DIVAS · Diversification for Tobacco Growing Farms by the alternative crop Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni

The CAP reform for the tobacco sector (EG Nr. 864/2004 from April 29, 2004, effective on January 1, 2006) has the aim to phase out the subsidy payment for tobacco cultivation. This will have a great impact on the tobacco growers in terms of income and employment. The project addresses a specific scientific and technological problem, as well as societal. It is exploring the possibilities to replace partially the tobacco production by the production of Stevia rebaudiana. Therefore the DIVAS proposal has the strategic objective to solve a problem of livelihood for EU tobacco farmers integrated in the DIVAS project (SME Partner). The SME partners of the DIVAS proposal represent a total of 9,7% of the Tobacco farms in Greece, Italy, Portugal and Spain which cultivate together about 5% of the Tobacco cultivation area of the above mentioned countries. This shall be done by setting up a consortium of seven SMEs of the agricultural Tobacco sector and eight subcontracted RTD performers with complementary expertise responsible for the execution of the following work packages: WP2 Field trials: Evaluation of five Stevia rebaudiana varieties yield potential in selected Tobacco growing region in EU WP3 Specification: Chemical characterisation of Stevia leaves to develop an European Standard for the Stevia leaves for a Novel Food approach WP3 Consumer Acceptance: Sensory evaluation, antioxidative potential examination and consumer expectations. WP5 Market Research: An up-to-date market potential assessment for Stevia rebaudiana and related products shall be compiled WP6 Dissemination: To develop a trans-European co-operation of EU tobacco farmers within the Stevia business WP7 Training: Set-up a network for vocational training on the needs of the Tobacco farmers to match the impact of the Tobacco reform on the educational level The results will transfer producers growing unhealthy plants to a new stage – the protection of human health.