Project 25-00-C0LA1601-000018
“Development of functional food products adapted to crisis conditions using innovative combinations of microalgae Chlorella sp. biomass and Latvian fruit extracts”
The project activity “EIP working group project at sectoral level” of the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and the Common Agricultural Policy Strategic Plan 2023-2027 measure LA 16 “Support for the implementation of European Innovation Partnership working group projects” has been approved and launched No. 25-00-C0LA1601-000018 - “Development of functional food products adapted to crisis conditions using innovative combinations of microalgae Chlorella sp. biomass and Latvian fruit extracts” Implementation
The project's lead partner is AS “SYSTEMS INNOVATION”, cooperation partners - SIA “Rāmkalni Nordeco”, Scientific Institute for Food Safety, Animal Health and the Environment “BIOR” and SIA “Projektu birojs”. Microalgae Chlorella sp. is one of the most promising microalgae species with strong biotechnological potential, containing up to 60% of protein, the full spectrum of amino acids and other valuable substances. Cranberries, quinces, chokeberries and rhubarb grown in Latvia are rich in antioxidants and vitamins. Global demand for functional foods is growing, with sales exceeding €300 billion in 2024. However, Latvia's fruit processing potential is still not fully exploited.
Currently, some fruit crops grown in Latvia are exported unprocessed or processed into low value-added products. Given the changing geopolitical situation and security risks in the region, it is essential to develop reserves of functional foods with high nutritional value and long shelf life. Current solutions do not sufficiently harness the potential of local resources such as microalgae and fruits to create innovative products adapted to the crisis.
Project objective is to develop and validate a technology for the production of novel, crisis-appropriate, functional foods using microalgae Chlorella sp. biomass and an innovative combination of local fruit extracts - cranberries, quinces, chokecherries and rhubarb. The project aims to establish a complete production cycle, from microalgae cultivation and extraction to the production of finished products in tear-off-sachets packaging, as well as the production of bio-fertilisers from production residues.
The technologies and products developed as a result of the project will be implemented in the production facilities of the partners, JSC “SISTĒMU INOVACIJAS” and SIA “Rāmkalni Nordeco”, starting the production of high added value products. The new products will be standardised with a scientifically sound combination of bioactive substances and their efficacy and safety will be verified in cooperation with the BIOR Institute.
The project runs from 1 January 2026 to 31 December 2027.
The total eligible cost of the project is EUR 299 693,38. The public aid intensity is EUR 269 724,06. The European Union funding amounts to EUR 229 265,43, which represents 85 % of the public funding.
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Supported by the Ministry of Agriculture and the Rural Support Service
