The main expected result of the operational group is the utilization of plant waste through anaerobic digestion and the utilization of by-products in wine production (grape pomace, stalks and seeds)

The first expected result is the implementation of a mini anaerobic digestion system on small farms in order to obtain digestate which is a high quality low carbon organic fertilizer used further in agricultural production and biogas used on the farm for either household or economic activity. During the project, various plant residues and various organic fertilizers will be used to detect the optimal composition and ratio of input elements related to the quality of output.

Another expected result of the project is the development of new product from by-products in wine production, which is planned through two related activities of grape pomace processing. The first activity is related to the use of grape seeds for oil and flour production from grape seeds. Through the project the impact of the assortment on the quality of output products will be analyzed. The second activity is related to the extraction of tannins from grape stalks and pomace (without seeds) and the aim is to investigate the quality and quantity of the extract in three cases: in the extraction of only pomace, only stalks and combinations of stalks and pomace. The introduction of new products, which do not belong to the standard product range, will increas the competitiveness of winemakers and provides additional revenue as well as market recognition.

A business plan / investment study will be developed for all three technologies in order to promote and facilitate the decision to introduce these technologies into standard production of agricultural producers.