As no fertilisers or pesticides are permitted in organic chicory cultivation, some batches suffer major losses every year due to bacteria, disease or insufficient quality/weight of the cones. Optimum cone weight and a continuous harvest volume are decisive factors for both producers and buyers. Various methods for increasing the health and quality of the cones in storage and during forcing*, which are compliant with organic farming, are to be investigated.
* Forcing = Process where harvested chicory roots are placed in dark, humid conditions to sprout. This causes the growth of the white chicory shoots that we eat.
Project manager
