Innovative achievements of Bulgaria in agriculture and food production, presented at EXPO 2025 in Osaka

The Bulgarian participation in the thematic week "Life Necessities: Food, Clothing and Shelter" at the International EXPO 2025 in Osaka, Japan, was focused on presenting the innovative and scientific potential of the country in the field of agriculture. The emphasis was on sustainable agriculture, plant breeding, and the development of high-value-added foods, including space foods.

According to the Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Food, Dr. Lozana Vasileva, innovations are a key factor for sustainable growth and increasing the competitiveness of the agricultural sector. "Bulgaria is a small country, but it has significant achievements in priority areas such as plant breeding and space food production," she said at the opening of the event in the Bulgarian pavilion.

The President of the Agricultural Academy (AA), Prof. Violeta Bojanova, presented the latest plant selections of the Maritsa Vegetable Crops Research Institute, including the varieties "Pink Heart," "Scarlet Heart," and "Pink Shine," considered among the most delicious in the world. They are an example of combining tradition and innovative breeding methods, including DNA genotyping, phenotyping, and metabolomic analyses.

The Director of the Agrobioinstitute at the AA, Prof. Ivan Atanasov, presented Bulgarian space foods with proven success in real Antarctic and other special missions. These foods are the result of combining the latest scientific achievements of the institute and the high-tech developments of the company "Antarta."

Bioactive products in the form of hygroscopic powder, extracted through modern technology for the utilization of biomass and waste from essential oil crops, were also presented.

The Bulgarian pavilion at EXPO 2025 in Osaka, with an area of 376 sq. m., has the motto "Evolution with Nature," which conveys the message that progress must move in harmony with nature, in line with the main theme of the exhibition: "Designing the Future Society for Our Lives." The exhibition is being held from April 13 to October 13, 2025.