Last October, 350 varietals of wheat were planted for the project FLOUR+. These varietals will be the studied closely once harvested next July and for three successive harvests, until 2010. “Of course, we have already carried out a number of tests as 250 varietals have already been planted since the autumn of 2006. The next stage is a meticulous analysis of these harvests”, explains Jean-Philippe Fasquel, scientific manager of Eurogerm and project coordinator.
In addition, a doctoral thesis funded by the company BTC, the project leader, has begun which is co-directed by the European Centre for the Sciences of Taste and the FLAVIC research unit, both based in Dijon. A second thesis will be launched during 2008. BTC has also created two staff positions to run the various structures needed to carry out the activities of FLOUR+. “For this project, we are really moving into a higher gear”, explains Jean-Philippe Fasquel.
FLOUR+ is a flagship project for Vitagora whose goal is to develop new methods of characterizing wheat varietals according to their nutritional and sensory potential. Its originality resides in the fact that hit covers the whole of the production chain, from seed production right through to the final consumer. “We are trying to optimize each stage all the whole ensuring a permanent transfer of new technology towards food manufacturers, as well as getting feedback regarding wheat selections.” This project has developed three specific tools: FERME d’EXCELLENCE®, a varietal and quality research platform, CEREALISABLE®, a cereals R&D centre, and CONSOLAB, which helps to analyze consumer preferences. A team of 25 people are currently working on this project, which received national funding in July 2007.
ContactJean-Philippe FasquelEmail : jpfasquel@eurogerm.com
31/01/08
Source: Agence JFD and Co
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