AND THE
FOUNDATION FOR ANCILLARY TECH-
NOLOGIES FOR AGRICULTURE.
Granada, June 16, 2014
The subject matter of this contract is the provision of ser-
vices by Tecnova CT for the R&D project “Methodology of
preservation and coating used for the prevention of cracking
in cherry tomatoes - NO MORE CRACKING”.
Agreements, Contracts And Partnerships
Report 2014
91
10
COLLABORATION AGREEMENT BE-
TWEEN MIGUEL GARCIA SANCHEZ E HI-
JOS, S.A. AND THE FOUNDATION FOR
ANCILLARY TECHNOLOGIES FOR AGRI-
CULTURE.
Almeria, July 1, 2014
The subject matter of this contract is the provision of servic-
es by Tecnova CT for the R&D project “Low fat guacamole,
packaging, product preservation and comprehensive treat-
ment of generated by-products”.
COLLABORATION AGREEMENT BE-
TWEEN SYSTEMS AZUD, S.A. AND THE
FOUNDATION FOR ANCILLARY TECH-
NOLOGIES FOR AGRICULTURE.
In Almeria, July 8, 2014
The subject matter of this contract is the provision of servic-
es by Tecnova TC for the R&D project entitled: Automation
of agronomic work in intensive agriculture using robotics -
AGRONAUTA project.
COLLABORATION AGREEMENT BE-
TWEEN HISPATEC INFORMÁTICA EMPRE-
SARIAL, S.A.U. AND THE FOUNDATION
FOR ANCILLARY TECHNOLOGIES FOR AG-
RICULTURE.
Almeria, July 8, 2014
The subject matter of this contract is the provision of servic-
es by Tecnova CT for the R&D project entitled: Automation
of agronomic work in intensive agriculture using robotics -
AGRONAUTA project.
COLLABORATION AGREEMENT BE-
TWEEN INGENIERÍA DE APLICACIONES,
S.A. AND THE FOUNDATION FOR ANCIL-
LARY TECHNOLOGIES FOR AGRICULTURE.
Almeria, July 8, 2014
The subject matter of this contract is the provision of servic-
es by Tecnova CT for the R&D project entitled: Automation
of agronomic work in intensive agriculture using robotics -
AGRONAUTA project.
COLLABORATION AGREEMENT BE-
TWEEN NOVEDADES AGRÍCOLAS, S.A.
AND THE FOUNDATION FOR ANCILLARY
TECHNOLOGIES FOR AGRICULTURE.
Almeria, July 8, 2014
The subject matter of this contract is the provision of services
by the CT Tecnova for the R&D project entitled: Automation
of agronomic work in intensive agriculture using robotics -
AGRONAUTA project.
COLLABORATION AGREEMENT BE-
TWEEN SERFRUIT, S.A. AND THE FOUN-
DATION FOR ANCILLARY TECHNOLO-
GIES FOR AGRICULTURE.
Almeria, July 8, 2014
The subject matter of this contract is the provision of servic-
es by Tecnova TC for the R&D project entitled: Automation
of agronomic work in intensive agriculture using robotics -
AGRONAUTA project.
COLLABORATION AGREEMENT BE-
TWEEN TECNOLOGÍAS DE AUTOMA-
TIZACIÓN Y CONTROL AND AND THE
FOUNDATION FOR ANCILLARY TECH-
NOLOGIES FOR AGRICULTURE.
Almeria, July 8, 2014
The objective of this contract is the provision of services by
the CT Tecnova for the R&D project entitled: Automation ag-
ronomic work in intensive farms using robotics -AGRONAU-
TA project.
COLLABORATION AGREEMENT BE-
TWEEN PACKAGING ULMA, S. COOP.
FOUNDATION AND THE FOUNDATION
FOR ANCILLARY TECHNOLOGIES FOR AG-
RICULTURE.
Almeria, July 8, 2014
The objective of this contract is the provision of services by
the CT Tecnova for the R&D project entitled: Automation ag-
ronomic work in intensive farms using robotics -AGRONAU-
TA project.
COLLABORATION AGREEMENT BE-
TWEEN KEMEROVO INSTITUTE OF FOOD
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY AND THE
FOUNDATION FOR ANCILLARY TECH-
NOLOGIES FOR AGRICULTURE.
August 20, 2014
Tecnova and KemIFST intend to strengthen institutional links
in order to foster new research focusing on the agrifood in-
dustry.
Agreements, Contracts And Partnerships
Report 2014
92
10 Agreements, Contracts And Partnerships
FRAMEWORK COOPERATION AGREE-
MENT BETWEEN THE FOUNDATION FOR
ANCILLARY TECHNOLOGIES FOR AGRI-
CULTURE (TECNOVA TC) - AND TECNALIA
RESEARCH & INNOVATION (TECNALIA).
In Zamudio, September 24, 2014
Cooperation agreement to provide mutual support in R&D
projects, technology transfer programmes, technical confer-
ences and business meetings in order to promote innovation
and technological development in the sphere of influence of
both centres.
COLLABORATIONAGREEMENTBETWEEN
HEROGRA ESPECIALES, S.L. FOUNDATION
AND THE FOUNDATION FOR ANCILLARY
TECHNOLOGIES FOR AGRICULTURE.
Almeria, November 11, 2014
The subject matter of this contract is the provision of services
by Tecnova TC for the R&D project “Trial and development of
a microbiological biostimulant for use in protected horticul-
tural crops.”
COLLABORATIONAGREEMENTBETWEEN
MIGUEL GARCIA SANCHEZ E HIJOS, S.A.
AND THE FOUNDATION FOR ANCILLARY
TECHNOLOGIES FOR AGRICULTURE.
Motril, September 10, 2014
The subject matter of this contract is the provision of services
by CT Tecnova for the R&D project “Enhancing the taste of
cherry tomato and reducing the discharge of excess nutrients
into the environment “.
FRAMEWORK COOPERATION AGREE-
MENT BETWEEN THE FOUNDATION FOR
ANCILLARY TECHNOLOGIES FOR AGRI-
CULTURE (TECNOVA TC) - AND THE NA-
TIONAL CENTRE FOR FOOD TECHNOLO-
GY AND SAFETY (CNTA).
San Adrian, Navarra, September 23, 2014
The overall objective of this agreement is to establish the ba-
sis for cooperation between Tecnova TC and CNTA, in order
to develop joint initiatives within the framework of the activities
that are proper to both entities.
COLLABORATION AGREEMENT BE-
TWEEN AGRIPHAR IBERIA S.L.U. AND THE
FOUNDATION FOR ANCILLARY TECH-
NOLOGIES FOR AGRICULTURE.
Almeria, September 4, 2014
The subject matter of this contract is the provision of a agro-
nomic trial evaluation service by Tecnova TC entitled: “Evalu-
ation of the antifungal effects of Pyrus applied via irrigation to
combat Botrytis cinerea in pepper growing (P033_22072014)”
and “Evaluation of the antifungal effects of Pyrus applied
via irrigation to combat Botrytis cinerea in tomato growing
(P030_22072014)”, using the facilities of Tecnova TC.
Report 2014
93
10Agreements, Contracts And Partnerships
Authorization Code No. 04003767 from the Ministry of Edu-
cation of the Andalusian Regional Government., to undergo
professional training in the workplace and as such, gain better
qualifications through direct knowledge of the real working
environment.
COLLABORATIONAGREEMENTBETWEEN
CAMPOMAR SCHOOL OF AGRICULTURE
AND THE FOUNDATION FOR ANCILLARY
TECHNOLOGIES FOR AGRICULTURE (TEC-
NOVA).
Almería, 16 December 2014
The purpose of this agreement is to establish the framework
of cooperation between the two entities for TECNOVA TC to
be able to collaborate on the following activities within the
training courses offered by CAMPOMAR:
• Collaborating on specialised technical talks and / or con-
ferences by TECNOVA TC researchers
• Organising visits for groups of students around the TEC-
NOVA TC facilities
• Organising work experience for CAMPOMAR students in
TECNOVA TC.
COLLABORATION AGREEMENT: VICAR
SCHOOL OF AGRICULTURE – THE FOUN-
DATION FOR ANCILLARY TECHNOLOGIES
FOR AGRICULTURE FOR TRAINING IN THE
WORKPLACE.
Vicar, Almeria, December 16, 2014
The aim of the agreement is to enable the students of the
Initial Vocational Training Course “Agriculture and Livestock
Technician” developed by the Vicar School of Agriculture, with
BUDGET AGREEMENT BETWEEN KEMER-
OVO INSTITUTE OF FOOD SCIENCE AND
TECHNOLOGY , REPRESENTED BY ITS REC-
TOR ALEXANDER PROSEKOV AND THE
FOUNDATION FOR ANCILLARY TECH-
NOLOGIES FOR AGRICULTURE BY ITS
MANAGING DIRECTOR MARIA DEL CAR-
MEN GALERA QUILES.
Almeria, December 12, 2014
The subject matter of this agreement is the cooperation of a
research group working on a joint project regarding: devel-
opment of technology to obtain biopreservatives based on
bacteriocin producing lactic acid bacteria to increase the shelf
life of fruit and vegetables.
Report 2014
94
10
· Abu Dhabi Farmer’s Services Center
· ACAL (Association for improvement in competitiveness in the Agribusiness Cluster)
· ACRIA (Almeria Association of Chefs and Hoteliers).
· AFA (Association of Andalusian Foundations)
· AFBIA (Spanish Association of Companies for Biotechnological Development)
· Agrar Plantas Del Sur, S.A.
· Agrobío S.L.
· Agroclean S.L.
· Agrofresh
· Agrogenia
· Agroindustrial Kimitec S.L.
· Agrolaboratorios Nutricionales S.A.
· AIJU (Tecnology Centre for Toys)
· Aldeilla suministros
· Almafrut Almería, S.L.
· Almeriplant Semilleros S.L.
· Almeriport Bay Foundation
· Amacom
· Ascamm Technology Centre
· ASEMPAL (Business Confederation for the Province of Almería).
· Bakkavor
· Bandesur, S.L.
· Bgreen Biological Systems, S.L.
· Biocolor S.L.
· Biocrisara S.L.
· Bionutrición Vegetal S.A.
· Biorizon Biotech S.L.
· Bureau Veritas S.A.
· Cajamar
· Chamber of Commerce for Almería
· Chamber of Commerce for Huelva
· Chamber of Commerce for Motril
· Chartered Institute of America Economists
· Chartered Institute of Agricultural Engineers
· CeiA3 (Agrifood Campus of International Excellence)
· Caparrós Nature S.L.
· Capital Genetic EBT, S.L.
· Cajamar Foundation
· CDTI
· CEPLA
· Certis Europe
· CICAP
· CITOLIVA
· CNTA
· Construcciones Mecánicas Emilio Gea S.L.
· Cristalplant
· CTAQUA
· Deretil
· Desarrolla Consultores, S.L.
· Desarrollo De Aplicaciones Fitotécnicas S.A.
· Dicsa (Distribuciones Industriales y Científicas S.L).
· Domca
· Ecohal
· Enza Zaden Research Centre S.L.U.
· Enza Zaden S.L.
· Esteros de Canela
· Eurosemillas S.A.
· Europea de Soluciones Alimentarias S.L.
· Extenda
· Formatio Postgrado, S.L.
· Frutas Tejerina
· Gogarsa S.L.
· Grupo Hispatec
· Hazera
· Herogra
· Himarcan Técnica Del Agua y Clima S.L.
Agreements, Contracts And Partnerships
Other Collaborations
Report 2014
95
10
· HM Clause
· Hortalan S.L.
· Hortyfruta
· ICEX
· IDEA (Andalusia Innovation and Devopment Agency)
· IDM (Ideas y Desarrollo para la Mejora Continua)
· IMP (Ingeniería, mantenimiento y productividad)
· Induser Poniente S.L.
· Industrias Aeronáuticas INASOR S.L.U.
· Ingro Maquinaria S.L.
· INPMA (Moroccan National Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants)
· INTECA (Innovative Technology For Agriculture)
· INRA
· Ispemar S.C.A.
· Jarquil Verde
· Koppert España .S.L.
· La Gergaleña,
· Maher Electríonica Aplicada S.L.U.
· Mediterranean Foundation
· Mercomotril, S.A.
· Miguel García Sánchez e Hijos, S.A.
· MKS
· Monsanto
· Natural Crunch S.L.
· National Council of Chambers of Commerce
· Nazaries IT
· New Growing Systems S.L.
· Novedades Agrícolas S.A.
· Nutricionales Alvi
· OMVRAM (Regional office for valuing agriculture in Moulouya)
· OTRI University of Almería
· Pelemix
· PITA (Almeria Science and Technology Park)
· Planet Horizon Technology
· Planprotect S.L.
· Plastienvase, S.L.
· Polytechnic University of Cartagena
· PonientePlast
· Praxair España S.L.U.
· PrimaRam
· Provincial Authority for Agriculture, Fisheries and Environment
· Provincial Authority for Economy, Innovation, Science and Employment.
· Ramiro Arnedo
· Reactiva Laboratorio, S.L.
· Research AG Wageningen
· RETA (Andalusian Network of Technological Spaces)
· RITEC (Riegos y Tecnología)
· Semillas Fitó
· Serfruit
· Solplast. S.A.
· Sotrafa S.A.
· Symborg
· Tecnalia
· TNO
· Top Seed Iberica
· Torresa Proyectos+Ingenieria S.L.
· Tubocas
· Única Group S.C.A
· Universidad de Almería
· UPL Iberica
Agreements, Contracts And Partnerships
Other Collaborations
Report 2014
96
11 Certifications and Membership
Tecnova Foundation is certified in the Quality Management
Systems UNE EN ISO 9001:08, Management of R&D-i
UNE 166002:06 & the Environmental Management Sys-
tem UNE EN ISO 14001:04. In this way, it is possible to
improve all of our processes year by year, while keeping
our customers satisfied. In 2014, the corresponding audits
for the follow-up of these certifications were carried in the
new premises.
Tecnova is an active member of the following asso-
ciations and bodies:
· Spanish Association of Professionals working in Senso-
rial Analysis (AEPAS, in Spanish).
· AENOR. Tecnova coordinates the Normalisation Tech-
nical Committee ‘AEN/ CTN 76/ SC 2/ GT: “ALMERIA
GREENHOUSES”.
· AINIA [Technological Centre].
· Associated to RETA [Andalusian Technological Areas
Network].
· Association for the Promotion of Biotechnology in the
Food Industry (AFBIA, in Spanish).
· Campus of International Excellence in the Agro-Alimen-
tary field [ceiA3].
· Andalusian Association of Foundations (AFA, in Span-
ish).
· Bahía Almeriport Foundation.
· University of Almería (UAL) Mediterranean Foundation.
· Founding Member of the AEI: “Association for the Com-
petitive Improvement of the Agro-Industrial Cluster”.
· Member of the AEI ‘APREAN ENERGinnovación’ – “An-
dalusian Cluster for Renewable Energies”.
· PITA [Scientific-Technological Park of Almería, Spain].
Certifications Membership
HEADQUARTERS TECNOVA
Almeria Science Technology & Park (PITA)
Avda. de la Innovación, 23. C.P.: 04131 El Alquián - Almería (SPAIN)
Phone: +34 950 29 08 22
administracion@fundaciontecnova.com
www.fundaciontecnova.com

Report annual Tecnova 2014

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    Report 2014 2 1 Letterfrom the President 2014 was highlighted by the commissioning of our Experi- mental Centre, which opened in April and is located on land ceded by the council of Viator. This means Tecnova now has two different headquarters and reinforces its position as a benchmark for the agribusiness sector. It was created as a result of the support of its companies to represent all of the cutting edge technology forming part of the Almeria agricultural model and is what has made it so successful. This is a unique, international reference centre, compris- ing 12 hectares of land with fully equipped facilities using in- novative technology to carry out tests and trials for the mar- ket. All of this is done under real conditions in connection with greenhouse crop production, where R&D&I together with knowledge and technology transfer is carried out, the ideal place to undertake technology missions that explain the reality of the agricultural model. Regarding our primary headquarters located in the PITA and after more than two years of continuous hard work, businesses have seen how the centre has become a meet- ing place to promote their products and services to cus- tomers through business meetings and technology demon- strations. The Foundation premises have also become an important training centre through the various informative technical conferences on quality and safety of minimally pro- cessed fresh products, organic farming and R&D&I taxation. Training programmes for culinary innovation are also carried out under the collaboration agreement with ACRIA (Almeria Association of Chefs and Hoteliers), together with presenta- tions for fruit and vegetable varieties, amongst others. All of the above is always done with the aim of encouraging promotion, internationalisation and in particular, innovation in the fruit and vegetable sector. Thanks to the different facilities, from greenhouses, lab- Emilio Martínez Aguado President of the Tecnova Technology Centre
  • 4.
    Report 2014 3 1Letter fromthe President oratories, pilot plants for robotics and minimally processed fresh, amongst others, which are housed in the two Tecnova headquarters, to a large team of researchers and experts in areas of specialisation, we are in constant touch with the needs of the sector, developing projects and initiatives of interest to ensure technological improvement and innova- tion. Specifically, during 2014 we developed more than 70 projects with companies as well as our own projects, work- ing across the value chain, from technology used in green- houses, environmental sustainability, plant nutrition and bio- technology to post-harvest treatment and technology, also in formats ensuring benefits for the end user. Tecnova is also managing to create a leading brand na- tionally, building strategic alliances through agreements and collaborations with important R&D&I centres such as Tec- nalia, CNTA, Wageningen University, Kemerovo Institute of Food Science and Technology and VTT Technical Research of Finland, amongst others . Internationally, Tecnova is part of two Focus Groups from the European Commission in Brussels, actively par- ticipating in the decisions and issues of interest regarding new lines of R&D&I for the Horizon 2020 funding strategy. In addition, we are working on 4 continents, Europe, Africa, America and Asia, carrying out different types of technical advisory services and R&D&I projects It has to be said that none of this would have been pos- sible without the work and support of the governing bodies of Tecnova, including the Board of Directors, Board of Trus- tees and Board of Trustees, who have fully supported me in making decisions regarding strategic lines to follow and together with all the Tecnova staff, we are fast becoming the best agri-food technology centre in Andalusia. I would also like to thank the companies that placed their trust in us and became partners with Tecnova during 2014, amongst which are: AGROPONIENTE, S.A.; BIOFLOWSUR, S.L., DOMCA, S.A., EUROPEA DE SOLUCIONES ALIMEN- TARIAS, HEROGRA ESPECIALES, S.L., HM CLAUSE, S.A., HORTOFRUTÍCOLA COSTA DE ALMERÍA, S.L., MEDIALIA GROUP CORREDURÍA DE SEGUROS, S.L., MERCOMO- TRIL, S.A., RAMIRO ARNEDO, S.A., REQUENA COMPA- NY ABOGADOS ASOCIADOS, S.L.,ULMA PACKAGING, S. COOP. & UPL IBERIA, S.A. After nine years as head of the presidency of the Foun- dation and casting a look back, I know that together with the companies we have always worked towards the ad- vancement and progress of the sector, investing in R&D&I and making the work of the companies more visible. I am proud of the outstanding success Tecnova has achieved, as it has grown from being a small organization to becom- ing a benchmark Center for Agri-food business in Andalu- sia, not only regarding facilities, but also in knowledge and work skills regarding innovation and technology transfer to industry. Finally, to paraphrase Albert Einstein, who said “If you want different results, do not do the same things,” Tecnova will continue to work hard in the future together with the whole of the fruit and vegetable industry, from production to harvesting, post-harvest and packaging, hand in hand with its companies, seeking new challenges ahead whilst remain- ing focused on continuous improvement, looking for tangi- ble results to make them more productive and competitive in an increasingly global market and always as a flag bearer of innovation and knowledge and technology transfer.
  • 5.
    Report 2014 4 2 Overviewand Evolution The Foundation for Auxiliary Technologies for Agriculture (Fundación Tecnova) was born on 9th of January, 2001. It is a non-profit private entity listed in the Registry of Founda- tions from the Regional Ministry of Social Affairs of the Au- tonomous Community of Andalusia (Spain) since 25th May, 2001, and together with more than 120 companies of the field of the Auxiliary Industry and Services for Agriculture. In March 2007, it was qualified as Technological Centre of the Auxiliary Industry for Agriculture at Andalusian level by the Regional Ministry for Innovation, Science & Business and in June 2013, it was qualified by the Ministry for Innvation Sci- ence & Business as Centre for Support for Technological Innovation at Spain. The MISSION of TECNOVA Technological Centre is to pro- vide an added value, promoting innovation and technological development while favouring business competiveness in the agriculture auxiliary industry sector. It works at international level and with the collaboration of all the agents involved in the process. The VISION of this Technological Centre is to be a bench- mark and a provider of technological knowledge with an international view, regarding techniques to be applied in: agrochemistry, greenhouse construction, climate and en- vironment control, packaging and containers, engineering, laboratories, agricultural and handling machinery, plastics, biological production, ferti-irrigation, seeds, seedbeds, culti- vation substrate, waste management & environment. The OPERATIONAL MODEL of TECNOVA Technological Centre is based on strategic working commissions. These are integrated by representatives of all implied subsectors, for a more optimised and comprehensive view, together with a further specialisation, in accordance with current business fabric. The PURPOSE of TECNOVA Technological Centre is the technological development, promotion and commercialisa- tion of the Auxiliary Industry and Services for Agriculture, by means of innovation, competitiveness and training promotion. For the said purpose, TECNOVA carries out as many main and complementary activities as necessary, especially: a) Carrying out Investigation, Technological Develop- ment and Innovation (R&D+i) activities in areas relat- ed to production, commercialisation & the Auxiliary Industry for Agriculture (Agroindustry). b) Promotion of relations between the members of the Foundation, as well as between the Foundation and the several other actors involved in the Science, Technology and Business system. c) Collaboration and cooperation with other national and International bodies and organisations, in order to reach common goals and/or to participate in na- tional and international programmes. d) Provision of assistance and of advanced technolog- ical and engineering services in the mentioned field. e) Carrying out technological surveillance and collab- orating in the transfer of Research results and Tech- nologies in this field. f) Organisation of training activities, technical confer- ences and sessions for the improvement of the sci- entific and technical education of citizens. Together with the organisation of other types of technological events, such as fairs or conferences. g) Promotion and coverage of reports, publications, studies and statistical data, including prospective ones, in relation to the aforementioned sector. h) Carrying out promotion and commercialisation ac- tions for this industry. i) Engagement in any other general activity which could be of interest for the sector. Overview
  • 6.
    Report 2014 5 2Overview andEvolution 2001 - 2013 2001 - 2014 Training No. of studies on the training needs of companies which are part of the Foundation 72 86 In-Person Training courses and sessions organised 108 122 No. of people having being trained 3372 4.142 Promotion No. of information bulletins issued 281 302 No. of technological surveillance bulletins issued 90 100 No. of press releases 2702 2.992 Collaborations 162 188 No. of actions for the promotion of the Auxiliary Industry and Services for Agriculture carried out by Tecnova 489 495 Collaboration agreements 152 164 Internationalisation No. of commercial missions in which Tecnova participated 114 122 No. of commercial missions organised 54 56 No. of international fairs attended 45 49 No. of queries answered on Foreign Trade 1977 2002 Projects developed on Foreign Trade 20 22 R&D+i No. of R&D+i projects developed by Tecnova 46 53 No. of collaborations with companies for R&D projects 179 248 No. of registered trademarks for companies 15 15 No. of companies advised on R&D+i issues 401 552 No. of queries answered on R&D+i issues 1876 2142 No. of publications 79 80 Evolution
  • 7.
    Report 2014 X 6 Catalogue ofServices3 • Production technology design. • Process modernisation and automation. • Development of agricultural trials. • Environmental sustainability. Services • Design and mechanical calculations. • Environmental Sustainability. • Automation, robotics and artificial vision. • Plastic materials. • Optimisation of agro-industrial structures. Postharvest and Packaging Technology • Development of new products and Methods. • Postharvest Handling. • Agrifood Packaging. • Non destructive analysis technologies. Services • Postharvest consulting. • Non-destructive analysis techniques. • Packaging studies. • Ready-to-eat and Fresh Cut Vegetable. Agricultural Trials Services • Characterisation studies for the introduction of new crops and varieties. • Development and evaluation of new products for zero res- idue agriculture. • Evaluation in microcosmos and in semi-field and field con- ditions to characterise the efficiency of new beneficial in- sects to combat insect plagues. • Fine-tuning of micropropagation techniques in plant spe- cies. What does Tecnova offer? • Collaboration and continuous support throughout the whole innovation process. • Tailor made solutions based on client needs. • Personalised customer service at every stage of the pro- ject. • Complete confidentiality regarding the development and results of the company projects. • Workforce: We are proud to have a team made up of sci- entists, agricultural, industrial, chemical and biological en- gineers, as well as graduates and support staff with a wide range of experience in the sector. • Equipment: We have equipment that uses cuttingedge technology, able to provide the best solutions to the pro- duction, sales, postharvest and packaging sectors. Strategic Development for R&D&I Food and Vegetable Production Technology
  • 8.
    Report 2014 X 7 Catalogue ofServices 3 • Formulation screening of new products by means of agri- cultural trials in lamp growth chambers. • Development and evaluation of new substrates and using sustainable crop production. • Studies to improve the efficiency of inputs in the produc- tion system of vegetables grown in greenhouses. • Evaluation of cutting-edge technology for the production of vegetable crops grown in greenhouses Gastronomical Development • Sensorial analysis laboratory. It is a vital, integral part in determining the quality of any type of food. Services • Panel of experts. • Panel of consumers. • Expert and non-expert focus groups. • Sensory profile (texture, taste, etc). • Company consulting Gastronomical innovation laboratory Services • Nutritional optimisation. • Healthy cooking. • Gastronomical meetings and short courses. • Presentations for new products. • Show cooking. • Evaluation of fruit and vegetable products. • Development of ready-cooked products. Related Activities Innovation Responsible for its own R&D&I projects belonging to Tecno- va as well as those of companies and public and prívate re- search centres. Innovation management • Technical consulting. • Information and guidance in the field of tax law. • Research into the state-of-the art and techniques regard- ing the project. Publication of Results (OTRI) • Coordination of technological innovation projects. • Facilitate technology and knowledge transfer. • Encourage the creation of Technology Based Companies. • Organisation and advertising of conferences. • Help to find financing for companies. • Applying for patents, utility models, brands and hallmarks processing. • Technology watch. • Awareness of popular science.
  • 9.
    Report 2014 X 8 Catalogue ofServices3 Public Relations and Marketing • Creation of electronic press releases. • Press agent. • Specialist research and article publication. • Job offers. Training • Organising and running short courses,seminars and work- shops with successful companies and business gurus. • Training for agricultural, postharvest and packaging tech- nology at national and international level. Foreign Trade • Organisation of promotional activities, including Outbound and Inbound Trade Missions • Participation at international agricultural trade fairs. • Carrying out development plans and market research for emerging economies. • Technology transfer at government and business level. • Technology transfer and projects of interest for the sector. • Development of turnkey projects. • Creation of national and international consortiums. • Help to find financing. www.fundaciontecnova.com TwitterFacebook Linked in You Tube
  • 10.
    Report 2014 X 9 Corporative Information4 In order to attain its objectives, TECNOVA is organised ac- cording to an efficient and working structure. It is with this view in mind that the following structure was detailed in the articles of association of the Foundation. All subsectors of the agriculture auxiliary industry are represented in the Board of Trustees. Organisation Structure Foundation Board Board of Trustees Managing Board Direction General Ressources Innovation Strategic Projects Trade & Marketing Laboratories Tph Tpe
  • 11.
    Report 2014 10 4 CorporativeInformation Executive Board President Cerys, S.A. D. Emilio Martínez Aguado Vice-president 1st Sistemas de Calor, S.L. D. Antonio Cambil Montoro Vice-president 2nd PITA, S. A. D. Rafael Peral Sorroche Secretary AMB, S.A D. Antonio Alonso Alarcón Treasurer Agrobío, S. L. D. Francisco Torres Carmona Member Dicsa, S.L. D. Emilio Leite Terrasa Member IMP Consultores, S.L. D. Antonio Mayor Rodríguez
  • 12.
    Report 2014 11 4Corporative Information PositionCompany Name and Last Name President Cerys, S.A. Emilio Martínez Aguado Vice-president 1st Sistemas de Calor, S.L Antonio Cambil Montoro Vice-president 2nd Parque Científico-Tecnológico de Almería (PITA,) S.A Rafael Peral Sorroche Secretary Amb, S.A Antonio Alonso Alarcón Treasurer Agrobio, S.L. Francisco Torres Carmona Members Biobest Sistemas Biológicos, S.L. Fernando Castilla Cantón Dicsa, Distribuciones Industriales y Científicas, s.L. Emilio Leite Terrasa Himarcan, Técnica del Agua y Clima, s.L José Manuel Pérez González Ideas y Desarr. Para la mejora contínua IDM, S.L. Angel Barranco Vega Ingeniería Mantenimiento y Productividad, S.L Antonio Mayor Rodríguez Ingeniería y Centro de Cálculo, S.A. Francisco Martínez Rodríguez Jarquil Andalucía, S.A. Miguel López Martínez Philoseed España, S.L Manuel López Martínez Planprotect, S.L. Juan José Martínez Lázaro Grupo Hispatec Informática Empresarial, S.A Miguel Rodríguez de la Rubia Sotrafa, S.A. Vicente Cejas Medina Smurfit Kappa Almería, S.A. Miguel Hernández Góngora Tecnoponiente Invernaderos, S.L. Manuel Villegas Fuentes Board of Trustees
  • 13.
    Report 2014 12 4 CorporativeInformation Management Mª Carmen Galera Quiles Food And Vegetable Production Technology Guadalupe López Díaz Eduardo Pardo Martínez José Luis Pardo Alonso Mª Del Mar Villegas Oliva Postharvest And Packaging Technology Ana Belén Cabezas Serrano Teresa Turiño Rodríguez Analitical Services Joaquín Pozo Dengra Adolfo de Valenzuela Santaella Rosa Redondo Miranda Gaspar Francisco Segovia Torrente Business Diego Teruel Giménez Juan Carlos Jiménez Palacios Innovation Esther Escámez Hernández Francisco Ibáñez Cruz Agronomical Trials Carolina Clara Martínez Gaitán Carolina Sánchez Barranco Francisco García Checa Jorge Molina Castillo Francisco Domínguez Mateo Fernando Jiménez Sánchez José Luis Barranco Viciana Corporate Resources Miguel Rodríguez Sánchez Apolonia Gázquez Gázquez María Molina Pérez Verónica Navarro Jiménez Technical Team
  • 14.
    Report 2014 13 4Corporative Information TheBoard of Trustees is in charge of governing, managing and represent- ing the Foundation Tecnova, which will meet with its foundational aims while being able to delegate powers to one or more of its members. Com- petences include sorting out any issues concerning the governing, manag- ing and representation of the Foundation, as well as the interpretation and edition of the Statutes. The first Board of Trustees meeting of the year was held on the 27th of May, with the following Agenda: report by the President, overview and approval of budget, yearly inventory and accounts, auting report of 2013 as well as approval of new members and acceptance of their position, among other issues. On the 25th of November, had the second meeting of the Board of Trustees took place, in which the following was on the Agenda: approval of Action Plan 2015, overview of applications to join the Foundation, followed by approval if deemed convenient, report by the President and other issues of interest to the Foundation. Board of Trustees
  • 15.
    Report 2014 14 5 Compositionof the Patronage Companies in 2014 Biotechnology Greenhouses Certification Consulting Climatecontrol systems PlantNutrition Training Containersand packagings Informationand communicationsTech. Engineering Institutions Laboratories Agricultural machinery Post-harvest machinery Otherservices Plastics Pestcontrol Irrigationand fertirrigation Seeds Seedbeds Environmental controlsystems Substrates Watertreatments Wastetreatments andenvironment 1 AGENCIA DE INNOVACIÓN Y DESARROLLO DE ANDALUCÍA 2 AGRAR PLANTAS DEL SUR, S.A 3 AGRINATURE INDÁLICA, S.A. 4 AGRISTAL, S.L 5 AGROBIO, S.L. 6 AGROCOLOR, S.L. 7 AGROFRESH Exportación de Frutas y Hortalizas 8 AGROINDUSTRIAL KIMITEC, S.L 9 AGROINVER, S.L. 10 AGROLABORATORIOS NUTRICIONALES, S.A. 11 AGROSISTEMAS DEL SUR, S.L. 12 ALARCONTROL, S.L. 13 ALDEILLA SUMINISTROS INDUSTRIALES, S.L 14 ALMERIPLANT EXPLOTACIONES, S.L. 15 AMB, S.A 16 ARES CONSULTORES, S.L. 17 ARS PRIVILEGIUM, S.L. 18 BIO CRISARA S.L. 19 BIOBEST SISTEMAS BIOLÓGICOS, S.L. 20 BIOCOLOR, S.L 21 BIOINTEGRA MEDIOAMBIENTAL, S.L. 22 BIONUTRICIÓN VEGETAL, S.A. (B.N.V.) 23 BIORIZON BIOTECH, S.L. 24 BIO SABOR, SAT Listed Companies Foundation Tecnova
  • 16.
    Report 2014 15 5Composition ofthe Patronage Companies in 2014 Biotechnology Greenhouses Certification Consulting Climatecontrol systems PlantNutrition Training Containersand packagings Informationand communicationsTech. Engineering Institutions Laboratories Agricultural machinery Post-harvest machinery Otherservices Plastics Pestcontrol Irrigationand fertirrigation Seeds Seedbeds Environmental controlsystems Substrates Watertreatments Wastetreatments andenvironment 25 BUILDING-IDEAS, S.L.L 26 BUREAU VERITAS ESPAÑOL, S.A 27 CAJAMAR 28 CAPARRÓS NATURE, S.L 29 CAPITAL GENETIC EBT, S.L. 30 CARFIA, S.L. (COFLOR) 31 CARRETILLAS AMATE, S.L 32 CENTRO DE FORM. NOBEL XXI, S.L. 33 CERTIS EUROPE, S.C.A 34 CERYS S.A. (GRUPO ALMAFRUT ALMERÍA) 35 COLEGIO OFICIAL DE INGENIEROS TÉCNICOS AGRÍCOLAS 36 CONSTRUCCIONES MECÁNICAS EMILIO GEA, S.L. 37 CRISTALERÍA PLATIL, S.L. 38 CUALIN INTEGRAL, S.L. 39 DELEGACIÓN INNOVACION, CIENCIA Y EMPRESA 40 DERETIL AGRONUTRICIONAL, S.L.U 41 DICSA, DISTRIBUCIONES INDUSTRIALES Y CIENTÍFICAS, S.L. 42 ECOHIDRO AGUA Y MEDIO AMBIENTE EBT, S.L. 43 ENZA ZADEN ESPAÑA, S.L. 44 ESTRATEGIA DE CREATIVIDAD, S.L. 45 EUROSEMILLAS, S.A 46 FORMATIO POSTGRADO, S.L. 47 FUNDACIÓN BAHÍA ALMERIPORT 48 FUNDACIÓN CAJAMURCIA Listed Companies Foundation Tecnova
  • 17.
    Report 2014 16 5 Compositionof the Patronage Companies in 2014 Biotechnology Greenhouses Certification Consulting Climatecontrol systems PlantNutrition Training Containersand packagings Informationand communicationsTech. Engineering Institutions Laboratories Agricultural machinery Post-harvest machinery Otherservices Plastics Pestcontrol Irrigationand fertirrigation Seeds Seedbeds Environmental controlsystems Substrates Watertreatments Wastetreatments andenvironment 49 FUNDACIÓN MEDITERRANEA DE LA UNIVERSIDAD DE ALMERÍA 50 GOGARSA S.L. 51 GRUPO HISPATEC INFORMÁTICA EMPRESARIAL, S.A 52 HIJO DE ALFREDO RODRÍGUEZ, S.L. 53 HIMARCAN, TÉCNICA DEL AGUA Y CLIMA, S.L. 54 HORTALAN MED, S.L 55 HORTIMAX GROWING SOLUTIONS, S.L 56 IDEAS Y DESARR. PARA LA MEJORA CONTÍNUA IDM, S.L. 57 IMANIMA, S.L.L 58 INDUSER PONIENTE, S.L 59 INGENIERIA MANTENIMIENTO Y PRODUCTIVIDAD, S.L 60 INGENIERIA Y CENTRO DE CÁLCULO, S.A. 61 INGRO MAQUINARIA, S.L 62 INVERNADEROS FERRER, S.L 63 ISPEMAR, SOLUCIONES AGRÍCOLAS NATURALES, SCA. 64 JARQUIL ANDALUCÍA, S.A. 65 KOPPERT ESPAÑA, S.L 66 LABORATORIO ANALÍTICO BIOCLÍNICO, S.L. 67 LABORATORIOS ECONATUR, S.L.U 68 LEON Y VERGEL ASESORES, S.L 69 MADERAS Y CONTRACHAPADOS, S.L. 70 MARTÍNEZ INTEGRAL, S.L. 71 MIGUEL GARCÍA SÁNCHEZ E HIJOS S.A. 72 MONTAJES DE ELÉCTRICIDAD MOYA, S.L. Listed Companies Foundation Tecnova
  • 18.
    Report 2014 17 5Composition ofthe Patronage Companies in 2014 Biotechnology Greenhouses Certification Consulting Climatecontrol systems PlantNutrition Training Containersand packagings Informationand communicationsTech. Engineering Institutions Laboratories Agricultural machinery Post-harvest machinery Otherservices Plastics Pestcontrol Irrigationand fertirrigation Seeds Seedbeds Environmental controlsystems Substrates Watertreatments Wastetreatments andenvironment 73 MORERA & VALLEJO INDUSTRIAL S.L. 74 NEW GROWING SYSTEM, S.L 75 NOVEDADES AGRÍCOLAS, S.A. 76 PARQUE CIENTÍFICO-TECNOLÓGICO DE ALMERÍA (PITA) S.A 77 PELEMIX, S.L 78 PIQUERSA MAQUINARIA, S.A. 79 PHILOSEED ESPAÑA, S.L 80 PLANPROTECT, S.L. 81 PLATAFORMA DE PUBLICIDAD, S.A. 82 PONIENTEPLAST, S.A. 83 PRIMA-RAM, S.A. 84 RAFAEL ALONSO AGUILERA S.L. 85 REACTIVA LABORATORIO, S.L 86 RIEGOS Y TECNOLOGÍA, S.L. 87 RIJK ZWAAN IBÉRICA, S.A. 88 RITEC-HIDRO, S.L 89 S&B INDUSTRIAL MINERALS SPAIN, S.L.U. 90 SEMILLERO LAIMUND, S.L. 91 SERFRUIT, S.A 92 SICA AGRIQ, S.L. 93 SISTEMA AZUD, S.A 94 SISTEMAS DE CALOR 95 SMURFIT KAPPA ALMERIA, S.A. 96 SOLPLAST, S.A. Listed Companies Foundation Tecnova
  • 19.
    Report 2014 18 5 Compositionof the Patronage Companies in 2014 Biotechnology Greenhouses Certification Consulting Climatecontrol systems PlantNutrition Training Containersand packagings Informationand communicationsTech. Engineering Institutions Laboratories Agricultural machinery Post-harvest machinery Otherservices Plastics Pestcontrol Irrigationand fertirrigation Seeds Seedbeds Environmental controlsystems Substrates Watertreatments Wastetreatments andenvironment 97 SOTRAFA, S.A. 98 TECNOPONIENTE INVERNADEROS, S.L. 99 TORRESA EUROCONSTRUCCIONES S.L. 100 UNICA GROUP, S.C.A 101 VELLSAM MATERIAS BIOACTIVAS, S.L. 102 VIAGRO, S.A. 103 VIAJES CEMO, S.A. 104 VITRANSGROUP INTERNATIONAL, S.L Listed Companies Foundation Tecnova
  • 20.
    Report 2014 19 5Composition ofthe Patronage New Companies in 2014 Biotechnology Greenhouses Certification Consulting Climatecontrol systems PlantNutrition Training Containersand packagings Informationand communicationsTech. Engineering Institutions Laboratories Agricultural machinery Post-harvest machinery Otherservices Plastics Pestcontrol Irrigationand fertirrigation Seeds Seedbeds Environmental controlsystems Substrates Watertreatments Wastetreatments andenvironment 105 AGROPONIENTE, S.A. 106 BIOFLOWSUR, S.L. 107 DOMCA, S.A. 108 EUROPEA DE SOLUCIONES ALIMENTARIAS 109 HEROGRA ESPECIALES, S.L. 110 HM CLAUSE, S.A. 111 HORTOFRUTÍCOLA COSTA DE ALMERÍA, S.L. 112 MEDIALIA GROUP CORREDURÍA DE SEGUROS, S.L. 113 MERCOMOTRIL, S.A. 114 RAMIRO ARNEDO, S.A. 115 REQUENA COMPANY ABOGADOS ASOCIADOS, S.L. 116 ULMA PACKAGING, S. COOP. 117 UPL IBERIA, S.A. Listed New Companies Foundation Tecnova
  • 21.
    Report 2014 20 6 R&D&I R&D&Iis one of the main lines of work for the Tecnova Tech- nology Centre so given its importance, many related action plans for knowledge and technology transfer are carried out throughout the year. This section reflects a synthesis of the work carried out during 2014, regarding transfer actions as well as our own prominent projects in collaboration with companies in the fruit and vegetable industry. Action plans for Technology Transfer & R&D+I Office for Research Results Transfer Activi- ties (OTRI) The Ministry for Science and Innovation, currently the Min- istry for Economy and Competitiveness, has acknowledged the contribution of the Tecnova TC in Technology Transfer by means of its registration in the OTRI Register. This is the culmination of the progress made by the Technology Cen- tre in terms of promoting innovation and spreading its results throughout the field of the Ancillary Industry for Agriculture. The OTRI is a service offered by Tecnova TC and is re- sponsible for promoting and managing relations for the centre with the world of innovation and with corporate technological development in the field of research. It is also responsible for promoting and spreading the results of R&D&I projects car- ried out by the Foundation to the public, as well as providing information on new funding lines for businesses Participation in the First National Symposi- um of Horticultural Engineering The Tecnova Technology Centre participated in the First Na- tional Symposium of horticultural engineering entitled “Agro- motics in Agriculture” organized by the Spanish Society of Horticultural Science at the Polytechnic School of Orihuela. As part of this, the researcher José Luis Pardo from Tec- nova, introduced the Advanced Centre for Development of Advanced Robotics and Artificial Vision Systems for specific applications in the Horticulture and Agribusiness sectors of Tecnova, which aims to assess the prototypes developed to- gether with agribusiness firms in a 150 m2 pilot plant, consist- ing of three separate and reconfigurable robotic cells. Participation in the European Forum on Science, Technology and Innovation “2014 Transfer” The Tecnova Technology Centre once again participated in the international innovation forum organized by RETA which has served as a meeting place for the state of the market re- garding R&D&I, bringing together the most prominent agents for innovation at national and European level .
  • 22.
    Report 2014 21 6R&D&I Organization ofa promotional conference for the “Transfer 2015” Forum In late 2014, Tecnova in collaboration with RETA, organized a conference for dissemination and promotion amongst the companies from the sector as part of the 2015 edition of the European Forum on Science, Technology and Innovation “Transfer” in order to publicise it and promote knowledge transfer between business and innovation. Participation in Two Focus Groups created by the European Commission Dr. Carolina Martinez, head of the Tecnova Experimental Cen- tre as well as Ph.D. and expert in agricultural engineering and plant nutrition, was recruited as one of the experts for Focus Group 10 on “Efficiency in the Use of Fertilisers for Open Field Horticultural Crops” and the Focus Group entitled “Organic matter in soils of the Mediterranean Region” created by the European Commission in Brussels to advise the European In- novation Partnership for Agricultural productivity and Sustain- ability (EIP-AGRI) and aims to define future lines and research needs for science and innovation projects falling within the Horizon 2020 strategy framework. Annual meeting in Tecnova of Focus Group 10 for the European Commission on “Efficien- cy in the Use of Fertilisers for Open Field Hor- ticultural Crops” As part of Tecnova’s participation in Focus Group 10 on “Ef- ficiency in the Use of Fertilizers for Open Field Horticultural Crops” and represented by Dr. Carolina Martinez, head of the Tecnova Experimental Centre, the last of the annual European meetings for this focus group was held in November 2014 at Tecnova in PITA and the 20 experts from all over Europe that make up the team attended the said meeting for two days. Briefing on Aid to the Agri-food industry The Tecnova Technology Centre in collaboration with the Almeria Provincial Delegation for the Department of Agricul- ture, Fisheries and Rural Development of the Regional Gov- ernment of Andalusia, organised an informative conference on aid for the agri-food industry, of interest to the fruit and
  • 23.
    Report 2014 X 22 6 R&D&I vegetablebusiness sector. The event was introduced by the Territorial Delegate for Almería, José Manuel Ortiz Bono along with the managing director of Tecnova Foundation, Maria Carmen Galera and the main speaker was José Antonio Alia- ga, Head of Agriculture, Industries and Quality. Sensitization meeting on tools for financing provided by CDTI The Tecnova Technology Centre in collaboration with the Centre for the Development of Industrial Technology (CDTI) organised a business awareness action plan with the aim of publicising the new tools provided by the CDTI to support R&D&I companies, individually or in collaboration with groups of firms. The talk was given by Carlos Franco, a specialist from CDTI. Coordination, steering committee and certifi- cation meetings for the HUMIDEX project Throughout 2014, the certification for the HUMIDEX project was carried out along with the holding of several coordina- tion and steering committee meetings between the members of the group of firms with the aim of explaining and coor- dinating the various activities carried out. The project: “HU- MIDEX: Control of humidity as a limiting factor for competi- tiveness, employability and export capacity of the Andalusian
  • 24.
    Report 2014 X 23 6R&D&I agro-cluster” isled by the company ‘Novedades Agrícolas’ alongside ‘Agrobío’, ‘Alarcontrol’, ‘Almeriplant’ and ‘Sistemas de Calor’ , and has been funded by the Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness as part of the ERDF-INNTERCONECTA call through the IDEA Agency and the CDTI. Participation in Mission for Growth of the Eu- ropean Union The Tecnova Foundation participated in the mission for the growth of the European Union, which took place in Seville and was organized by the European Enterprise Network as part of the Europe 2020 growth strategy with the aim of organising meetings with other agencies and companies looking for new partners to start up R&D&I projects of inter- est at European level. Travellingtechnologicalexhibition“Tecnoferia” Tecnova together with FESTO organized a traveling exhibition of automation and robotics technology known as “Tecnoferia” which served as way of showing how the Tecnova Agrifood Robotics and Minimally Processed Fresh pilot plants work. It also promoted the latest advances in the areas of industrial automation and robotics as well businesses for fruit and veg- etables, agricultural machinery, post-harvest and marketing, amongst others. It was also of interest to future professionals, such as vocational training students and those at university connected with industrial, mechanical and electronical engi- neering, amongst others.
  • 25.
    Report 2014 X 24 6 R&D&I Networkingin the Agri-food Technology Platform “Food For Life” As part of knowledge and technology transfer of the Food For Life-Spain platform, led by the Spanish Federation of Food and Beverage Industries (IFLA), and whose mission is to pro- mote research in food and the participation of companies in the sector through innovative projects, one of its annual meet- ings was held at the premises of Tecnova to bring together fruit and vegetable companies from the sector with the other members of the Platform. The event was introduced by Emilio Martinez, president of Tecnova and Federico Morais, director and founder of the Food for Life – Spain Technology Platform. In connection with this, Tecnova has attended other meetings in centres of excellence nationally, such as the one organ- ized by IRTA and attended by the Dr. Joaquin Pozo, from the postharvest area in Tecnova, who gave a presentation about Tecnova and the projects it is carrying out linked with the are- as of postharvest, biotechnology and health. Participation in 2014 Infoday for Horizon 2020 at the European Commission in Brussels Tecnova attended meetings of interest for knowledge trans- fer carried out in the European Commission in order to get to know other R&D&I centres and companies to explore joint ventures regarding the search for new European pro- jects. “Innobus” Technology demonstration display The multinational SMC in collaboration with Tecnova or- ganised an educational and commercial initiative, with the aim of introducing mechanics and process automation,
  • 26.
    Report 2014 X 25 6R&D&I amongst others,for the fruit and vegetable business sector. To do this, it featured a live demonstration of technology inside a special bus known as Innobus, created by SMC. Taking advantage of the visit, an open day was held to en- able professionals, students and visitors to see the environ- mental work carried out in the pilot plant of the foundation. Steering committee meetings in Spain and RussiafortheEuropeanproject“BIOSAFOOD” With the aim of coordinating the activities of the European project “Antagonistic lactic acid bacteria and other micro- organisms used as biopreservatives in minimally processed fresh products and whose acronym is BIOSAFOOD”, a series of coordination meetings were set up to monitor and develop the project in both Spain and Russia. As part of this, they held three steering committee and coordination meetings in 2014, two in Spain and the other in Russia. The participants in the project were DOMCA (pro- ject leader) along with other entities such as MKS and the Kemerovo Institute of Food Science and Technology, both from Russia, and also the University of Granada together with Tecnova itself. They introduced the activities involved with the carrying out of the European project, funded by the Andalusian Ministry of Economy, Innovation, Science and Employment and the Eu- ropean Regional Development Fund (ERDF), which forms part of the 2012 Call for the EUROTRANSBIO initiative, operating under the ERA-NET Seventh Framework Programme (FP7), whose purpose is to develop biopreservatives to be applied to minimally processed fresh fruit and vegetable products.
  • 27.
    Report 2014 X 26 6 R&D&I AnnualMeeting of the European project “Fertiplus” in Tecnova At the end of the year, the annual meeting of members of the consortium of the European project “Reducing mineral fertil- isers and agro-chemicals by recycling treated organic waste as compost and bio-char products”, better known by its ac- ronym “Fertiplus”, took place. During their stay the members discussed the state of the project and related technical issues, and took the opportunity to pay a visit to the facilities of Tecnova and a awareness rais- ing presentation of the Almeria agro-industrial cluster. Finally, an event for transferring the results of the project was introduced by the Managing Director of Tecnova, Maria Del Carmen Galera, together with a session of live showcook- ing using horticultural products grown in Almería to enhance their value in the eyes of the members of the consortium who came from different European countries. The project is part of the cooperation program of the Seventh Framework Programme (FP7) under the FP7-KB- BE-2011-5 call. Ancillary Industry for Agriculture: Technolo- gy Watch Bulletins These Technology Watch Bulletins (on containers and packaging, greenhouses, agricultural machinery, irrigation, plastics and mesh netting) are published part of as a tech- nology alert for the state of the sector in terms of innovation. They also introduce the national and international patents published during the year 2014 for each of the aforemen- tioned sectors. “Healthy Tecnova” Bulletin The monthly bulletin ‘Healthy Tecnova’ has proved to be a success amongst readers, because it deals with diet-related
  • 28.
    Report 2014 X 27 6R&D&I health issues.The idea is to promote healthy habits and to spread information on technical and scientific issues, both for professional experts and for all sorts of readers interested in different aspects of the agri-food business or about a good, healthy, high-quality diet. R&D&I Projects The research lines of the Technology Centre are aimed at the carrying out of R&D&I projects related to the areas of Postharvest and Packaging Technology as well as Fruit and Vegetable Production Technology in order to address the whole value chain, from seeds, substrates and greenhouse technology, amongst others, through to harvesting and postharvest treatments with a focus on the end consumer Below, an outline is drawn of the R&D&I projects carried out by the Technology Centre along the following lines: Own projects Project Title: “Setting up of the Expert Tasting Panel for Sensory Analysis in Tomato” In 2014, the Tecnova Technology Centre started a new line of work, setting up an Expert Tasting Panel for Sen- sory Analysis in Tomato, in order to serve as a benchmark for agri-food companies, seed producers and tomato sup- pliers, as well as for companies that make ‘minimally pro- cessed fresh’ and ‘ready to eat’ products, allowing an in- sight to be gained into what the criteria and perceptions on quality and sensory characteristics of the product are. This has allowed great strides forward in the professional status of the Tecnova sensory analysis laboratory, supported by a team of expert tasters in addition to the continuing market research required by companies. Project Title: “Design of automated equip- ment for carrying out the grafting of seed- lings using robots with an artificial vision system.” Injerobots Project “ This project led by the Tecnova Technology Centre in which the companies ‘Ingro Maquinaria’ and ‘Almeriplant’ as well as the ASCAMM Technology Centre are also participating, aims to develop a novel and unique independent computer for grafting vegetable seedlings, based on two anthropomorphic robots working in tandem and endowed with an artificial vi- sion system. In the Robotics pilot plant at Tecnova, the tasks of conception, design, programming, assembly, trials and
  • 29.
    Report 2014 X 28 6 R&D&I prototypetesting are being carried out, while in the Experi- mental Centre, trials and studies are being conducted that will determine and verify the quality of the grafts performed by robotic equipment. This initiative is scheduled to end in 2015 and is funded by the Andalusian Ministry of Economy, Innovation, Science and Employment and co-financed by the ERDF. Project Title: “Valoriza: Diagnostics in the AIA (Ancillary Industry for Agriculture) val- ue chain” This project, led by Tecnova Foundation and with the partic- ipation of ‘Imp Consultores’ aims to provide technical assis- tance for carrying out diagnostic actions in the value chain of 10 SMEs belonging to the IAA, Post-harvest and Packaging sectors, through which it is possible to identify ways of im- proving their productivity and competitiveness. This project is funded by the and with co-funding provided by the ERDF. Project Title: “Optimization and improvement of integrated control in fruit and vegetable production systems” The aim of this project of Tecnova’s own creation, is based on research focused on the area of integrated pest management in intensive greenhouse crops, where the evaluation of attrac- tive or repulsive scents for beneficials in different varieties of tomato is studied along with the safe or toxic nature of new zero residue agricultural products on beneficials. The Caja- mar Foundation is also involved in the project which is funded by the Andalusian Ministry of Economy, Innovation, Science and Employment through Knowledge Application Projects and the ERDF. Project Title: “Tecnova Technology Centre Communications Network “ This is to provide the Technology Centre building with all the networks needed to carry out its research activity, in line with the current regulations and requirements of the auton- omous community and with each of these networks having been predimensioned with the future use of a building fulfilling the characteristics of the project in its entirety. The project is funded by the Andalusian Ministry of Economy, Innovation, Science and Employment and the Council for Science, Tech- nology and Innovation and is co-financed by the ERDF. Project Title: “Project for equipping the Tech- nology Centre for the Ancillary Industry for Agriculture” The idea behind this project is to equip ourselves with the necessary infrastructure to meet the demands and needs of companies from the ancillary industry for agriculture in terms of laboratories and equipment associated with the design and optimisation of products and processes. The project was funded by the General Secretariat of University, Research and Technology for the Andalusian Regional Government. The aims behind this are the provision of advanced cen- tralised services in the Technology Centre, in doing so be- coming a national centre of excellence in research and devel- opment related to the Ancillary Industry for Agriculture. As part of this project, the range of equipment for the Tecnova Experimental Centre Tecnova, plastics laboratory and pilot plant (Advanced Centre for the development of ro- botic and artificial vision systems for specific applications in the fields of horticulture and agribusiness) has been widened. Project Title: BIOBAL Project “Spherification of Lactic Acid Bacteria as a biopreservative system”
  • 30.
    Report 2014 X 29 6R&D&I This projectled by Tecnova aims to develop a healthy pro- biotic biopreservative system, free of chemical additives for different packaged perishable foods, such as ready to eat and minimally processed fruit and vegetables as well as fresh meat and fish products containing Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB) in the form of microspheres. All the above is supported by funding from the Andalusian Ministry of Economy, Innovation, Science and Employment and co-financed by the ERDF. Project Title: “Development of a predictive model to improve production in greenhouses in the Mediterranean area” The goal of this project of Tecnova’s own creation is to develop a predictive model capable of performing active dynamic con- trol of climate variables on determinants in vegetable produc- tion systems in greenhouses. The University of Almeria and CSIC-IRNAS are also involved. This project is funded by the Ministry of Economy, Innovation, Science and Employment, through the call for Knowledge Ap- plication Projects and ERDF. International Projects Project Title: “Reducing mineral fertilisers and agro-chemicals by recycling treated or- ganic waste as compost and bio-char prod- ucts” This project is part of the cooperation programme for the Sev- enth Framework Programme, call: FP7-KBBE-2011-5. The general aim of the project is to identify and develop strategies and technologies to reduce and replace the use of fertilisers & agro-chemicals and to motivate the sector to start building and make use of waste treatment plants. Tecnova TC is collaborating on the project as member of a consortium led by the SME ‘Stichting Dienst Landbou- wkundig Onderzoek’ (ALTERRA). Tecnova is leading a work package for the carrying out of analysis for the life cycle of processes and products generated as part of the project. Moreover, it is also participating in various agricultural field tri- als which will be carried out at the Experimental Centre and which are aimed at testing the organic amendment properties of the bio-char produced during the project.
  • 31.
    Report 2014 X 30 6 R&D&I Amongthe members of the partnership collaborating in the project, we can highlight: National Agency of the Scientif- ic Research Supreme Council, Bauhaus-Universität Weimar, Consiglio per la Ricerca e Sperimentazione in Agricoltura, Foundation for the Auxiliary Technologies for Agriculture, ‘Gestora de Residuos del Sur’ S.L., ‘Graphite Resources’ (Knightsbridge) Ltd., ‘IDConsortium’ S.L., IRIS-Isontina Reti Integrate e Servizi, ‘Organic Waste Systems’ NV., ‘Proininso’ S.A., Stichting Dienst Landbouwkundig Onderzoek, Stichting Energieonderzoek Centrum Nederland, University of Leeds & ‘Vlaams Gewest’. Project Title “Development of technology for obtaining a bio-preservative based on lactic acid bacteria bacteriocins for increasing the shelf life of fruits and vegetables” This European project led by the Russian company HVE “KemIFST and in which Tecnova Foundation is actively par- ticipating, aims to develop functional foods for the preven- tion of cancer, based on pro-biotic compounds and bioac- tive peptide complexes, for use in the processing of fruit and vegetable products. The project is funded by Russian Federation: Foundation for Assistance to Small Innovative Enterprises (FASIE). Project Title: “Antagonistic lactic acid bacte- ria and other microorganisms used as bio- preservatives in minimally processed fresh products and whose acronym is BIOSA- FOOD “ This European project is led by DOMCA and the Tecnova Foundation, the University of Granada, the company MKS and the Kemerovo Institute of Food Science and Technology (both from Russia) are also participating. It aims to develop biopreservatives for use in minimally processed fresh fruit and vegetable products in order to increase their shelf life. The initiative is scheduled to end in 2015 and is funded by the Ministry of Economy, Innovation, Science and Employment and the ERDF as part of the 2012 Call, EUROTRANSBIO and ERA-NET Seventh Framework Programme. Project Title: “New hybrid tomato high in lu- tein content and physiologically adapted to minimally processed fresh (TOMPLUS)”
  • 32.
    Report 2014 X 31 6R&D&I This Europeanproject is led by the company ‘Capital Genetic EBT, S.L.’ from Andalusia. Its business activity is the genetic improvement of horticultural species. The Russian compa- ny ZDOROVOE PITANIE is also involved. The development of project uses biotechnology tools, provided by specialist companies and is supported by the production sector. It aims to develop a new variety rich in antioxidant compounds, with special interest in lutein content, and physiological charac- teristics adapted to minimally processed fresh and functional foods, along with the development of treatment strategies and postharvest processing that maintain or increase the content of bioactive compounds, one example being treat- ment with ultraviolet radiation type C. R&D&I organisations such as the Tecnova Foundation and the Kemerovo Institute of Food Science and Technology (Russia) are also involved. The project is co-financed by the Ministry of Economy, Innovation, Science and Employment, and the ERDF through the 2012 Call, EUROTRANSBIO and ERA-NET Seventh Framework Programme. Project Title: “Cross-border cooperation be- tween Technology Centres for business revi- talisation in Andalusia & Morocco – RETCE- TEC” This project is supported by funds from the Spanish Min- istry for Economy and Competitiveness, as well as by the ERDF within the POCTEFEX programme. Tecnova is partici- pating through its the area for Post-harvesting and Packag- ing Technology. The project is being led by IDEA Agency as the main beneficiary, together with the following Technology Centres: CTAP, TEICA, CITOLIVA, CTAQUA, CITADESVA & TECNOVA. The initiative aims at contributing to the economic and social development of Andalusia and Northern Morocco, sup- porting cooperation initiatives between Technology Centres. The actions entrusted to Tecnova are as follows: · Research involving the state of aromatic plant crops and essential oil production, in order to facilitate the study and design of alternative cleaning products using aromatic plants, thereby enhancing their value. · Application of certain essential oils as cleaners and pre- servatives to minimally fresh processed fruit and vegetable products. Collaborative Projects AEI: “Association for the competitive im- provement of the Agro-industrial cluster” This Association started in July 2009 with a view to: promot- ing joint ventures from a group of businesses devoted to commercialisation and the ancillary industries; contributing towards increasing competitiveness in the agro-industrial cluster at an Andalusian, national and international level; fos- tering the design and launch of new products and processes;
  • 33.
    Report 2014 X 32 6 R&D&I detectingpresent cluster needs for putting into practice joint R&D&I projects; promoting inter-sector cooperation; and re- inforcing the economic structure of the cluster. The Association consists of the Foundation for the Ancil- lary Technologies for Agriculture (TECNOVA); the Association for Farmers and Exporters of Horticultural Products (Coex- phal); Agrobio, S.L.; Distribuciones Industriales y Científicas S.L. (DICSA); Almeria Science and Technology Park S.A. (PITA); AMB Consulting, S.A.; Casur, S.C.A.; Murgiverde, S.C.A.; Cabasc, S.C.A. & Canalex, S.A.T. After the ACAL AGM in 2014, COEXPHAL now holds the presidency and Tecnova the secretariat for the association. The collaborative projects submitted within the frame- work of AEI are as follows: Project Title: “Feasibility study about the pro- duction of fresh cut mango in agri-food in- dustries” The goal of this project managed by ACAL, with the collab- oration of Tecnova, is to study the technical and economic feasibility of producing fresh cut mango, with a view to eval- uating national fruit and vegetable production with a focus on minimally processed fresh. The initiative is funded by the Ministry for Industry, Energy and Tourism and co-financed by the ERDF. Project Title: “Feasibility study for the pro- duction of native species from the province of Almería under greenhouse conditions” The aim of this initiative, started by the Association for the competitive improvement of the Agro-industrial cluster (ACAL), is to study from a technical perspective, the identifi- cation of aromatic vegetable species which are part of the na-
  • 34.
    Report 2014 X 33 6R&D&I tive floraof the province of Almería. The idea is for them to be grown in greenhouses, with the ultimate aim of using the said plant material to develop new products for the Ancillary In- dustry for Agriculture. The project is funded by the Ministry for Industry, Energy and Tourism, and co-financed by the ERDF. Projects with companies Project Title: “Control of humidity level as a limiting factor for competitiveness, employa- bility and exporting capacity of the Andalu- sian Agro-industrial cluster - HUMIDEX” “HUMIDEX: Control of humidity level as a limiting factor for competitiveness, employability and exporting capacity in the Andalusian agro-alimentary cluster” is a project led by the company ‘Novedades Agrícolas’, together with ‘Agrobío’, ‘Alarcontrol’, ‘Almeriplant’ and ‘Sistemas de Calor’, all of whom belong to the Ancillary Industry sector, and in which the Tecnova Technology Centre & the University of Almería are also participating. This project has been funded by the Ministry for Economy and Competitiveness, as part of the ERDF-INNTERCONECTA call, via the IDEA Agency and CDTI (Centre for Industrial and Technological Development, Spain). This project which ended in December 2014, was devel- oped entirely in Andalusia, over a period of three years and involved an investment of €5 million for companies. By means of this project, a new concept of greenhouse and techno- logical equipment was developed, aimed at the continuous production of vegetables throughout the year, by optimising production resources.
  • 35.
    Report 2014 X 34 6 R&D&I losrecursos productivos. Amongst the goals of the project, were the design of a greenhouse structure which can house and optimise all technologies connected with production, quality, and health status of the plants, as well as good agricultural practices and minimising impact on the environmental, with a view to a greenhouse resembling the type that can be considered ideal for a warm climate. Project Title: “Remote control of horticultur- al production in greenhouses and integration with demand forecast and merchandising systems” This initiative is led by the company ‘Hispatec’, together with ‘Nazaries IT’, ‘Proyecta Ingenio’ and ‘Parquenat’, along with the participation of Tecnova. Its purpose is to create a system for the automatic control of agronomic parameters in horti- cultural production (tomato and watermelon) with a view to designing a forecast calculation model for production, related to a model for calculating commercialisation estimates ac- cording to market demand calculation. This is made possible with the support of funds from the Ministry for Economy and Competitiveness, as part of the ERDF-INNTERCONECTA call, via the IDEA Agency and CDTI. Project Title: “Preservation of highly perisha- ble food products via active packaging incor- porating natural compounds from the olive oil industry (ACTIVEOLIVE)” ACTIVEOLIVE’s goal is to add value to olive oil industry sur- pluses, extracting high value added compounds to be applied to preservation technologies allowing for improvement in the lifespan of highly perishable products, such as fish as well as with fruit and vegetables. The companies participating in the project are: ‘Olivar de Segura’, ‘Abelló Linde’, ‘Esteros de Canela’, ‘Bandesur’, ‘Plastienvase’ & ‘Miguel García Sánchez e Hijos, S.A. This initiative falls within the ERDF-INNTERCONECTA call, and is funded by the Spanish Ministry for Economy & Compet- itiveness, via the IDEA Agency and CDTI. Project Title: “Improvement in Agri-food quality and safety by means of the introduc- tion of technology into the harvesting pro- cesses, AGROBIOTEC”
  • 36.
    Report 2014 35 6R&D&I Project Title:“Design and development of equipment for shrink wrapping cucumber” This project is managed by ‘Aldeílla Suministros Industriales S.L.’ and has the task of designing and developing a new model of machine devoted to the shrink wrapping of cucum- bers, as such improving the current technology in collabora- tion with the Tecnova Technology Centre. The initiative is try- ing to come up with systems that provide noticeable energy savings, at the same time perfecting current shrink wrap sys- tems. This project is supported by funds from the Andalusian Ministry of Economy, Innovation, Science and Employment and co-financed by the ERDF. Project Title: “Development and implemen- tation of techniques for mass breeding of ‘Aphidius Colemani’ for production in a bio-factory in Almería” The project, led by the company ‘Bgreen Biological Systems’ S.L., with the participation of Tecnova, has the ultimate goal of getting the process ready for the mass bio-production of ‘Aphibius Colemani’, a beneficial insect, in bio-factories in Almería. Tecnova researchers will be responsible for the lab- oratory trials in this project. These will be done using lamp growth chambers and in semi-field trials taking place at its Experimental Centre. The project is supported by funds from the Andalusian Ministry of Economy, Innovation, Science and Employment and co-financed by the European Regional De- velopment Fund. Project Title: “Design and development of an automated system for cutting avocado stalks” The project created by the company ‘Miguel García Sánchez e hijos, S.A,’ in collaboration with Tecnova, aims to tackle the development of a robotised system equipped with artificial The companies ‘Capital Genetic EBT’ S.L., ‘Única Group’ S.C.A. and ‘Industrial Aeronáuticas INASOR’ S.L.U. have come together to develop this project, in which Tecnova is also collaborating. The activities to be carried out are: new va- rieties of melon, software to establish nutritional and organo- leptic parameters of such varieties, an automatic handling line for online assessment, and the calibration algorithms of such a handling line. The project will last for two years and aims at improving food quality and safety via new technologies ap- plied to Post-harvest. The initiative is supported by funds from the Ministry of Economy, Innovation, Science and Employ- ment and co-financed by the ERDF. Project Title: “Ripening techniques for im- provement in the commercialisation of the custard apple” This initiative is being developed by the company ‘Merco- motril’ S.A., with the participation of Tecnova, and aims at increasing the period for preserving, storing and commercial- isation of custard apples, resulting in a better quality of fruit. The project is supported by funds from the Andalusian Min- istry of Economy, Innovation, Science and Employment, and co-financed by the ERDF.
  • 37.
    Report 2014 36 6 R&D&I ofpreservation strategies based on physical and non-chem- ical treatments that are environmentally-friendly and with an organic production system. This will allow for both a longer commercialisation period and a longer shelf life of products at retail outlets. The project is supported by funds from the Andalusian Ministry of Economy, Innovation, Science and Employment, and co-financed by the ERDF. Project Title: “Preservation methodology and edible coating to prevent cracking of the cherry tomato” This project in which Tecnova is actively participating, is led by the company ‘Mercomotril’ and aims to extend the shelf life of cherry tomatoes, by combining an edible film inhibiting cracking with microbial growth through a pretreatment in a hypertonic solution. The project is funded by the Andalusian Ministry of Economy, Innovation, Science and Employment, and co-financed by the ERDF. This project, in which Tecnova is participating, is the brain- child of the company ‘PRIMA-RAM’ S.A. and aims to develop a hydraulic prototype allowing for the application of irrigation dosing able to reach drip flow rates of between 100 and 400 ml/ h, along with the necessary automation for carrying out irrigation for one or two minutes up to 200 times per day.. The project is supported by funds from the Andalusian Ministry of Economy, Innovation, Science and Employment and co-fi- nanced by the ERDF. Project Title: “Development of environmen- tal-friendly strategies in order to reduce rot- ting and damage by the cold in organic toma- to and pepper crops” This project was created by the company PROCAM with the collaboration of Tecnova and consists of lengthening the shelf life of tomato and pepper grown by organic farming by means vision, able to automatically detect the position of avocados, then proceeding to cut the excess stem and thus ensuring the proper handling of the fruit without sacrificing quality. The project is funded by the Andalusian Ministry of Econ- omy, Innovation, Science and Employment and co-financed by the ERDF. Project Title: “Development of technology for the application of ULR (Ultra-Low Flow Rate irrigation) watering”
  • 38.
    Report 2014 37 6R&D&I quality, safetyand shelf life of fresh cut apple and pear by incorporating innovative techniques based on UV-C radiation and by using antimicrobial and antioxidant active packaging, together with the development of a predictive microbiology model that allows real-time decision making when the cold chain is broken at different stages of the process. Project Title: “Design and development of a single purpose device attached to an anthro- pomorphic robot arm able to place cucumbers inside boxes with protective tops” This project submitted by the company ‘Miguel García Sánchez e hijos’ S.A. and in collaboration with Tecnova, has the ultimate goal of creating a device that is able to pick pep- pers up and place them into boxes with protective tops, in a single-cycle operation. The project is supported by funds from the Andalusian Ministry of Economy, Innovation, Science and Employment and co-financed by the ERDF. Project Title: “New long-life cover. Optimi- sation of productive structures for competi- tiveness and internationalisation of the AIA sector” The project put forward by the company ‘SOTRAFA S.A’., with the collaboration of Tecnova, aims to improve the prop- erties of the current plastic films installed as covers, which do not last for more than 36 months and are not resistant to extreme weather conditions. As a result, ‘SOTRAFA S.A’. is to develop a new film that is stronger and provides a solution to the problems caused by the present day covers in multi-tun- nel greenhouse structures. The project is supported by funds from the Andalusian Min- istry of Economy, Innovation, Science and Employment and co-financed by the ERDF. Project Title: “Automation of packaging lines for cucumber, pepper and Galia melon” The ultimate purpose of this project led by the company ‘Construcciones Mecánicas Emilio Gea’ is to develop an au- tomatic packaging system through the design of a handling device with computer-based vision for elongated vegetables, especially cucumbers, peppers and melons. This, together with a robot for final packaging, integrated as part of the line, Project Title: “Active Packaging and UV-C treatment for the improvement of quality in fresh cut apple and pear” This current project led by the company ‘Cortijo Cuevas S.L.’ and in which Tecnova is participating, aims to improve the
  • 39.
    Report 2014 38 6 R&D&I ProjectTitle: “Biological pest control and effects of the varieties grown in greenhouses” The project led by the company ‘Enza Zaden’ Research Cen- tre S.L.U. and in which Tecnova is participating, aims to as- sess the effect of the main commercial varieties of tomato that the company has currently on the market, on the es- Project Title: “Methodology to obtain low-fat guacamole and making use of by-products generated” The target set by this project led by the company ‘Miguel García Sánchez e Hijos’ and in which Tecnova is participating, is the development of a new variety of commercial guacamo- le with a lower fat content than the traditional one, obtained via a process of self-sustainable energy production and zero residue. This initiative is funded by the Andalusian Ministry of Economy, Innovation, Science and Employment and co-fi- nanced by the ERDF. Project Title: “Design and prototyping of a self-propelled machine with electrostatic nozzles for the application of phytosanitary treatments in greenhouses” This project led by the company ‘Ideas y Desarrollo para la Mejora Continuada, S.L. (IDM)’ and in which Tecnova is participating, aims to incorporate self-propelled spraying ma- chinery (Fumimatic and Fumirail) with electrostatic nozzles, as part of the development of an electrostatic-aerodynamic hydrid for foliar spraying in greenhouse production systems, with the ultimate goal of optimising the treatment and reduc- ing the impact on the environmental, caused by drain off into the soil. The project is funded by the Andalusian Ministry of Economy, Innovation, Science and Employment, and co-fi- nanced by the ERDF. and via the innovative design of a grasping system, makes it possible to pick products up and place them into their pack- ages automatically. These products are chosen because they share the same calibration machine in almost all horticultur- al handling plants, but their harvesting periods are different, which makes them more versatile. The project is supported by funds from the Andalusian Ministry of Economy, Innova- tion, Science and Employment and co-financed by the ERDF.
  • 40.
    Report 2014 39 6R&D&I Project Title:“Precision, Sustainable and Competitive Agriculture: Development of an Integrated Irrigation and Climate Controller” The aim of the project led by ‘Maher Electrónica Aplicada, S.L.’ and in which Tecnova is participating, is to develop a network of sensors with WSN technology features (wireless sensor network) applied to agricultural purposes and man- aged by an innovative controller that integrates the tasks re- lated to irrigation and greenhouse climate control. The project is funded by the Andalusian Ministry of Economy, Innovation, Science and Employment and co-financed by the ERDF. Project Title: “Integrated control network for greenhouses” The project is submitted by the company. ‘HIMARCAN Téc- nica del Agua y Clima S.L.’ , with a view to developing an niería’ S.L. and has the goal of designing and developing an innovative integrated system consisting of an office screen, a false metallic ceiling and floating flooring with even finishing. The project is supported by funds from the Andalusian Min- istry of Economy, Innovation, Science and Employment and co-financed by the ERDF. Project Title: “Aquaponics with NGS Sys- tem: breeding of tench and integration with breeding of micro-algae” This project, led by the company ‘New Growing Systems’, with the participation of Tecnova Foundation, aims to com- bine three production systems: hydroponic crops with NGS system; aquaponics and micro-algae cultivation as a biolog- ical filter. The project is supported by funds from the Andalu- sian Ministry of Economy, Innovation, Science and Employ- ment and co-financed by the ERDF. tablishment and effectiveness in the control of populations of pests by using beneficials. Tecnova researchers are to carry out the laboratory trials in lamp growth chambers and also in semi-field conditions. The project is supported by funds from the Andalusian Ministry of Economy, Innovation, Science and Employment and co-financed by the ERDF. Project Title: “Formulation of and trials for a new mineral fertiliser to improve phospho- rous fertilisation in horticultural crops” The goal of current project created by ‘Agrar Plantas del Sur S.A.’ and in which Tecnova is participating, is to develop a new phosphorous fertiliser formulated from pyrophosphates in order to improve efficiency in the uptake of phosphorus by horticultural crops grown under adverse weather conditions. The project is supported by funds from the Andalusian Min- istry of Economy, Innovation, Science and Employment and co-financed by the ERDF. Project Title: “Design of an integrated system: Screen, false ceiling and technical flooring” The project is led by the company ‘Torresa Proyectos & Inge-
  • 41.
    Report 2014 40 6 R&D&I ProjectTitle: “Protected crop system for sub- tropical varieties (TROPROTEC)” This project led by the companies ‘Horto-Velez, SA’ and ‘Gogarsa SL’ and in which Tecnova is participating, aims to develop a new structure for the protection of subtropical crops, based on an automatic retractable plastic cover to improve crop management and profitability. This initiative is funded by the Andalusian Ministry of Economy, Innovation, Science and Employment and co-financed by the ERDF. Project Title: “Development of a biodegrad- able anti-foaming agent for liquid solutions used in agriculture and capable of regulating pH” This current project, led by the company ‘Agrar Plantas del Sur, S.A.’, has the aim of developing a pH regulator for nutrient solutions used in horticulture, that not only regulates the pH of the solution, but also contains a biodegradable substance formulated from vegetable oils, coming from household and The company ‘Tejerina Fruits S.L.’ aims to improve the post-harvest shelf life of chestnut by combining various tech- niques and treatments. The project is supported by funds from the Andalusian Ministry of Economy, Innovation, Science and Employment and co-financed by the ERDF. Project Title: “Development of equipment for the hygienic cutting of melon and watermel- on in retail outlets – INFRUCUT” The company ‘Induser Poniente’ with the collaboration of Tecnova aims to develop machinery for retail outlets with which to clean, cut and wrap melon and watermelon fruit por- tions. The project is supported by funds from the Andalusian Ministry of Economy, Innovation, Science and Employment and co-financed by the ERDF. application that is able to provide instant technical assistance, bringing together all technical applications for greenhouses, regardless of their manufacturer. The team at Tecnova will be in charge of carrying out field tri- als for the system, in order to analyse and validate the proper functioning of the platform. The project is supported by funds from the Andalusian Ministry of Economy, Innovation, Science and Employment and co-financed by the ERDF. Project Title: “Development of a combined strategy for improving the post-harvest shelf life of chestnut”
  • 42.
    Report 2014 41 6R&D&I The projectis funded by the Andalusian Ministry of Econ- omy, Innovation, Science and Employment and co-financed by the ERDF. Project Title: “Developing a new naturally occurring exoelicitor for the treatment of the yellow leaf curl virus in tomato crops” The project led by ‘Agrolaboratorios Nutrition, SA’ and in which Tecnova is participating, has the aim of developing a new naturally occurring exoelicitor enabling the tomato crop to coexist with the yellow leaf curl virus without showing any of its symptoms. The initiative is funded by the Andalusian Ministry of Economy, Innovation, Science and Employment and co-financed by the ERDF. The goal of this project led by ‘’Agrolaboratorios Nutrition, S.A.’ in which Tecnova and the University of Cordoba are participating, is to develop specific molecules (vaccines), that have the ability to enhance natural plant defenses, immunis- ing them against diseases or contributing towards the pre- vention of their development. This project is funded by the CDTI and Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness. Project Title: “Development of a new three-layer plastic with asymmetrical distri- bution and photocatalytic additives” The project led by the company ‘SOTRAFA S.A.’ and in which Tecnova is participating, has the general idea of developing a new agricultural film that meets the current needs of agricul- ture for weather resistance. It also needs to establish limits for elevated concentrations of agrochemicals and to develop the technology to be able to incorporate a photocatalyst into the plastics. All of this is intended to improve anti-drip properties, improve diffuse light transmission and lead to photocatalytic oxidation of volatile organic material. catering waste. This also has anti-foaming properties and is capable of reducing the surface tension of the solution. The project has-been supported by funds from the Andalusian Ministry of Economy, Innovation, Science and Employment and co-financed by the ERDF. Project Title: “Development of new instiga- tors of plant defense pathways against fungal pathogens”
  • 43.
    Report 2014 42 6 R&D&I Theoverall aim of this project led by ‘Agrolaboratorios Nu- trition, SA’ and with the collaboration of Tecnova, is the de- velopment of a new organic product to disinfect agricultural soils, made from natural raw materials such as plant extracts. The project is funded by the Andalusian Ministry of Econo- my, Innovation, Science and Employment and co-financed by the ERDF. enhance the taste of cherry tomato grown hydroponically in greenhouses with drain off, by improving the management of irrigation and fertilisation. This initiative is funded by the Anda- lusian Ministry of Economy, Innovation, Science and Employ- ment and co-financed by the ERDF. Project Title: “Design and development of a new naturally occurring environmentally friendly product to disinfect agricultural soils” Project Title: “Design and development of a prototype for robotic equipment to sort and reposition cucumbers according to length” The project submitted by the company ‘Miguel García Sánchez e hijos, S.A’., in collaboration with Tecnova, aims to automate the sorting and packaging of cucumbers, amongst others, by combining robots, vision systems and sensors, to carry out automatically, a complex process of sorting and re- jecting so that the quality, hygiene and packaging parameters are improved. The project is funded by the Andalusian Min- istry of Economy, Innovation, Science and Employment and co-financed by the ERDF. ProjectTitle:“Enhancingtheflavourofcherry tomato, reducing wastage due to excess of nutrients” The aim of the project led by the company ‘Miguel García Sánchez e Hijos’ and which Tecnova is participating, is to
  • 44.
    Report 2014 43 6R&D&I 100 companies,offering advice on innovation management and participating in some of the stages of the several R&D&I projects developed. Tecnova as a local agent of the PIDI network, belonging to CDTI This initiative was started in 2006 by the CDTI (Centre for In- dustrial and Technological Development), in collaboration with the General Directorate for SMEs and under the coordination of the OEP: Economy Office for the Presidency of the Gov- ernment. TECNOVA TC is a local agent for the PIDI network (a Net- work of Information Points on R&D&I) and offers companies three specialised agents, which coordinate with and act un- der the supervision of the CDTI. The purpose of this PIDI network is to offer free informa- tion and advisory services to companies and entrepreneurs. These services are connected with public funds from all ad- ministrative sectors (local, regional, national and European) that can better suit their needs. As such, the idea is to boost private investment in R&D&I making it easier for companies to gain access to funding sources. Projects for Innovation Management ‘Innovation Cheque’ The ‘Innovation Cheque’ is a funding tool provided by the Re- gional Ministry of Economy, Innovation and Science, targeting Andalusian SMEs & micro-SMEs. It is part of the Programme: ‘Incentives for the Promotion of Innovation and Business Development 2008-2013’. The purpose of the Innovation Cheque is to provide specialised consulting services, enabling Andalusian companies to improve their production process, seek assistance to develop or manufacture a new product, use e-commerce, receive advice on ways to improve their business or develop a business plan or marketing strategy Throughout 2014, Tecnova Foundation provided consult- ing services to the following companies; Bionutrición Vegetal, S.A.; Agroclean, S.A.; Nutrientes Alvi, S.L.; Agrogenia, S.L.; Tubocás, S.L. y Resbioagro, S.L. Acknowledgment as consultants within the ‘Innocámaras’ Programme The goal of this programme is to boost an innovation-based culture amongst small and middle-sized companies located in the regions considered as ‘Objective 1’. Such a programme consists of two stages: ‘Individual diagnosis’ & ‘Innovation support plan’. In the first one, a diagnosis is given by a spe- cialised mentor from the Chambers of Commerce allowing possible ways of improvement via innovation to be identified. In the second one, TECNOVA provides advice to companies regarding the development and implementation of these pre- viously identified innovation-related recommendations. Evaluation for Innovation Management to companies belonging to the Agro-Industry Throughout 2014, Tecnova TC collaborated with more than
  • 45.
    Report 2014 44 7 Training Training Thetraining activities for 2014 were designed to meet the needs of a competitive sector and thus to improve even fur- ther the standing of the companies. For this purpose an annu- al training programme consisting of workshops and seminars was designed with gurus and technical training focused on the strategic lines of the Foundation aimed at directors, man- agers and middle managers and technical staff of companies. External Training Tecnova promotes sensory analysis through its experimental kitchen - (01/14/2014) This workshop is part of the annual culinary program be- tween Tecnova and ACRIA focused on healthy eating, with the ultimate aim of promoting gastronomy as part of a commit- ment to new trends and formats in minimally processed fresh products, as well as the promotion of different uses of fruit and vegetable products grown in the Almeria market garden. The aim of this course was to introduce the basics of sensory analysis as a technique to evaluate the perceptible properties of food through the senses, while tasting dishes made with different textures, aromas, flavours and visually no- ticeable colours, all of this being tied to the enhancement of horticultural products. As part of the menu delivered, innova- tive recipes that sought to awaken the senses of the audience were on show. Technical conference: “Quality and safety of fresh cut products” - (04/08/2014) Tecnova organized this event in order to make companies in the fruit and vegetable industry aware of new trends and technologies in food safety and quality in fresh cut products. The seminar was addressed to fruit and vegetable entrepre- neurs, quality specialists, R&D&I for cooperatives, fruit and vegetable wholesalers along with agricultural engineers and technicians interested in fresh cut products. The managing director general of Tecnova, Maria Carmen Galera, introduced the conference, followed by a seminar on Advances in Qual- ity and Safety of fresh cut products via the European Project “QUAFETY” given by Giancarlo Colelli, lecturer in the Faculty of Agriculture at the University of Foggia, Italy. Finally, Ralph Vosse, Food & Retail Trade Expert from Sensitech Inc. and Its Logistics Security Division, led a discussion on cold chain products. Nouvelle desserts - Fusion of Tropical and Mediterranean fruits (06/11/2014)
  • 46.
    Report 2014 45 7Training room inthe “Casa de Las Mariposas” building, with the sup- port of Cajamar. During the post-conference dinner he signed copies of his latest book “The Slow Fix”. A conference forming part of the activities carried out in the Tecnova experimental kitchen and led by Joshua Rodriguez, Chef at the Garum Restaurant in Adra. The purpose of this was to work with new culinary styles using tropical and Med- iterranean fruits, through innovative presentations, enhancing the culinary, nutritional and health qualities of the different fruits. The workshop was aimed at anyone with an interest in innovative cooking, through creative dishes and gastronomic interest. In addition to the theme of the workshop, different tips were given on buying, cooking and preserving fruits, as well as a subsequent tasting session on the dishes created. Conference “The Slow Revolution” (06/20/2014) Forming part of the VIII Meeting of the Ancillary Industry to Agriculture, a conference was given by Carl Honoré on “The Slow Revolution”. He is a Scottish journalist who lives in Lon- don and is famous in the English-speaking world as a great advocate of the “Slow Movement”. Slowness can help us to live and work better in a fast moving world by showing us the importance of implementing it as part of a daily routine to in- crease our personal and professional motivation, thereby im- proving efficiency and emphasizing the importance of its use in team building in business. The talk was given in the function
  • 47.
    Report 2014 46 7 Training Cookeryworkshop for children. Discovering, learning and tasting new products and gour- met dishes - (09/18/2014) With the aim of promoting creativity and encouraging healthy consumption of locally grown fruit and vegetable produce, Tecnova organized a cookery workshop for children, paving the way for them to become possible future chefs. In this way, Tecnova wanted to promote healthy food hand in hand with ACRIA, as one of the scheduled annual courses, helping chil- dren to appreciate the value of the produce grown in Almeria in a fun, lively and entertaining way. To do this, the Tecnova Tech- nology Centre relied on the cooperation of Joshua Rodriguez, Chef at the Garum Restaurant and member of ACRIA along with his assistant Sella. During the workshop in the Tecno- va experimental kitchen, the children came up with their own salad combinations, colourful vinaigrettes, different flavoured pastas and a fun dessert with fruit and chocolate mimicking the shape of lollipops, all of which were presented to their par- ents and then tasted after the cookery session finished to wrap up the workshop. Artisan bread workshop. “Make your own homemade bread with natural and healthy ingredients” - (10/09/2014) The theme of this course was to promote food, in this case, connected with traditional values. The aim of the workshop held in the Tecnova experimental kitchen and in the capable hands of the chef Antonio Porter, was to introduce the tradi- tional way of making bread, as well as adding natural and healthy ingredients to baked goods. The course was aimed at all advocates of traditional cuisine and with an interest in learning about the processes involved in making homemade
  • 48.
    Report 2014 47 7Training member ofACRIA, came up with four recipes aimed at Christmas cuisine with a gourmet touch using different shapes, textures and flavours of fruit and vegetables, that the 40 course participants were subsequently able to taste. In this gastronomy course, the creation of a balanced menu was brought to life through innovative presentations. Collaborative Organisation of Conferences Training seminar: Taxation for R&D&I, Certi- fication of R&D&I projects in order to obtain tax incentives, benefits and changes intro- duced by the new law on entrepreneurs and tax developments. - (02/25/2014) The training seminar on “Taxation for R&D&I: Certification of R&D&I for obtaining tax incentives,” which relied on the par- ticipation of the consulting firm SGS, Imp Consultants and the Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness through the Gen- eral Department for the Promotion of Innovation in Business, was held on the premises of Tecnova. up the workshop and they were even able to take home the leftovers. All of this as a way of promoting innovative and healthy cuisine amongst the younger generation. Gourmet dishes with the ability to surprise at Christmas time - (11/26/2014) The course concluded the Tecnova and ACRIA culinary pro- gram for 2014, fruit of the collaboration agreement between both parties. As part of this, Antonio Carmona, owner and chef at the renowned Terraza Carmona restaurant in Vera and bread. During the workshop, students were able to identify natural and beneficial ingredients for bread, such as nuts, wheat bran and tomato, amongst others, along with the dif- ferent ways of working the dough, such as kneading, bowl- ing, shaping and creating optimal conditions for fermentation and baking quality bread. Create your own colourful pizza. “Cook your own pizza and garnish it with local colours and flavours” - (10/24/2014) This workshop was the second cookery course organised by the Foundation for children. Its purpose was to teach the youngsters to appreciate cuisine and healthy, wholesome fruit and vegetables grown in Almería, in an educational and inter- active way. To do this, the Tecnova Technology Centre relied on the cooperation of “Your Chef at Home”. During the work- shop, the children came up with their own pizzas in the Tec- nova experimental kitchen, starting with preparing the dough through to adding locally grown produce, achieving a mixture of fun colours and in particular, healthy flavours. These were presented later to their parents with a tasting session to wrap
  • 49.
    Report 2014 48 7 Training Thanksto this type of training, companies gained an insight into the advantages of carrying out R&D&I through existing tax relief which could be included in their financial economic plans. Seminar on “The Raf tomato, a gourmet prod- uct for home cooking” - (03/05/2014) The RAF tomato was the main focus for this gourmet cuisine course. On this occasion, the event was organized by Tecnova together with Clause, the company that discovered the RAF seed and also relied on the collaboration of CASI, a major sales and marketing cooperative for tomatoes, along with the well known chef José Torrente. The course was introduced by the managing director of Tecnova, Maria Carmen Galera, together with Andres Perez, specialist in promotion and development at Clause and Juan Antonio Plaza, production manager at CASI. It was divided into two parts: the first, a more technical introduction of the RAF tomato and its history, how it came into being, how it appeared in Almeria, how it is produced, breeding improvements and features that set it apart. The second part was conducted in the Tecnova experimental
  • 50.
    Report 2014 49 7Training Seminar: “Practicalimplementation of new food labelling regulations” - (12/10/214) The Tecnova Technology Centre together with Bureau Veri- tas, organized this seminar to learn about the practical appli- cations of the new labelling regulations based on Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011 FROM THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND THE COUNCIL from 25 October 2011 regarding food information provided for consumers, in a practical and useful way. After the seminar, a roundtable was held for the partic- ipants to share ideas, where they put forward their different points of view and discussed the the subjects expanded on during the course. In-house Training Year round programme for foreign language teaching In order to help develop the skills of the staff at the Founda- tion, an in-house training programme is being run connected with the teaching of the English language led by an expert in the field in order to provide different tools that facilitate learning and lead to an improvement in understanding of the subject. preneurs, agricultural engineers and technicians, producers and also sales and marketing companies. Informative seminar: “Changes in ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certifications” - (06/11/2014) This informative seminar, sponsored by Imp Consultants and Bureau Veritas, both belonging to the Foundation, aimed to make known the changes and developments in the ISO 9001 and 14001 standards, so as to be of interest to busi- nesses that already had them in place or for those who want- ed to do so in the near future. The idea was to explain in a practical way, new elements to be considered regarding the management systems being implemented and certified and how these tie in with the new principles and requirements in the updated versions for 2015 of the standards for quality management and environmental management systems. kitchen where a sensory analysis test was carried out to see whether the participants were able to differentiate between three varieties of tomato. After the tomato tasting session, José Torrente and Maribel from La Envia Golf Restaurant, came up with three recipes involving the RAF tomato. Technical conference: “Organic Production” - (03/27/2014) Pelemix were the driving force behind this seminar in collabo- ration with Agrocolor and Symborg which took place on the Tecnova facilities. The aim was to offer growers different solu- tions regarding organic farming and to analyze the current state of certification, in order to add value to this method of sustainable crop growing. To this end, several seminars were given on organic farming and wrapped up with a light cock- tail. The conference was aimed at fruit and vegetable entre-
  • 51.
    Report 2014 50 8 Informationand Promotion Information and Promotion Infotecnova The Infotecnova newsletter aims to keep the lines of communi- cation open between the Technology Centre and the business community. It consists of four news items related to promotion and dissemination, internationalisation, R&D&I and training. In total fifteen newsletters were published during 2014. TECNOVA CT on the social networks Tecnova Foundation has a presence on the social networks (both professional and general interest) such as: Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin and Youtube in order to publicise the services, activities, projects of the Foundation. Tecnova in the media The Tecnova CT, in a bid to raise awareness regarding actions and services for the business sector, is constantly develop- ing its communication department, whose skilled staff bring together information about the events, services and activities undertaken by Tecnova and make it available to anyone inter- ested in the progress of the Foundation. As such, it allows the centre to be have a presence in the mainstream media (news- papers, online media, radio and TV). Some examples being: Ideal, La Voz de Almería, Diario de Almería, Interalmeria, Canal Sur (TV y Radio), Agrosfera, Tierra y Mar, Noticias RETA, Teleprensa, Agricultura 2000, 20 minutos,Cibersur, RTVE, f&h, Almeria digital 24 horas, Fh almería, revista Hortocampo, Re- vista Alimentaria, Vida Rural, Agronegocios, Cadena Ser, Onda Cero and Radio Ejido.
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    Report 2014 52 8 Informationand Promotion The Tecnova Technology Centre officially opened its Experi- mental Centre on May 24th, 2014, in the presence of Fran- cisco Triguero, Deputy Minister and Secretary General of Universities of the Andalusian; Sonia Ferrer, Delegate for the Andalusian Regional Government; Adriana Valverde, Delegate for Economy, and José Manuel Ortiz, Delegate for Agriculture, along with other authorities and various professionals from the fruit and vegetable sector in Andalusia and Eastern Spain. The experimental centre features 12 hectares of land where different crops techniques are on display and innovative trials for agriculture and technology are being carried out, all aimed at growers and companies from the Ancillary Industry to Agriculture. During the ceremony, which was presided over by Emilio Martinez, president of the Foundation, guided tours led by Tecnova researchers were given along with the unveiling of the plaque to inaugurate the Centre. Later, Maria Carmen Galera and Emilio Martinez, manag- ing director and president of the Foundation, thanked those present for their support, emphasizing the importance of the firm commitment and involvement of companies as a driv- ing force behind the Experimental Centre project. They also underlined the importance of this project as an example of research and sustainability in connection with the service to intensive agriculture. They also paid tribute to the Ministry of Economy, Innovation, Science and Employment for their fund- ing and the Viator Municipal council for the cession of land where the centre is located. Inauguration of the Tecnova Experimental Centre
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    Report 2014 X 53 8Information andPromotion Inauguration of the Tecnova Experimental Centre
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    Report 2014 X 54 8 Informationand Promotion Inauguration of the Tecnova Experimental Centre
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    Report 2014 X 55 8Information andPromotion Inauguration of the Tecnova Experimental Centre
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    Report 2014 X 56 8 Informationand Promotion Inauguration of the Tecnova Experimental Centre
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    Report 2014 X 57 8Information andPromotion Inauguration of the Tecnova Experimental Centre
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    Report 2014 X 58 8 Informationand Promotion More than 200 business professionals from the agro-busi- ness sectors of Almeria, Granada and Eastern Spain at- tended the eighth edition of the annual meeting for the Ancillary Industry to Agriculture, held by the Tecnova Tech- nology Centre. The event benefited from the participation of a renowned public speaker, Carl Honore, the Scottish journalist famous in the English speaking world as a great exponent of the “Slow Movement”. The talk was held in the Cultural Hall of the ‘Las Mariposas’ building, with the support of its owner Cajamar. The business dinner was held at the famous Cervantes Theatre in Almería, an ideal location where the various companies that make up the foundation were able to enjoy a relaxed atmosphere accompanied by a pre- dinner welcome cocktail. VIII Tecnova Foundation Dinner for Partners
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    Report 2014 X 59 8Information andPromotion VIII Tecnova Foundation Dinner for Partners
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    Report 2014 X 60 8 Informationand Promotion VIII Tecnova Foundation Dinner for Partners
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    Report 2014 X 61 Information andPromotion 8 VIII Tecnova Foundation Dinner for Partners
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    Report 2014 62 8 Informationand Promotion The head table was made up of the Subdelegate for the Cen- tral Government in Almería, Andrés García Lorca; the Secre- tary General for Agriculture and Food for the Andalusian Gov- ernment, Jerome Perez Parra; the Government Delegate for the Andalusian Government, Sonia Ferrer; the Delegate for Economy, Innovation, Science and Employment for the Anda- lusian Government in Almería, Adriana Valverde; the Delegate for Agriculture, Fisheries and Environment for the Andalusian Government in Almería, José Manuel Ortiz; the special guest speaker invited to the dinner, Carl Honoré; and the President of the Tecnova Foundation, Emilio Martinez Aguado together with their guests. Also attending the event as guests were the Director for Innovation Spaces and Strategic Sectors of the Agency for Innovation and Development of Andalusia, Anto- nio Sanchez Lopez; the President of the Chamber of Com- merce of Almeria, Diego Martinez; the President of ASEMPAL, José Cano; the President of the ‘Círculo Mercantil’, Francisco Balcazar; and the former President of PITA, Alfredo Sánchez, along with their guests. Finally, representatives and business professionals were present from the following companies making up the Foun- dation; Sistemas de Calor; Ingro Maquinaria; Cerys, Parque Tecnológico de Almería, Cajamar, Agrobío, Dicsa, Himarcán, Requena Abogados, Construcciones Mecánicas Emilio Gea, B-Ideas, Biocrisara, Ingeniería y Centro de Cálculo, IMP Con- sultores, Jarquil, Desarrolla Consultores, Torresa, Novedades Agrícolas, Formatio Postgrado, Bureau Veritas, Agroponiente, UNICA Group, HM Clause, Colegio de ITA, Agrinature Indalica, Carretillas Amate, IDM, Rijk Zwaan, Bioflowsur, León y Vergel, Medialia Group, LAB, Biorizon Biotech. During the dinner, Emilio Martinez, president of Tecnova Foundation, presented a commemorative badge to the company: ‘Construcciones Mecanicas Emilio Gea’ for a decade of commitment to the Foundation. VIII Tecnova Foundation Dinner for Partners
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    Report 2014 63 8Information andPromotion VIII Tecnova Foundation Dinner for Partners
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    Report 2014 X 64 8 Informationand Promotion VIII Tecnova Foundation Dinner for Partners
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    Report 2014 X 65 8Information andPromotion VIII Tecnova Foundation Dinner for Partners
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    Report 2014 X 66 8 Informationand Promotion VIII Tecnova Foundation Dinner for Partners
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    Report 2014 X 67 8Information andPromotion VIII Tecnova Foundation Dinner for Partners
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    Report 2014 68 8 Informationand Promotion As part of the XXVIII edition of the Macael Awards organ- ized by AEMA, the panel awarded the National Prize to the Pitágoras building as well as the Tecnova headquarters building, both located in PITA. The award was received by Emilio Martinez, President of Tecnova Foundation, and on behalf of PITA, its president Sonia Ferrer, also the Govern- ment Delegate for the Andalusian Government in Almería. Both buildings were designed under the guidance of ar- chitect Jose Angel Ferrer, which apart from use of White Macael marble for the flooring, a novel technique was im- plemented using glass facades with slats of the same type of marble. The Tecnova headquarters and Pitágoras building receive the National Award of the XXVIII edition of the Macael Awards
  • 70.
    Report 2014 69 8Information andPromotion Promotion of the Tecnova Technology Centre Gastronomy exhibitions Presentation and showcooking of courgette range by HM Clause The company HM Clause spent three days on Tecnova premises and using its facilities in order to give a presenta- tion on its courgette product. To do this, they used the Foundation experimental kitchen, in which they organised a showcooking event by Torrente. As such, the specialists in attendance from cooperatives and the fruit and vegetable sector from Almeria were able to see the way the variety of courgette was prepared in different dishes and served with local produce. Biorizon product presentation Biorizon Biotech promoted the culinary use of local produce from the province through a gastronomy exhibition at the Tecnova CT experimental kitchen. To do this they had the support of the chef Serge Aime Kouakouy from Sak Delica- tessen, which has produced all kinds of dishes made up of a variety of fruit and vegetable products, innovative in both their design and presentation. Cequisa product presentation Cequisa, a company which specialises in developing, synthe- sising, formulating and marketing/selling products for plant protection, gave a presentation on a plant protection product to specialists from the AIA sector. To do this, they made use of the training facility on Tecnova Foundation premises, where they explained the features and benefits of this product for the grower. Participation and attendance at fairs and promotional events Participation in Business Cooperation Confer- ence at PITA The Tecnova TC was present at the Business Cooperation conference organised by the Almeria Science and Technolo- gy Park (PITA). The event was attended by both companies from the Almería technopolis, as well as companies from the rest of Andalusia. Tecnova had its own stand, in order to pub-
  • 71.
    Report 2014 X 70 8 Informationand Promotion licise the research that it is carrying out, along with the range of services available to companies in the agricultural sector. It also took part in bilateral meetings and informal networking meetings in a cafe where the head of business development of the Foundation was able to get to know business profes- sionals from the AIA. Finally, to bring the event to a close, there were guided tours of the Tecnova Robotics and Minimally Pro- cessed Fresh plants. In collaboration with PITA, the Idea Agency organized a meeting for the postharvest sec- tor in horticulture, at which Tecnova received an awarded for its design and implementation In collaboration with PITA, the Idea Agency organized a meet- ing for the postharvest sector in horticulture at which Tecnova received an awarded for its design and implementation. The event was funded by the Andalusia Global Innovation-Technol- ogy-Company Grant 2007-2013 and co-financed by the Eu- ropean Regional Development Fund, specifically through the Andalusia ERDF Operational Programme 2007-2013.
  • 72.
    Report 2014 X 71 8Information andPromotion The aim of the meeting was to promote the use of new fruit and vegetable technologies. To do this, Tecnova took the responsibility for managing the schedule of the meeting, which kicked off with several technical business seminars related to the automation of the agricultural industry as well as minimally processed fresh and ready to eat products. Additionally, guided tours of the Agri-food Robotics and Minimally Processed Fresh pilot plants were organised along with a business exhibition where participating companies were able to learn about and sample at first-hand, a va- riety of cost-effective and innovative ‘minimally processed fresh’ and ‘ready to eat’ products at the Tecnova headquar- ters. The Foundation also organised a surprise Live Cook- ing Show with Mr. Dani Garcia, the Andalusian two Michelin starred chef as well as cooks from ACRIA, effectively carry- ing out a gastronomy exhibition in the Tecnova experimental kitchen for the attending companies. In this way, Tecnova is able to consolidate its position as a Technology Centre in the Postharvest sector, by promoting direct services and advi- sory projects in Postharvest. In addition, bilateral meetings were organised to serve as first step for companies from the sector to get to know each other.
  • 73.
    Report 2014 X 72 8 Informationand Promotion Tecnova collaborated with Koppert, a company whose busi- ness is devoted to biological pest control, in celebration of its twentieth anniversary in Spain. The event took place at the headquarters of PITA, in which representatives of companies and institutions from PITA, the Ministry of Agriculture of the Dutch Embassy, Freshfel Europe and the certification body Agrocolor participated, amongst others, along with Tecnova. Following this, the president of the Foundation, Emil- io Martinez, brought the event to a close, talking about the progress and importance of Koppert from its beginnings to the present day as a pioneer in biological control, thanks to its commitment to R&D&I in greenhouse agriculture. Through its technical and advisory work, which is helping the world of agriculture to become more professional, it is setting an ex- ample for other regions in the world and growers themselves to follow, allowing innovation to form part of the process of intensive agricultural production. Finally, as part of the previous, Tecnova researchers later visited Koppert’s facilities to see its research activities and bi- ofactories. Tecnova collaborates with Koppert on its twentieth anniversary in Spain Tecnova at the 2014 Expolevante fair Tecnova was present at the latest edition of Expolevante (2014) held in Nijar, a trade fair which is a benchmark in terms of products and technology on display by businesses from the fruit and vegetable sector. On behalf of the Tecnova Foun- dation, in attendance were the president, Emilio Martinez, the managing director, Maria Carmen Galera and the business development team. Tecnova participates in the Ideas Fair Once again the Ideas Fair took place at the University of Alm- ería, the aim of which was to put forward ideas and projects
  • 74.
    Report 2014 X 73 8Information andPromotion from young entrepreneurs, in order to help them find com- mercial-financial-production support. Tecnova as a Technolo- gy Centre, collaborates yearly in this event organised by the University of Almeria, which aims to foster the creation of new innovative companies helping them to make a name for them- selves. Tecnova at Madrid Fusion and Tasting Spain 2014 Tecnova’s attendance at the Tasting Spain and Madrid Fu- sion fair, an international summit of gastronomy, was made possible by Veronica Navarro, Head of Marketing and Public Relations for the Technology Centre. This was done in order to get to know the new agri-food and culinary trends, new products and ready to eat formats, amongst others. Visits around the fruit and vegetable business sector Tecnova visits the companies Azud and Ecohidro The team of researchers and specialists from the Tecnova Foundation, along with its managing director, Maria Carmen Galera, visited the facilities of the companies and Azud and Ecohidro. They are located in the region of Murcia and are dedicated mainly to the manufacture of irrigation systems, water treatment technology and water filtration systems for industry, amongst others. As such, Tecnova was able to learn about the latest advances in irrigation technology ap- plied to greenhouse crops. Growers from around the province visit the premises of the Foundation Tecnova welcomed a group of growers from the province of Almeria to their facilities, through the organisation of Emilio Martinez, president of the Foundation. The purpose of the vis- it was for them to get to know the facilities of the technology centre and the research being carried along with the services offered to companies in the fruit and vegetable sector. Agroponiente directors and specialists visit the Tecnova Technology Centre The team of directors and specialists from Agroponiente visit- ed the facilities of the Tecnova Technology Centre in order to see at first hand the equipment it houses and the services it provides, of interest to sellers involved with food safety and post-harvest.
  • 75.
    Report 2014 74 8 Informationand Promotion Visit from the ‘Hortofrutícola Costa Almeria’ technical team The technical team from Horticultural Costa Almeria was in- terested in getting to knowing the work carried out at Tecno- va Technology Centre, regarding both the services offered to companies in the sector and the lines of research. For this purpose, they had a guided tour around the premises of the headquarters where the business development team from the Foundation showed them the facilities including the laborato- ries and pilot plants, amongst others. Managing Directors and President of Unica Group visit Tecnova As a result of its new headquarters in PITA, the managing di- rectors and president of Unica Group visited the premises of The ‘Alhóndiga La Unión’ team visit Tecnova The Tecnova Technology Centre welcomed the Alhóndiga La Union team to their facilities, in order to see the equip- ment it houses at first hand along with the services it pro- vides of interest to cooperatives and wholesalers. To do this, the specialists were given a guided tour, where they saw the laboratories along with the Agri-food Robotics and Minimally Processed Fresh pilot plants at the disposal of the companies to carry out trials. Visit from members of Briseis Briseis company employees visited Tecnova to get to know the Centre and its work for the fruit and vegetable sector. They saw the different facilities it houses, such as the laboratories, pilot plants, as well as the sensory analysis and gastronomic innovation laboratory.
  • 76.
    Report 2014 75 8Information andPromotion Visits to R&D&I centres and organisations Tecnova visit the CNTA Technology Centew The Tecnova Technology Centre has visited the facilities of the CNTA, National Centre for Technology and Safety, locat- ed in Navarra, on several occasions, to see at first hand the facilities it has available. On this particular occasion, both the technical team and members of the Board, had the opportu- nity to visit the CNTA and consequently signed a collabora- tion agreement to offer new lines and services that comple- ment the work of both centres, serving as a way of covering the needs of the agribusiness sector. As a way of reciprocating, the CNTA team also came to visit the Tecnova facilities to see the centre’s work and to set up the first lines of work in joint collaboration. The Peru Technology Park shows its interest in Tecnova Representatives of companies from the Technology Park in Peru came to see the facilities of Tecnova to get to know about the Almeria agribusiness cluster at first hand. As such, the functioning and work being carried out at Tecnova was of great interest. The managing director of the Foundation, Ma- ria Carmen Galera, accompanied the group during the visit, explaining the equipment housed in the centre, as well as the services and lines of research being developed, with the pos- sible idea of establishing areas of mutual collaboration in the future as a way complementing each other’s R&D&I activities. Tecnova with the idea of getting to know its facilities and look at possible areas for collaboration on future research projects. Taking advantage of the visit, the business development team showed them the different areas and equipment housed in the building. Visit from Vicasol The Board of Directors from Vicasol visited the Foundation to see the workings of the research centre and services for R&D&I on offer to the fruit and vegetable sector . The Tecnova president, Emilio Martinez, welcomed them and showed them the facilities it houses along with the sophisticated equipment available. He also talked about the different existing work are- as, laboratories and pilot plants. Visit from Nature Choice and Sat INVER The companies Nature Choice and Sat INVER came to vis- it the Tecnova facilities to see the Research Centre and the work it does for the AIA sector. They also saw rest of the facilities and the lines of research being carried out.
  • 77.
    Report 2014 76 8 Informationand Promotion Tecnova visit IMIDA Several members of the research team together with Maria Carmen Galera, managing director of the Tecnova Technol- ogy Centre visited the Murcia Institute of Agrifood Research and Development and Food (IMIDA) to promote the servic- es of Tecnova, as well as setting up partnerships and joint ventures through collaboration agreements and projects of interest. Tecnova visits the AZTI-Tecnalia Centre for R&D&I The Board of Trustees of the Foundation, went to the Basque Country to visit the facilities of the Tecnalia research centre to sign a collaboration agreement between both centres in the search for new strategic alliances involving research as a way of tackling the new challenges facing the sector.
  • 78.
    Report 2014 77 8Information andPromotion Furthermore, prior to this visit, the Azti-Tecnalia staff paid a visit to the Tecnova premises to get to know its research facilities in situ along with the work being car- ried out for the business sector. By the same token, the Tecnova technical team later visited the facilities of Az- ti-Tecnalia.
  • 79.
    Report 2014 78 8 Informationand Promotion IRTA visits Tecnova Researchers at the Institute of Food Research and Technolo- gy (IRTA),located in Catalonia, visited the facilities of Tecnova Technology Centre with the aim of setting up a collabora- tion agreement and joint ventures for projects and services to companies. During the visit, they saw the various types of technology along with the broad spectrum of R&D&I and services that Tecnova is undertaking for the agri-business sector. The president of Adesva visits Tecnova The INRA and IVIA R&D&I centres visit Tecnova Researchers at the French National Institute for Agricultur- al Research (INRA) and the Valencian Institute for Agrarian Research (IVIA) visited the Tecnova Foundation facilities with the goal of finding new ways of implementing innovation for the agri-business sector, through strategic alliances and to develop European projects of interest for the companies from the sector. To this end, they also visited other organi- sations in the ancillary industry for agriculture in the province of Almeria, to see at first hand the research being applied in the field and to look for solutions to improve the technology of current greenhouse structures.
  • 80.
    Report 2014 79 8Information andPromotion Ramon Jauregui visits the Tecnova premises, in connection with its status as a Centre of excellence for R&D&I in Andalusia The Socialist Party politician, Ramon Jauregui, visited the fa- cilities of the Tecnova Technology Centre together with Adri- ana Valverde, Delegate for Economy, Innovation, Science and Employment in Almería, amongst others, to learn at first hand about the research in the fruit and vegetable sector being carried out in the province of Almería, as well as ser- vices that the Foundation offers to agri-business companies nationwide. During their stay, they visited both the facilities at the headquarters located in PITA, and the Experimental Centre, located in Viator, where greenhouses for agricultural experimentation can be found. The President of ADESVA represented by Morera & Vallejo group, a member company of the Foundation, visited the premises of the Tecnova Technology Centre together with some of its staff to see the facilities at the headquarters of the Experimental Centre at first hand. This showed their interest in technological innovation and development, as well as the services Tecnova offers directly to companies in the field of plasticulture. Institutional visits The new managing director of the IDEA Agency shows his interest in Tecnova Foun- dation research The managing director of the IDEA Agency in Almería, Fran- cisco Gimenez, visited the premises of Tecnova Technology Centre in order to see the technological facilities that are housed at its headquarters, located in PITA. Emilio Martinez, the president of Tecnova Foundation, talked about the re- search, technological developments and services carried out by Tecnova for the agri-business sector.
  • 81.
    Report 2014 80 8 Informationand Promotion Educational visits CIDAF students at Tecnova A group of students from the Research and Development Center for Functional Food (CIDAF) came to Tecnova to get to know more about the agri-business cluster in Almeria. As such, they visited the main facilities of the Foundation and were given an explanation about the role it plays within in- dustry and more specifically about how the pilot plants and laboratories serve the sector. The Gastronomic Society visits Tecnova The Tecnova president, Emilio Martinez accompanied a group of gourmetsfrom a gastronomy society in the province, who were interested in R&D&I connected with fruit and vegetable products, carried out by Tecnova.
  • 82.
    Report 2014 81 8Information andPromotion German business professionals visit Tecnova A group of German business professionals visited the facil- ities of the Tecnova Technology Centre, in order to get to know about the centre’s work in terms of research and devel- opment, along with the services offered to companies. Business professionals from Belgian and Por- tugal visit Tecnova A group of business professionals from Belgium and Portu- gal were interested in seeing the Tecnova facilities as way of better understanding technological research in intensive ag- riculture. International visits Visit from Serbian business professionals A group of business professionals from Serbia visited the Tecnova headquarters, accompanied by the Department of Economics from University of Almería. The aim was to learn about the Tecnova facilities at first hand, as well as the agri- business cluster making up production, the ancillary industry and commercialisation, in order to adapt and extrapolate the model of agricultural success in Almeria to Serbia. CeiA3 students visit Tecnova Students from the second edition of the Training Course “Postharvest in fruits and vegetables: a practical vision of sustainability, quality and food safety” given by the Agrifood Campus of International Excellence (ceiA3) and the Univer- sity of Almería, carried out a practical activity on the Tec- nova premises where Dr. Ana Belen Cabezas talked about the facilities and research in the Minimally Processed Fresh pilot plant, as well as post-harvest projects being undertaken by the Foundation. Also, the managing director of the Foun- dation, explained the work being done by Tecnova for the fruit and vegetable sector, in connection with its status as a centre for R&D&I. Verdiblanca members visit Tecnova Members of Verdiblanca visited the Experimental Centre to learn about the growing of crops in greenhouses and afterwards they visited the headquarters to see the work being done with regard to post-harvest, where a presentation of the Technology Centre was given by the managing director, Maria Carmen Galera. Finally the attendees took part in a tasting session with the fruit and vegetables they had gathered at the Experimental Centre.
  • 83.
    Report 2014 82 9 InternationalDevelopment The main goal of the mission was to promote the tech- nology the different companies from Tecnova have at their disposal, in order to assess the possible implementation of a new production system in the Chilean region, which also would reduce the impact of CO2 emissions produced in the region. During this mission, visits were made to the offices of ‘Al- gaefuels Bioenergy S.A.’ in Santiago de Chile, where possible companies to be involved in the project were assessed, along with the different strategic lines and protocols to be discussed in subsequent meetings. They also went to see to a produc- tion plant for algae derived from mussels, in order to evaluate the different systems within the algae production process and the different types of infrastructure available. Outbound mission to Russia The projects: BIOSAFOOD and TOMPLUS, amongst others, are part of a set of European projects with a focus on bio- technology and health, in which Tecnova is participating with Spanish and Russian companies, as well as Russian R&D&I centres. To this end, an outbound mission was organised in which members of Tecnova participated, including Maria Car- men Galera, managing director of Tecnova, Dr. Joaquin Pozo from the area of Biotechnology & Health and also Diego Ter- uel, from the Business Development department. DOMCA (a leading company in the BIOSAFOOD project) and two of its researchers, Cristina Nunez and Alberto Bañosm were also present. They all went to see the facilities from MKS and the Institute of Food Science and Technology Kemerovo in situ and to hold meetings to see the status of projects in both re- gions. The mission also served as a meeting place and point of contact with other institutions, research organisations and companies from Russia in order to set up and carry out R&D&I of interest to the Russian and Spanish business sectors. Trade Missions Outbound Missions Outbound mission to Chile Biorizon Biotech Technology Center together with Tecno- va went on an outbound trade mission representing the Ancillary Industry for Agriculture, a result of the interest in the success of the Almería model shown by the Chilean company ‘Algaefuels Bioenergy, S.A.’ which had previously visited the province of Almeria. During their visit to Spain, the representatives from Algaefuels were able to see the differ- ent facilities and technologies at work in the Tecnova Tech- nology Centre Experimental Center greenhouses, as well as the projects being carried out regarding agricultural trials, to improve and increase production yields under plastic.
  • 84.
    Report 2014 83 9International Development InboundMissions Visit from business professionals from KENYA A group of businessmen from Kenya visited the facilities of Tecnova. This was organised by the company ‘’New Growing Systems (NGS)’ and Maria Carmen Galera, managing direc- tor of Tecnova, greeted them and following this, research- ers from the Foundation explained the work being done by research companies from the Foundation such as ‘Biorizon Biotech’. They were given a presentation of Tecnova’s own services and products and were able to see the facilities of the headquarters, laboratories and pilot plants, along with the technology and infrastructure of Experimental Centre.
  • 85.
    Report 2014 84 9 InternationalDevelopment Visit from the Chinese company CNADC The Chinese company CNADC with the help of the Tecnova company ‘Eurosemillas’, visited the facilities of the Founda- tion as well as companies from the fruit and vegetable sector, looking for partners in technology to open a new line of busi- ness line of common interest. Chinese business professionals visit Tecnova and INTECA The origin export consortium INTECA together with the TEC- NOVA Technology Center, is continuing its expansion into China, widening its business relationships in other regions of China, in search of new business opportunities involving the Ancillary Industry for Agriculture in Almeria. As such, Asian business professionals travelled to Spain to visit Tecnova and the companies that make up the consortium, including ‘Agrar Plantas del Sur’, ‘Agrobío’, ‘NGS’, ‘Planprotect’ and ‘Riegos y Tecnología’. They also visited the collaborating companies ‘Eurosemillas’ and ‘Grupo Armando Alvarez’, to establish new strategic alliances in the area of intensive agriculture to be extrapolated to China.
  • 86.
  • 87.
    Report 2014 86 9 InternationalDevelopment VIII International Meeting of the AIA organ- ised by Extenda A year on and as part of the VIII edition of the International Meeting of the Ancillary Industry for Agriculture organized by EXTENDA, a delegation of business professionals in search of new opportunities for business and technology from the countries of Peru, United Arab Emirates, Mexico, Morocco, Turkey, Algeria and Chile amongst others, were able to see the development and workings of agriculture in Almeria with the help of the Tecnova Foundation. As part of this, Maria Carmen Galera, the managing direc- tor of Tecnova, gave a presentation explaining Tecnova’s involvement in the Almeria agri-business model, which has been highly successful all over the world, in terms of diversi- fication and cutting edge technology implemented for crops under plastic. Subsequent guided tours were given around the different laboratories, technology areas and pilot plants for Minimally Processed Fresh and Robotics, amongst oth- ers, and following that around the Experimental Centre to see the technology being used under plastic and in the different greenhouse structures. To bring the trip to a close, they visit- ed other companies.from the sector.
  • 88.
    Report 2014 87 9International Development Visitfrom business professionals from Haiti The agricultural businessman and former minister of the country Haiti, Jean Robert Estime paid a visit to Spain in search of technological and technical advisory services for the implementation of greenhouses in his country. To this end, he contacted Tecnova for its team of specialists to explain in depth the business success of the Almeria Agricultural Model and extrapolate the technology used to the French-speaking country. To fulfill this mission, Tecnova specialists organised a comprehensive program of visits to companies involved with: greenhouse construction, fertilisers, seeds, climate control systems, irrigation and substrates, amongst others, in order to gain a first hand insight into the crop growing model for Almeria province. first hand the different laboratories at its disposal along with the services on offer and lines of research being carried out. Afterwards, they travelled to the Experimental Centre, where they were able see in situ the various crop systems and agri- cultural trials being performed at the time with partner com- panies from Tecnova. At the same time ‘Fundación Mexico’, visited several companies in the AIA sector, with the help of Tecnova. As part of the Innovagro Network, Fundación Produce, con- tacted the Tecnova Technology Centre through RITEC, to organise a visit to production and handling facilities, taking advantage of the fact that were already in Spain. The main goal of the visit was to see at first hand the technology, mate- rials and commercialisation methods being used in Almeria. The mission began with a tour around the headquarters of the Tecnova Foundation, where they were able to see at Mission from ‘Fundación Produce’, Mexico
  • 89.
    Report 2014 88 9 InternationalDevelopment The Consortium called ‘Innovative Technology for Agricul- ture, S.L.’, and whose acronym is Inteca, is an initiative that was developed and created within Tecnova CT after several years of ground work, where meetings were held with the Chamber of Commerce of Spain in China as well as the Spanish Embassy Office for Economic & Commercial Affairs in Beijing. This business entity comprises the companies: ‘Planpro- tect S.L.’; ‘Riegos y Tecnología, S.L.’; ‘New Growing Sys- tem, S.L.’; y ‘Agrobío, S.L’. and is supported by funding from the Office of Foreign Trade ICEX and the European Regional Development Fund ERDF, to promote its business in China. International Cooperation Origin Export Consortium - Innovative Technology for Agriculture (INTECA) The Consortium is responsible for the development of a strategic expansion plan seeking new market niches to es- tablish new business relationships and broaden business op- portunities for the Ancillary Industry for Agriculture in Almeria. In this regard, the Board of Trustees of Inteca has established a plan of action to diversify into international markets as a way of becoming more competitive and continuing its inter- nationalisation process, in order to achieve greater export capacity for its companies and to position them better in for- eign markets with respect to their competitors. Throughout the year, they held several meetings to define and map out the internationalisation strategy for the consortium.
  • 90.
    Report 2014 89 9International Development Alimentaria2014 - International Food and Drinks Exhibition Several members of the Tecnova team, Juan Carlos Jime- nez, Diego Teruel, both from the Business Development Department, Dr. Ana Belén Cabezas from the Postharvest technology area, together Maria Carmen Galera, the manag- ing director of the Tecnova Technology Centre attended the International Food and Drinks Exhibition held in Barcelona. They participated in bilateral meetings for cooperation, dis- tribution and innovation amongst exhibitors and purchasers, where strong ties were forged for future R&D&I projects be- tween entities with a common interest from the said industry. contact to be made with companies in order to promote the centre’s services and to find new clients to set in motion new innovative projects and agricultural trials. Greentech Fair 2014 The TECNOVA Technology Centre attended the biennial fair Green Tech 2014, held in Amsterdam, June 10-12 and partic- ipated with its own stand along with several companies from the Foundation such as ‘IDM’, ‘NGS’ and ‘Hortimax’ in addi- tion to the collaborating entity from INTECA, ‘Grupo Armando Alvarez’. This fair is a benchmark for exhibiting the latest technology involved in the fruit and vegetable production chain along with sustainable solutions in terms of water and energy available to growers. The representatives from Tecnova, managing director, Maria Carmen Galera, and Diego Teruel from the Business Development Department, travelled to Holland to attend the fair as well as B2B bilateral meetings organised by CESEAND (Enterprise Europe Network). This was done to promote the services of the Technology Centre for SMEs, universities, pub- lic and private R&D&I centres from the fruit and vegetable sec- tor as well as to discuss possible collaborations with European partners to set up cooperation projects together for business, technology and R&D&I. International Fairs International Trade Show for the Fruit and Vegetable Industry “Fruit Attraction 2014” The members of the business development team, Diego Ter- uel and Juan Carlos Jimenez and the postharvest area, Dr. Teresa Turiño and Dr. Ana Belen Cabezas, from the Tecnova Technology Centre along with Maria Carmen Galera, manag- ing director of the Centre, attended the 2014 edition of the International Trade Show for the Fruit and Vegetable Indus- try, Fruit Attraction, which was held in Madrid. This renowned trade fair for the fruit and vegetable sector is of great interest to Tecnova because it allows collaborations to be set up and
  • 91.
    Report 2014 90 10 COLLABORATION AGREEMENTBE- TWEEN AGROINDUSTRIAL KIMITEC, S.L. AND THE FOUNDATION FOR ANCIL- LARY TECHNOLOGIES FOR AGRICUL- TURE. Almeria, January 1, 2014 The subject matter of this contract is the provision of ser- vices by the Tecnova TC to carry out a “Comparative study of the effect produced by a new organic fertilizer for plant growth stimulation in intensive horticultural tomato cultivars”. COLLABORATION AGREEMENT BE- TWEEN AGROLABORATORIOS NUTRI- CIONALES, S.A. AND THE FOUNDATION FOR ANCILLARY TECHNOLOGIES FOR AGRICULTURE. Almeria, February 3, 2014 The subject matter of this contract is the provision of ser- vices by Tecnova TC for the R&D project “Obtaining a new naturally occurring exoelicitor to treat tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV) in tomato crops.”. COLLABORATION AGREEMENT BE- TWEEN AGROLABORATORIOS NUTRI- CIONALES, S.A. AND THE FOUNDATION FOR ANCILLARY TECHNOLOGIES FOR AGRICULTURE. Almeria, February 3, 2014 The subject matter of this contract is the provision of servic- es by Tecnova TC for the R&D project “Design and devel- opment of a new naturally occuring environmentally friendly product to disinfect agricultural soils”. COLLABORATION AGREEMENT BE- TWEEN BIORIZON BIOTECH, S.L. AND THE FOUNDATION FOR ANCILLARY TECHNOLOGIES FOR AGRICULTURE. Almeria, February 6, 2014 The subject matter of this contract is the provision of an agronomic trial evaluation service by Tecnova TC entitled: “Evaluation of the effects of a new nutritional product for a greenhouse tomato crop” using the facilities of Tecnova TC. COLLABORATION AGREEMENT BE- TWEEN GOGARSA, S.L. AND THE FOUN- DATION FOR ANCILLARY TECHNOLO- GIES FOR AGRICULTURE. Almeria, June 1, 2014 The subject matter of this contract is the provision of ser- vices by Tecnova TC for the R&D project: “protected crop growing system for subtropical varieties - TROPROTEC”. COLLABORATION AGREEMENT BE- TWEEN HORTO-VELEZ, S.A. AND THE FOUNDATION FOR ANCILLARY TECH- NOLOGIES FOR AGRICULTURE. Motril, June 1, 2014 The subject matter of this contract is the provision of ser- vices by Tecnova TC for the R&D project “protected crop growing system for subtropical varieties - TROPROTEC “. COLLABORATION AGREEMENT BE- TWEEN MERCOMOTRIL, S.A. AND THE FOUNDATION FOR ANCILLARY TECH- NOLOGIES FOR AGRICULTURE. Motril, June 9, 2014 The subject matter of this contract is the provision of ser- vices by Tecnova TC for the R&D project “Active Packaging and UV-C treatment for improving the quality and food safe- ty of fresh cut apple and pears “. COLLABORATION AGREEMENT BE- TWEEN CORTIJO CUEVAS, S.L. AND THE FOUNDATION FOR ANCILLARY TECH- NOLOGIES FOR AGRICULTURE. Granada, June 16, 2014 The subject matter of this contract is the provision of ser- vices by Tecnova CT for the R&D project “Methodology of preservation and coating used for the prevention of cracking in cherry tomatoes - NO MORE CRACKING”. Agreements, Contracts And Partnerships
  • 92.
    Report 2014 91 10 COLLABORATION AGREEMENTBE- TWEEN MIGUEL GARCIA SANCHEZ E HI- JOS, S.A. AND THE FOUNDATION FOR ANCILLARY TECHNOLOGIES FOR AGRI- CULTURE. Almeria, July 1, 2014 The subject matter of this contract is the provision of servic- es by Tecnova CT for the R&D project “Low fat guacamole, packaging, product preservation and comprehensive treat- ment of generated by-products”. COLLABORATION AGREEMENT BE- TWEEN SYSTEMS AZUD, S.A. AND THE FOUNDATION FOR ANCILLARY TECH- NOLOGIES FOR AGRICULTURE. In Almeria, July 8, 2014 The subject matter of this contract is the provision of servic- es by Tecnova TC for the R&D project entitled: Automation of agronomic work in intensive agriculture using robotics - AGRONAUTA project. COLLABORATION AGREEMENT BE- TWEEN HISPATEC INFORMÁTICA EMPRE- SARIAL, S.A.U. AND THE FOUNDATION FOR ANCILLARY TECHNOLOGIES FOR AG- RICULTURE. Almeria, July 8, 2014 The subject matter of this contract is the provision of servic- es by Tecnova CT for the R&D project entitled: Automation of agronomic work in intensive agriculture using robotics - AGRONAUTA project. COLLABORATION AGREEMENT BE- TWEEN INGENIERÍA DE APLICACIONES, S.A. AND THE FOUNDATION FOR ANCIL- LARY TECHNOLOGIES FOR AGRICULTURE. Almeria, July 8, 2014 The subject matter of this contract is the provision of servic- es by Tecnova CT for the R&D project entitled: Automation of agronomic work in intensive agriculture using robotics - AGRONAUTA project. COLLABORATION AGREEMENT BE- TWEEN NOVEDADES AGRÍCOLAS, S.A. AND THE FOUNDATION FOR ANCILLARY TECHNOLOGIES FOR AGRICULTURE. Almeria, July 8, 2014 The subject matter of this contract is the provision of services by the CT Tecnova for the R&D project entitled: Automation of agronomic work in intensive agriculture using robotics - AGRONAUTA project. COLLABORATION AGREEMENT BE- TWEEN SERFRUIT, S.A. AND THE FOUN- DATION FOR ANCILLARY TECHNOLO- GIES FOR AGRICULTURE. Almeria, July 8, 2014 The subject matter of this contract is the provision of servic- es by Tecnova TC for the R&D project entitled: Automation of agronomic work in intensive agriculture using robotics - AGRONAUTA project. COLLABORATION AGREEMENT BE- TWEEN TECNOLOGÍAS DE AUTOMA- TIZACIÓN Y CONTROL AND AND THE FOUNDATION FOR ANCILLARY TECH- NOLOGIES FOR AGRICULTURE. Almeria, July 8, 2014 The objective of this contract is the provision of services by the CT Tecnova for the R&D project entitled: Automation ag- ronomic work in intensive farms using robotics -AGRONAU- TA project. COLLABORATION AGREEMENT BE- TWEEN PACKAGING ULMA, S. COOP. FOUNDATION AND THE FOUNDATION FOR ANCILLARY TECHNOLOGIES FOR AG- RICULTURE. Almeria, July 8, 2014 The objective of this contract is the provision of services by the CT Tecnova for the R&D project entitled: Automation ag- ronomic work in intensive farms using robotics -AGRONAU- TA project. COLLABORATION AGREEMENT BE- TWEEN KEMEROVO INSTITUTE OF FOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY AND THE FOUNDATION FOR ANCILLARY TECH- NOLOGIES FOR AGRICULTURE. August 20, 2014 Tecnova and KemIFST intend to strengthen institutional links in order to foster new research focusing on the agrifood in- dustry. Agreements, Contracts And Partnerships
  • 93.
    Report 2014 92 10 Agreements,Contracts And Partnerships FRAMEWORK COOPERATION AGREE- MENT BETWEEN THE FOUNDATION FOR ANCILLARY TECHNOLOGIES FOR AGRI- CULTURE (TECNOVA TC) - AND TECNALIA RESEARCH & INNOVATION (TECNALIA). In Zamudio, September 24, 2014 Cooperation agreement to provide mutual support in R&D projects, technology transfer programmes, technical confer- ences and business meetings in order to promote innovation and technological development in the sphere of influence of both centres. COLLABORATIONAGREEMENTBETWEEN HEROGRA ESPECIALES, S.L. FOUNDATION AND THE FOUNDATION FOR ANCILLARY TECHNOLOGIES FOR AGRICULTURE. Almeria, November 11, 2014 The subject matter of this contract is the provision of services by Tecnova TC for the R&D project “Trial and development of a microbiological biostimulant for use in protected horticul- tural crops.” COLLABORATIONAGREEMENTBETWEEN MIGUEL GARCIA SANCHEZ E HIJOS, S.A. AND THE FOUNDATION FOR ANCILLARY TECHNOLOGIES FOR AGRICULTURE. Motril, September 10, 2014 The subject matter of this contract is the provision of services by CT Tecnova for the R&D project “Enhancing the taste of cherry tomato and reducing the discharge of excess nutrients into the environment “. FRAMEWORK COOPERATION AGREE- MENT BETWEEN THE FOUNDATION FOR ANCILLARY TECHNOLOGIES FOR AGRI- CULTURE (TECNOVA TC) - AND THE NA- TIONAL CENTRE FOR FOOD TECHNOLO- GY AND SAFETY (CNTA). San Adrian, Navarra, September 23, 2014 The overall objective of this agreement is to establish the ba- sis for cooperation between Tecnova TC and CNTA, in order to develop joint initiatives within the framework of the activities that are proper to both entities. COLLABORATION AGREEMENT BE- TWEEN AGRIPHAR IBERIA S.L.U. AND THE FOUNDATION FOR ANCILLARY TECH- NOLOGIES FOR AGRICULTURE. Almeria, September 4, 2014 The subject matter of this contract is the provision of a agro- nomic trial evaluation service by Tecnova TC entitled: “Evalu- ation of the antifungal effects of Pyrus applied via irrigation to combat Botrytis cinerea in pepper growing (P033_22072014)” and “Evaluation of the antifungal effects of Pyrus applied via irrigation to combat Botrytis cinerea in tomato growing (P030_22072014)”, using the facilities of Tecnova TC.
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    Report 2014 93 10Agreements, ContractsAnd Partnerships Authorization Code No. 04003767 from the Ministry of Edu- cation of the Andalusian Regional Government., to undergo professional training in the workplace and as such, gain better qualifications through direct knowledge of the real working environment. COLLABORATIONAGREEMENTBETWEEN CAMPOMAR SCHOOL OF AGRICULTURE AND THE FOUNDATION FOR ANCILLARY TECHNOLOGIES FOR AGRICULTURE (TEC- NOVA). Almería, 16 December 2014 The purpose of this agreement is to establish the framework of cooperation between the two entities for TECNOVA TC to be able to collaborate on the following activities within the training courses offered by CAMPOMAR: • Collaborating on specialised technical talks and / or con- ferences by TECNOVA TC researchers • Organising visits for groups of students around the TEC- NOVA TC facilities • Organising work experience for CAMPOMAR students in TECNOVA TC. COLLABORATION AGREEMENT: VICAR SCHOOL OF AGRICULTURE – THE FOUN- DATION FOR ANCILLARY TECHNOLOGIES FOR AGRICULTURE FOR TRAINING IN THE WORKPLACE. Vicar, Almeria, December 16, 2014 The aim of the agreement is to enable the students of the Initial Vocational Training Course “Agriculture and Livestock Technician” developed by the Vicar School of Agriculture, with BUDGET AGREEMENT BETWEEN KEMER- OVO INSTITUTE OF FOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY , REPRESENTED BY ITS REC- TOR ALEXANDER PROSEKOV AND THE FOUNDATION FOR ANCILLARY TECH- NOLOGIES FOR AGRICULTURE BY ITS MANAGING DIRECTOR MARIA DEL CAR- MEN GALERA QUILES. Almeria, December 12, 2014 The subject matter of this agreement is the cooperation of a research group working on a joint project regarding: devel- opment of technology to obtain biopreservatives based on bacteriocin producing lactic acid bacteria to increase the shelf life of fruit and vegetables.
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    Report 2014 94 10 · AbuDhabi Farmer’s Services Center · ACAL (Association for improvement in competitiveness in the Agribusiness Cluster) · ACRIA (Almeria Association of Chefs and Hoteliers). · AFA (Association of Andalusian Foundations) · AFBIA (Spanish Association of Companies for Biotechnological Development) · Agrar Plantas Del Sur, S.A. · Agrobío S.L. · Agroclean S.L. · Agrofresh · Agrogenia · Agroindustrial Kimitec S.L. · Agrolaboratorios Nutricionales S.A. · AIJU (Tecnology Centre for Toys) · Aldeilla suministros · Almafrut Almería, S.L. · Almeriplant Semilleros S.L. · Almeriport Bay Foundation · Amacom · Ascamm Technology Centre · ASEMPAL (Business Confederation for the Province of Almería). · Bakkavor · Bandesur, S.L. · Bgreen Biological Systems, S.L. · Biocolor S.L. · Biocrisara S.L. · Bionutrición Vegetal S.A. · Biorizon Biotech S.L. · Bureau Veritas S.A. · Cajamar · Chamber of Commerce for Almería · Chamber of Commerce for Huelva · Chamber of Commerce for Motril · Chartered Institute of America Economists · Chartered Institute of Agricultural Engineers · CeiA3 (Agrifood Campus of International Excellence) · Caparrós Nature S.L. · Capital Genetic EBT, S.L. · Cajamar Foundation · CDTI · CEPLA · Certis Europe · CICAP · CITOLIVA · CNTA · Construcciones Mecánicas Emilio Gea S.L. · Cristalplant · CTAQUA · Deretil · Desarrolla Consultores, S.L. · Desarrollo De Aplicaciones Fitotécnicas S.A. · Dicsa (Distribuciones Industriales y Científicas S.L). · Domca · Ecohal · Enza Zaden Research Centre S.L.U. · Enza Zaden S.L. · Esteros de Canela · Eurosemillas S.A. · Europea de Soluciones Alimentarias S.L. · Extenda · Formatio Postgrado, S.L. · Frutas Tejerina · Gogarsa S.L. · Grupo Hispatec · Hazera · Herogra · Himarcan Técnica Del Agua y Clima S.L. Agreements, Contracts And Partnerships Other Collaborations
  • 96.
    Report 2014 95 10 · HMClause · Hortalan S.L. · Hortyfruta · ICEX · IDEA (Andalusia Innovation and Devopment Agency) · IDM (Ideas y Desarrollo para la Mejora Continua) · IMP (Ingeniería, mantenimiento y productividad) · Induser Poniente S.L. · Industrias Aeronáuticas INASOR S.L.U. · Ingro Maquinaria S.L. · INPMA (Moroccan National Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants) · INTECA (Innovative Technology For Agriculture) · INRA · Ispemar S.C.A. · Jarquil Verde · Koppert España .S.L. · La Gergaleña, · Maher Electríonica Aplicada S.L.U. · Mediterranean Foundation · Mercomotril, S.A. · Miguel García Sánchez e Hijos, S.A. · MKS · Monsanto · Natural Crunch S.L. · National Council of Chambers of Commerce · Nazaries IT · New Growing Systems S.L. · Novedades Agrícolas S.A. · Nutricionales Alvi · OMVRAM (Regional office for valuing agriculture in Moulouya) · OTRI University of Almería · Pelemix · PITA (Almeria Science and Technology Park) · Planet Horizon Technology · Planprotect S.L. · Plastienvase, S.L. · Polytechnic University of Cartagena · PonientePlast · Praxair España S.L.U. · PrimaRam · Provincial Authority for Agriculture, Fisheries and Environment · Provincial Authority for Economy, Innovation, Science and Employment. · Ramiro Arnedo · Reactiva Laboratorio, S.L. · Research AG Wageningen · RETA (Andalusian Network of Technological Spaces) · RITEC (Riegos y Tecnología) · Semillas Fitó · Serfruit · Solplast. S.A. · Sotrafa S.A. · Symborg · Tecnalia · TNO · Top Seed Iberica · Torresa Proyectos+Ingenieria S.L. · Tubocas · Única Group S.C.A · Universidad de Almería · UPL Iberica Agreements, Contracts And Partnerships Other Collaborations
  • 97.
    Report 2014 96 11 Certificationsand Membership Tecnova Foundation is certified in the Quality Management Systems UNE EN ISO 9001:08, Management of R&D-i UNE 166002:06 & the Environmental Management Sys- tem UNE EN ISO 14001:04. In this way, it is possible to improve all of our processes year by year, while keeping our customers satisfied. In 2014, the corresponding audits for the follow-up of these certifications were carried in the new premises. Tecnova is an active member of the following asso- ciations and bodies: · Spanish Association of Professionals working in Senso- rial Analysis (AEPAS, in Spanish). · AENOR. Tecnova coordinates the Normalisation Tech- nical Committee ‘AEN/ CTN 76/ SC 2/ GT: “ALMERIA GREENHOUSES”. · AINIA [Technological Centre]. · Associated to RETA [Andalusian Technological Areas Network]. · Association for the Promotion of Biotechnology in the Food Industry (AFBIA, in Spanish). · Campus of International Excellence in the Agro-Alimen- tary field [ceiA3]. · Andalusian Association of Foundations (AFA, in Span- ish). · Bahía Almeriport Foundation. · University of Almería (UAL) Mediterranean Foundation. · Founding Member of the AEI: “Association for the Com- petitive Improvement of the Agro-Industrial Cluster”. · Member of the AEI ‘APREAN ENERGinnovación’ – “An- dalusian Cluster for Renewable Energies”. · PITA [Scientific-Technological Park of Almería, Spain]. Certifications Membership
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    HEADQUARTERS TECNOVA Almeria ScienceTechnology & Park (PITA) Avda. de la Innovación, 23. C.P.: 04131 El Alquián - Almería (SPAIN) Phone: +34 950 29 08 22 administracion@fundaciontecnova.com www.fundaciontecnova.com