Study visit of Erasmus+ participants in Tymbark On February 29, 2024,

Representatives of the ARID Association along with international partners from Portugal, Greece, Cyprus, Germany, and Bulgaria visited the Tymbark Municipality as part of the project titled „Ugly“ fruits and vegetables… NOT! An innovative educational program for sustainable consumption and food waste reduction“, implemented under the Erasmus+ program.

The project aims to raise awareness about the incredible amount of food waste generated by our society and encourage consumers to adopt more sustainable food consumption practices. It emphasizes the importance of reducing food waste and the many benefits of consuming „ugly“ fruits and vegetables.

One of the project’s key messages is that the appearance of a fruit or vegetable does not affect its taste or nutritional value. In fact, many „ugly“ fruits and vegetables are just as tasty and healthy as their attractive counterparts, and they are often available at significantly lower costs.

During the study visit, project partners visited the production facilities of the Maspex company and met with the Mayor of the Tymbark Municipality, Dr. Paweł Ptaszek. The meeting, held at the town hall, was also attended by Ms. Dorota Ogórek, Secretary of the Tymbark Municipality, and Ms. Katarzyna Zborowska, an inspector from the Municipal Office. Participants represented higher education institutions (Portugal, Germany, Bulgaria), non-governmental organizations (Poland, Greece), and the farming community (Cyprus).

At the beginning of the meeting, the Mayor presented the Tymbark municipality to the participants and talked about its resources and values. During the meeting, guests asked a series of questions about entrepreneurship, environmental issues, and cooperation with local businesses. The meeting proceeded in a very pleasant atmosphere, and the participants declared that they would promote the Tymbark municipality in their countries.

Visiting the Pawlowski Fruit Press!

🍎🍐🍇 We had an incredible experience visiting the Pawlowski Fruit Press as part of the Ugly Fruits NOT project! 🌟 Their unique juices and preservative-free products are not only delicious but also incredibly healthy. 🥤✨ Ms. Ilonka graciously showed us around the factory, shared insights into their production process, and treated us to a delightful tasting session. 🍏🍇 We were all impressed by the exceptional quality of their products and highly recommend giving them a try! 🌱👍 #PawlowskiFruitPress #UglyFruitsNOT #HealthyChoices 🥤🌟

🎉📰 Our latest newsletter has arrived! 📬

Dive into the latest updates, project highlights, and upcoming events from the UglyFruitsNot project. 🍏🌱 Stay informed and inspired as we continue our journey towards sustainable consumption and food waste reduction! ♻️🌍 Check your inbox now! #Newsletter #UglyFruitsNot #SustainableFuture 📧🌟

📢 Exciting news!

The latest edition of our newsletter is on its way to your inbox! 📧 Stay tuned for updates, insights, and exciting developments from the UglyFruitsNot project. 🍏🌱 Don’t miss out on the latest news and opportunities to get involved! 🌟 #Newsletter #UglyFruitsNot #StayTuned 📰🚀

🍅🥒 Did you know?

Fruits and vegetables in Bulgaria often travel a long way from abroad before reaching our plates! 🌍 According to data from the Ministry of Agriculture, imports of fresh produce have been steadily increasing. 📈 In just eight months this year, Bulgaria imported nearly 202.5 thousand tons of vegetables and almost 255 thousand tons of fresh fruit. 🍎🥔 From tomatoes to cucumbers, the quantities are significant, with Turkey and Greece being major suppliers. 🇹🇷🇬🇷 Despite the distances traveled, these imports play a vital role in meeting consumer demand and ensuring a diverse selection of produce year-round. 🌱🌟 #ImportedProduce #FoodSupplyChain #Bulgaria #FreshProduce 🍉🍏

🌱🚀 Disruptive Technology of the Day: Vertical Agriculture! 🌿🍆

Ever heard of Vertical Agriculture? 🌍 By stacking plants vertically on growing shelves or poles, this innovative farming method has the potential to revolutionize food production! 🌱💡 Here’s what you need to know:

🌿 What is Vertical Agriculture? By utilizing vertical space, vertical farming can generate up to 10 times the yield per area compared to conventional field farming! 🌱💡 With LED lights replacing sunshine and closed-loop water recycling, plants thrive in incubated conditions free from pests and pesticides. Plus, no need to wash your veggies—clean conditions mean they’re ready to eat straight from the farm! 🥗👩‍🌾

🌍 Impacts on Aquaponics, Aeroponics & Hydroponics Vertical Agriculture isn’t just about growing up—it’s about growing smarter! 💡🌱 Here’s how it impacts other farming methods:

  • Aquaponics: Improving nutrient quality and sustainability.
  • Aeroponics: Reducing water and energy consumption.
  • Hydroponics: Conserving water and reducing CO2 emissions.

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🤝 Join the Revolution: Ready to be part of the future of farming? Explore partnerships and join the vertical agriculture revolution! 🌿💼 Contact us at info@stem4tech.mt to learn more.

#VerticalFarming #Aquaponics #Aeroponics #Hydroponics #Innovation #Sustainability 🌱🌿

🎄And now? Christmas!🎅


🎄✨ Wishing you a Merry Christmas from the UglyFruitsNot project team! 🎅🎁 May your holiday season be filled with laughter, love, and delicious, sustainable treats! 🌟 Let’s continue to spread awareness and make a positive impact on our planet. 🌍🍏 #UglyFruitsNot #MerryChristmas #SustainableSeason 🎄🌟