In 1994. the Institute for Adriatic Crops and Karst Reclamation in Split, is celebrating its centennial. The on-going works of this institute are extremely important for science in general, and especially in the feield of food production in Croatia.
In 1994. the Institute for Adriatic Crops and Karst Reclamation in Split,
is celebrating its centennial. The on-going works of this institute are
extremely important for science in general, and especially in the feield of
food production in Croatia.
In the second half of the 18th century Venice propagated agriculture in southern Croatia through its "academies" for enhancing certain branches of economy. That was the time of the growth of the economy in Dalmatia when agricultural administration, professional services and education were developing and more and more young people wanted to enter the academic community. These circumstances favoured the founding of a scientific institution concerned with the problems of the development of the entire economy and especially agriculture.
In 1894, "C. K. Kemicno-Gospodarstvena Pokusajna Postava" (The Chemical - Agricultural Testing Station) was founded which was the forerunner of the present institute and the oldest scientific institution in this part of the Mediterranean. The station was a scientific and educational institute concerned with the analysis and control of agricultural products. This was the first step towards an organized approach to scientific activities in this field in southern Croatia.
Through these 100 years its name was changed but its task remained the same: to foster science and to apply the results to everyday practice. For the three decades it was an independent research institution within the Split University and then on December 1, 1993, it became a public institute owned by the Republic of Croatia. It still concentrates on research work in the field of biotechnical science. Its activities include construction and control in agriculture, food technology, forestry and environmental protection. In the last decade the institute's experts have successfully collaborated with foreign experts and institutions especially with an international institution, the UNDP/FAO, on the realization of international projects. The Institute for Adriatic Crops continues to play an important role in the development of science in this part of the Mediterranean, not only because of its hundred year long tradition but also because of current needs in food production in the Mediterranean part of Croatia.
A centennial is a time for recollections which inevitably evoke reminiscences about scientists who are no longer in this institution but whose human dignity and scientific achievements have established the reputation of this institution. I use this occasion to express my thanks and respect.
The fact that this institute is celebrating its centennial is proof that Croatia has always been a part of the civilized world.
This centenary obligates the scientists from this institute to continue with their research in the field of Mediterranean agriculture and food technology and to enhance it in such a way as to win international recognition.
Minister of Science and Technology