Аgrarian University in Plovdiv and the company “SGS Bulgaria” join forces for testing plant protection products

Rector Prof. Hristina Yancheva and the Managing Director of „SGS Bulgaria“ Dimitar Marikin signed a cooperation agreement between the higher education institution and the world leader in certification and inspection.

The agriculture and food sector is of exceptional importance for the economic stability of society. Therefore, it is necessary to provide consumers with quality food whose origin and safety are guaranteed. This task will be undertaken by the Agricultural University in Plovdiv and the world leader in certification and inspection „SGS Bulgaria“.

The subject of the cooperation agreement, which was signed between the two institutions, is joint work in conducting trials to establish the efficacy of plant protection products. These trials will be carried out by the Centre for Biological Testing at the Agricultural University and the Approved Facility for Biological Testing of Plant Protection Products at „SGS Bulgaria“. All joint activities will be conducted in accordance with the relevant methodology, in strict compliance with the regulatory documents for biological testing of plant protection products.

„It is an honour for us to partner with a company of global stature, which has a network of over 2,600 offices and laboratories worldwide. The agreement also provides for student exchanges, internships, practical training and research and development activities. The scientific potential of the Agricultural University and the proven experience of SGS meet the high requirements for efficiency and environmental protection“, said Prof. Yancheva.

„Production agriculture needs constant innovation in order to improve the management and sustainability of our natural resources. We have a common interest; we must fill it with content“, commented Dimitar Marikin.

Centre for Biological Testing at the Agricultural University –  Plovdiv

The Centre for Biological Development was established in 2012. It carries out a number of paid expert assessments in the field of plant protection, such as analyses to determine the health status of seed and planting material, testing of plant materials and goods of plant origin, soil, physiological status of growing plants, identification of pests, and others.

It has the most highly qualified personnel in the field of plant protection, ensuring quality in the conduct of trials in accordance with Good Experimental Practice. 

The two trial sites in Plovdiv and in Karnobat (Institute of Agriculture – Karnobat)  provide all necessary conditions, such as experimental plots, laboratories and equipment for conducting trials at the highest contemporary level.

SGS Bulgaria

The company was founded in 1878 and succeeded in transforming the grain trade in Europe by offering innovative services related to the inspection of agricultural products. The company was registered in Geneva under the name Société Générale de Surveillance in 1919.

Since 1991 the company has been operating on the territory of Bulgaria. SGS Bulgaria is a leading provider of inspection, verification and certification services. The company’s accredited laboratories offer a wide range of analyses for oils, gases and chemical products, consumer goods, agricultural products, the industrial sector, microbiology, GMOs, soils, waters, textiles and many others.

Information: Agricultural University – Plovdiv