Good practice:

DIOFARM -PROMIXTURE OF FEED ADDITIVES: R2B & B2B collaboration between Dioscurides and Greek Honey

PROBLEM SOLVED: 1) DIOFARM research aimed at identifying the natural substances from herbal and aromatic plants that can substitute the antibiotics in animal feed without infecting or causing side-effects in the human food chain; 2) linking small innovative business with larger business' s growth interests, through research-to-business actions. HOW OBJECTIVES HAVE BEEN ACHIEVED:The research carried out from Dioscurides Co in collaboration with the Sericulture and Apiculture Laboratory of the Agricultural University of Athens. Through this collaboration a new product, titled "Diofarm" was created. The bioenergetic substances included in DIOFARM a 100% natural premix of bee feed additives like Carbachol, Thymol, Terpene, Anithole etc., has been proven to be effective on animals while particularly improves the natural immunity of the bee colony to decrease infestation caused by Nosema and also increase the honey production up to 20%. The last three years Dioscurides Co established an exclusive cooperation with Attiki-Pittas S.A. for "DioFarm" use and exploitation. STAKEHOLDERS INVOLVED: Dioscurides Company based in W. Macedonia (crop production and processing of aromatic and medicinal plants and products based on them), Attiki - Pittas SA based in Athens (honey products from a variety of Greek thyme, wild flowers and herbs), the Agricultural University of Athens, the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, ESIF 2007-2014 national level.

Both companies financed under the NSRF, Structural Funds for Greece, 2007-2013 (extended to 2015). The engaged human researchers were 4 scientists specialized in pharmachy, chemistry and food industry.

DIOFARM product restores normal intestinal micro flora, improves the taste of food, increases fertility and has strong antioxidant action resulting in reducing morbidity, improving human defense, increasing appetite, meat and milk production, and the animal spawning. Via DIOFARM an effective partnership between a small regional innovative company and a leading company in the Greek market that exports in more than 37 countries on 5 continents was created.

The main challenge concerned win-win benefits and effectively linking the strategy of a small innovative business with the growth interests of a larger firm.

The new product "DioFarm" by Dioscurides Co contributed to the build of a relationship with Attiki company that is important in a number of contents: Supply chains, sub -contracting or sub-supply relationships, procurement and/or more developmental relationships where small firms have otherwise unavailable capabilities or technologies. Furthermore closer collaboration between regional SMEs and large firms in terms of innovation, acting in practice R2B and B2B synergies, is a key point for developing policy agenda in entrepreneurship and regional economic growth.

Contact person: Stergios Tzimikas (DIOSCURIDES S.A.), [email protected]