In the heart of Plovdiv, a large-scale scientific project was presented, proving the potential of Bulgarian agricultural science on an international scale. The Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Yanislav Yanchev, emphasized the strategic role of innovations in modern agriculture during an official press conference dedicated to the tenth anniversary of the Center for Plant Systems Biology and Biotechnology (CPSBB).
A key moment in the state official's statement was the emphasis on the need for close interaction between scientific research, technological development, and their practical application. "Science is the engine for establishing sustainable agricultural practices," Yanchev was categorical, outlining the department's vision for modernizing the agricultural sector.
The "PlantaSYST" project, which is among the first ten initiatives funded by the European program "Horizon 2020", represents a remarkable example of successful international cooperation. A total budget of 30 million euros was invested in building a modern research complex on a site provided by the Plovdiv Municipality.
The research center's achievements are impressive - over 400 scientific publications, participation in more than 30 national and international projects, and building partnerships with institutes and companies from around the world. Among the most significant results are the development of new vegetable varieties, the creation of innovative biostimulants, and the identification of plant molecules with potential to improve human health.
The Ministry also announced specific steps for future development, including a new financial intervention "Support for Operational Groups" with a budget of 30 million euros. The goal is to strengthen the link between scientific research and its practical application in agriculture, while also attracting and retaining young Bulgarian scientists.
Attending the event were high-ranking guests, including the Plovdiv Regional Governor Prof. Hristina Yancheva and the Executive Director of the Education Program Agency Ivan Popov, who emphasized the importance of such scientific initiatives for national development.
The Center already has accreditation for doctoral training and continues to attract young talents from Bulgaria and abroad, which further reinforces its status as a leading research institution in the field of plant biology.