In Holovousy, the construction of the Fruit Research Institute has begun

Holovousy (Jičín Region) - Today, the construction of the Fruit Research Institute officially began in Holovousy in the Jičín region, which is expected to become a top-notch facility for fruit research and education. It should also enhance the competitiveness of Czech fruit growing in Europe. The construction of the institute will cost 378 million crowns excluding VAT, and it should be completed by 2015. The investor is the Research and Breeding Institute of Horticulture (VŠÚO), which has secured a grant from EU funds for the construction.
    So far, the research institute in Holovousy has been located in a rented facility of the local chateau, and its development options are very limited. Researchers are expected to gain certainty about their future in their own buildings. Currently, the fruit institute, established in 1951, has over 70 employees and intends to hire additional experts.
    The project components of the institute include the construction of a main building with laboratories, a research greenhouse, two garage facilities for agricultural machinery, a packaging warehouse, and the renovation of a refrigerated fruit storage. The construction part of the project will be carried out by the consortium Jablko, consisting of the companies Hochtief CZ and BAK construction company.
    "We will also acquire new instrumental infrastructure. Until now, we have not had enough own funds, and often the technical conditions did not allow for the installation of modern instruments," said the institute's manager, Jaroslav Vácha.
    The institute has been striving for the construction of the new building since 2006. The preparation for the construction was accompanied by problems in obtaining land, which is located next to the Holovousy chateau. In January 2012, the institute received confirmation of the grant from European sources and the state budget. The total amount of the grant is 567 million crowns and covers all eligible investment costs. The project also includes, apart from the construction part that has just begun, equipping with new instruments, renewing outdated field machinery, conducting archaeological research, supplying pesticides, irrigation and hail protection measures, as well as researching fruit crops.
    The institute is expected to enable fruit researchers to collaborate more closely with similar foreign institutions and significantly enhance opportunities for contractual research for foreign clients. The institute will provide consulting and education for fruit growers and farmers from the Czech Republic. Czech fruit growing generates an annual value of around three billion crowns and employs approximately 6000 people.