The need for the project is indicated by the multifaceted benefits of the end results of the operation. The high market demand for raspberry fruit of high consumption quality results in an intensification of production, which involves a high consumption of plant protection products during its production. The production of plant protection products itself generates environmental problems related to the waste generated, a significant carbon footprint and a large chewing up of water, which is a global concern at a time of increasing water scarcity. The use of plant protection products is inevitably associated with the problem of residues, whose distant effects on consumers are difficult to assess. In the light of the above, it is justifiable to seek alternative methods to the fungicides used in raspberry cultivation, measures to reduce the development of fungal pathogens, which may include ozone. As a result, fruit produced on raspberry plants treated with an innovative protection method should be free of fungal pathogens, thus extending their shelf life in the logistics chain. In addition, treatment of raspberry plants with ozone should result in an increase in the content of bioactive compounds in the raspberry fruit, through an elicitation mechanism. The increased commercial value of the fruit produced using the innovative technology will allow production to be more competitive compared to traditional methods used to date. Another aspect indicating the need for this operation is the limited durability of coconut substrates used in tunnel cultivation of soft fruits, including raspberries. This problem can be solved by significantly improving the existing substrate through the use of impregnation with substances of natural origin, thus extending its durability and service life to a considerable extent. Another significantly improved product will be a substrate reinforced through the use of biodegradable reinforcing elements. The use of these elements will not only affect the durability of the substrate, but also increase its retention properties, which is extremely important in phatigation-based crop production. An important economic aspect justifying the need for the planned operation is the lack of possibility of mechanical harvesting, as a consequence of which harvesting costs constitute the dominant cost stream in the total production cost intensity. The solution models developed will reduce labour inputs, reduce harvesting costs and thus increase the economic efficiency of raspberry dessert fruit production.
