The cross-border journey of Re-Cereal
The Re-Cereal project, part of the Interreg V-A Italy-Austria programme, was launched in November 2016, with the Dr. Schär R&D Centre acting as coordinator for all partners involved. The goal was simple yet ambitious: to bring resilient and historically rich crops back to the heart of Alpine agricultural life. Oats, millet and buckwheat were sourced from non-European countries and cultivated in experimental fields located in Friuli-Venezia Giulia, South Tyrol and Carinthia, to evaluate their quality, yield and potential for revival in the Alpine regions.
We preserve the nutritional richness of ancient grains
Thanks to advanced processing and milling techniques, Re-Cereal has preserved the full nutritional richness of millet, buckwheat and oats. Using innovative analytical methods, the various grains and flours were also evaluated from sensory and technological perspectives. This work enabled researchers to identify the most promising varieties, paving the way for targeted crossings and new selections with optimal agronomic performance that meet both industry requirements and consumer tastes.
Resilient ecosystems
The reintroduction of these grains into the Alps not only creates new product opportunities but also supports crop rotation and soil health, often depleted by monocultures. Thanks to its hardiness and extensive root system, buckwheat helps to loosen and aerate the soil, enhancing fertility without the use of plant protection products.
