Source: Turizmoteka
Minister Radovan Fuchs: We are investing more than a billion euros in the development of research in Croatia
The Institute of Agriculture and Tourism in Poreč, one of the oldest scientific institutes in the Republic of Croatia, is celebrating 150 years of continuous activity in the field of science and professional work this year. On this occasion, a festive celebration highlighted the Institute’s rich tradition, scientific contribution and contemporary role in the development of agriculture and sustainable tourism in the dynamic everyday life of the Republic of Croatia.
Minister Fuchs: The Government of the Republic of Croatia has provided unprecedented funding for scientific research
Minister of Science, Education and Youth Radovan Fuchs stressed that the Institute for Agriculture and Tourism Poreč is a respectable institution with a long tradition of promoting and improving science in Croatia, but also beyond. He pointed out that the Government of the Republic of Croatia is investing more than a billion euros through national and European funds for the development of research in Croatia: “The Government of the Republic of Croatia has provided more than ever before for scientific research and the improvement of equipment. The goal of the Government of the Republic of Croatia is to provide the conditions, from adequate equipment to space for the development of science and research.”
In the past decade, the Institute has made significant strides in developing research infrastructure, modernizing scientific equipment, and strengthening human resources. Thanks to competitive project funding and high scientific productivity, the Institute ranks among the most successful academic institutions in the Republic of Croatia.
The envoy of the President of the Republic of Croatia, Assistant Advisor to the President of the Republic for Economy, Martina Ciglević, emphasized that without knowledge, research and people dedicated to learning, there is no progress: “Science is sometimes demanding and invisible, but without it there is no progress, sustainable development and smart tourism. The Institute of Agriculture and Tourism Poreč is a place where knowledge and values are created that will be passed on to generations to come.”
The Institute of Agriculture and Tourism is one of five public scientific institutes outside Zagreb and one of five accredited institutes in the field of biotechnical sciences. It is also the only institute in Croatia with dual accreditation for conducting scientific activities in the fields of biotechnical and social sciences, which makes it unique in the national and European framework.
Director Ban: The Institute is an incubator for young scientists from Croatia and beyond
The Director of the Institute of Agriculture and Tourism Poreč Dean Ban added that the Institute is a kind of incubator for the development of young scientists, which, with the support of the umbrella Ministry of Science, Education and Youth, today has twice as many employees as 10 years ago: “In addition to employing young domestic scientists, the Institute plays an important role in attracting scientists from outside Croatia. In the past few years, scientists from all over the world, such as Italy, Poland, Romania, Spain, Morocco and Pakistan, have been coming to the Institute to conduct research for their diploma, master’s and doctoral theses in our experimental fields and laboratories, which have resulted in a significant number of scientific papers of the highest category.” He emphasized that the Institute has implemented or is implementing more than 50 significant scientific, technological and development projects at the national and international level, in the fields of biotechnical and social sciences.
Valuable collections within the national gene bank
The Institute’s property houses valuable collections within the national gene bank, which include grapevines, continental and Mediterranean fruits, including olives, and medicinal and aromatic herbs, and the Institute is the leading institution for vegetable collections at the national level.
The Institute’s extensive experimental agricultural estate serves as a modern open-air laboratory and testing ground for the Institute’s scientists to conduct research in viticulture, winemaking, olive and oil production, vegetable and fruit growing. The Institute’s laboratories are equipped with the most modern equipment, and some of them are among the best-equipped in Croatia, competitive in comparison with the world’s leading laboratories in related fields of research.
At the ceremony itself, the Institute awarded charters, awards, and letters of appreciation to individuals and institutions that have marked the work of the Institute over the years.
During 2025, the anniversary was marked by a series of events and activities intended for different age and professional groups — from schoolchildren and students to farmers, businessmen, and scientific partners from Croatia and abroad. With all of the above activities, the Institute further confirmed its mission and strengthened the connection between science and practice, tradition and innovation.
