Rural Romania National Rural Development Network

Issue 23 Year II, March, 2015

Viorel Morărescu Famous Romanian recipes Taste of tradition in milk products based on famous recipes Famous recipes, the equivalent of culinary excellency From pitchfork to fork “Ţara mea” (“MY COUNTRY”) produces quality

ROOTS OF A EUROPEAN COUNTRY

Ministerul Agriculturii și Dezvoltării Rurale REGIONAL OFFICES Support Network of the National Rural Development Network Contents

BRĂILA Editorial 282 Independentei Blvd., 1st floor, postal code 810124, [email protected] Famous recipes, the ambassadors of our culinary traditions...... 3 Tel.: 0339 732 009, Fax: 0339 732 016 CRAIOVA INTERVIEW 19 Libertatii St., The Faculty of Agriculture and Horticulture, room L-311, 2nd floor, postal code 200421, Viorel Morărescu, General Manager of Directorate General of the Food Industry - MARD – Famous Romanian Recipes...... 4 [email protected]

Tel.: 0251 460 377, Fax: 0251 423 651 RURAL DEVELOPMENT ZALĂU Taste of tradition in milk products based on famous recipes...... 9 49 Kossuth Lajos St., postal code 450010, [email protected] Famous recipes, the equivalent of culinary excellency ...... 13 Tel.: 0360 404 056, Fax: 0360 404 158 Traceability of meat and meat products, an indicator of the manufacturing company power ...... 18 TÂRGU MUREŞ 60 Mihai Eminescu St., postal code 540331, [email protected] PEOPLE Tel.: 0365 430 349, Fax: 0365 430 351 Ioan Neagoș– the man with five completed European projects and 23 years of investments in milk production and pro- IAŞI cessing...... 22 Ciric Recration Area – Ciric Recreation Complex, postal code 700064, [email protected] Tel.: 0332 881 281, Fax: 0332 881 282 EXPERIENCES TIMIŞOARA My business: from pitchfork to fork...... 26 53 Take Ionescu Blvd., 2nd floor, office 26, postal code 300074, [email protected] My farm: Dorian Marin from Moldavia started a fish farm in Tulcea at Chilia Veche ...... 32 Tel.: 0356 460 982, Fax: 0356 460 983 My community: “Țara mea” (“My Country”) produces quality...... 34 TÂRGOVIŞTE 7A Varzaru Armasu St., postal code 130169, [email protected] Tel.: 0345 100 025, Fax: 0345 100 605 UPDATED LEADER “Podișul Mediașului” (“Medias Plateau”) Local Action Group Association - PMLAG...... 38 BUCUREŞTI 39-41 Nicolae Filipescu St., 6th floor, 2nd district, postal code 020961, [email protected] Tel.: 0316 900 214, Fax: 0316 900 215 NEWS AND EVENTS Export of agri-food products is increasing...... 43 The text of this publication is for informational purposes only and does not entail any legal liability. Phil Hogan, in a Romanian farm during his first official visit in a member state...... 44 Additional information on MARD and NSU can be accessed on-line under: www.madr.ro, www.rndr.ro The first projects based on the new National Rural Development Programme as of March 25th ...... 45 NSU, Department for Publications, March, 2015 Romania will export pork in China...... 46 ISSN 2393-123x ISSN-L 2393-123x INTRODUCTION OF NRDN MEMBERS © RNDR, 2015 Union of Poultry Breeders from Romania...... 47 Romalimenta – Romanian Federation of Employers from the Food Industry...... 49 The reproduction of the texts from this magazine is authorized, provided that the source is indicated. Printed in Romania. Photo copyright: Romanian Association of the Employers from Milk Industry, Romanian Meat Association, Carmo- Lact Prod SRL, Agrosuind Com, “Țara mea” (“My Country”) Cooperative “Podișul Mediașului” (, “Mediaș Plateau”) Local Action Group Association

1 Rural Romania – no. 23

Editorial

Famous recipes, the ambassadors of our culinary traditions

The development of communicati- The food industry is, in a way, a stan- beneficiaries shall be the people living on and the facility of travelling di- dard bearer of this fight. And it is nor- in that area and maybe the relatives minish the distances between peo- mal to be like that; we cannot be de- or the acquaintances of the producers. ple. Unfortunately, many people have prived of food. Anywhere we travel, we There is, obviously, a good aspect in this: the traditional tourism will de- the tendency to copy the behaviour of need it. Why not eat a local dish, which velop as the specific product will con- others, losing their identity. In short, to remind you every time of that destination? Why not buy various sorts of vince the traveller, who makes a halt this is the mechanism of globalisation. there, to return. In order to resist this trend, measures products to enjoy diversity? But, the great producers were tempted must be taken in order to encourage The first step towards people was the “resistance movement” of those to take over the success of the traditio- made by identifying, rendering evi- nal products and to make them acces- who, being aware of the richness and dent and regulating the traditional re- sible to an increasing number of be- value of the individual traditions of cipes. Unfortunately, such product is neficiaries. But the production mecha- the nations, try to render them evi- dedicated to more reduced areas. One nisms are not the same. The producti- dent and to bring them to the atten- can only produce in certain quantities on of a larger quantity, the preservati- tion of others. with resources from that area, and the on for a longer period of time, in order to be gradually sold, were essentially altering the taste and value of the traditional product. Obviously, the small producers were discontented, because they were losing in such competition both with regard to the price and to the benefit provided to the tourism by the local identity, as we have mentioned earlier. The regulation of traditional products hardened, but it was necessary for the great producers to be provided with an alternative. Thus, a new concept is developed: “famous recipes”. We are talking about those recipes who have tradition, local specificity, but they can be industrially produced. This way, the identification with the traditional products was avoided. These products can become in time the ambassadors of the Romanian culinary traditions. We have dedicated this issue of our magazine to this subject, trying to make familiarize you with the mat- ters regarding the regulation, motiva- tions and guidelines in order to understand the necessity and utility of the concept. You will read the opinions of those involved in its development and also of those who will benefit by such recipes. Viviana Vasile, Team Leader of “Establishment and Support of the National Rural Development Network Project”

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Interview

(April 2nd, 2014) which the operators Necessary technical of Health, one representati- Viorel Morărescu, General Manager of from the food sector voluntarily adhe- documentations ve of the National Authority for re to for registration with the National Consumer Protection and three Directorate General of the Food Industry - Register of Famous Recipes (NRFR). representatives of the professi- The Order on certification of the onal or-ganisations (Federation food products obtained accor- of Employers from the Food MARD – Famous Romanian Recipes Who is managing the Register of ding to the famous Romanian re- Industry – ROMALIMENTA); Famous Recipes and what does cipes was enforced last year, on • The professional organisations it contain? the 2nd of April, 2014. What has from the field (meat and meat pro- The Romanian famous happened since then? ducts, bread-making and dairy recipe is the Romanian Viorel Morărescu: The National products) have submitted to the food product produced Register of Famous Recipes (NRFR) is Viorel Morărescu: We have carried Ministry of Agriculture and Rural by not altering the com- a register managed by the Minister of out the following actions since the en- Development proposals of pro- position used more than Agriculture and Rural Development, forcement of the Order: ducts per categories accompanied 30 years prior to the date which contains the name of the ope- by the technical documentations; of the enforcement of the rator from the food sector, its iden- • The Technical Specialty Order regarding the cer- tity and contact data, the name of the Commission was established, • The Technical Specialty tification of the food pro- certified food product, the number of consisting in two representati- Commission, appointed for this ducts obtained according the certificate. ves of the Ministry of Agriculture purpose, has analysed and valida- to the Romanian famous and Rural Development, one re- ted the proposals of food products recipes (April 2nd, 2014), The certificate of the food product pre-sentative of the Ministry prepared by complying with which the operators from obtained according to a famous the food sector voluntari- Romanian recipe is a document is- ly adhere to for the regis- sued by the Ministry of Agriculture tration with the National and Rural Development, which cer- Register of Famous tifies the fact that the food product Recipes. complies with the famous Romanian recipe. Four economic operators have requested until now The logo for the famous recipe is the certification of the the symbol used in the label of the food products obtained food products obtained according to according to the famo- a famous Romanian recipe which is us recipes: S.C. Rompan marketed under a name registered Service S.A., S.C. Angst, with NRFR. S.C. Rador A & E S.R.L. and S.C. AGROSUIND Based on the Common Order of the COM S.R.L. 23 certificates Ministry of Agriculture and Rural were granted, of which six Development/Ministry of Health/ for bakery products and 17 National Authority for Consumer for meat products. Protection no. 394/290/89/2014, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, through the agency NRFR – National on certification of the food products produce and market food products of Directorate General of the Food Register of Famous obtained according to the famous obtained according to the Romanian Industry, is liable for granting the certificate of food product obtained Recipes Romanian recipes. famous recipes, must comply with for the registration with the National according to a famous Romanian reci- Register of Famous Recipes. pe; registration of the products obtai- The Common Order of the Ministry of ned based on famous Romanian re- Could you tell us what famous cipes with the National Register of Agriculture and Rural Development/ recipe means? Famous Recipes (NRFR); manage- Ministry of Health/National The Romanian famous recipe is the ment of the specific logo with which Viorel Morărescu: : The Ministry of Authority for Consumer Protection Romanian food product prepared by the food products obtained according Agriculture and Rural Development, no. 394/290/89/2014 on certification not altering the composition used to the famous Romanian recipes are in the capacity of public authority res- of the food products obtained accor- more than 30 years prior to the en- marked and by which the Ministry of ponsible for the application of the pu- ding to the famous Romanian recipes forcement of the Order on certification Agriculture and Rural Development blic policies in the field of the food regulates the conditions which the of the food products obtained accor- guarantees the superior quality of the- industry, has drawn-up the Order operators from the food sector, which ding to the famous Romanian recipes se products.

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2. The authorized representatives of CAD/BAD shall verify if the The technical file submitted in three counterparts at CAD/BAD documentation is compliant and contains the following documents: also, with the economic operator, a) list of the submitted documents; the accuracy of the data provi- b) standard application for the registration with NRFR per cate- ded in the submitted file, which gory code and product code, provided at annex no. 1; is distinctly mentioned in the ascertaining minutes provided at c) evidence that the operator from the food sector, which wants annex no. 2. the certification of a food product based on a famous Romanian recipe, is authorized/registered according to the requirements 3. If the conditions are complied of the National Sanitary-Veterinary and Food Safety Authority; with, the representative of the county agricultural directorate d) service contract concluded with an authorized laboratory; with control prerogatives shall ta- e) the famous recipe, the technological flow and the equipment ke a sample from the food product necessary for the preparation of the recipe; in order to verify the conformity at f) sketch of the premises with the location of the equipment used an authorized laboratory in accor- for the preparation of the recipe; dance with the famous Romanian g) capacity of producing the product based on the famous recipe, recipe displayed on the website of expressed in kg/litres/day; the Ministry of Agriculture and h) certificate of registration with the Trade Register; Rural Development. The sample of the food product shall be sealed i) copy of the identity document of the applicant or of the autho- and handed over to the economic rized person. operator who shall be bound to send it to an authorized laboratory General of the Food Industry to a famous Romanian recipe. famous recipes, and also the affe- The food industry operators may documentations in order to valida- which must verify the authenti- the ascertaining minutes, Testing is the determination ba- rent technical documentations apply for the recipes displayed on te them. city of the famous recipe based on analysed sample testing report, sed on laboratory tests of one or from the organisations; the website, if they comply with the which the product was obtained. in original, and the “Proposal of several features of a food product • The technical documentations conditions provided in the technical The list of the famous Romanian reci- The costs of the verification shall certification for the registrati- in accordance with a procedure. documentations. pes is updated on regular basis, every and the list of famous recipes we- be borne by the operator. on with the NRFR”, according to Testing report is the document six months, based on the proposals re published on the website of the 4. If the documentation is compli- the form provided at annex no. 3. which contains data regarding: of the professional organisations in Ministry of Agriculture and Rural ant, the representatives of the Inconformity is the failu- the number of the report, the Development – famous Romanian What do these technical docu- the field, accompanied by the technical documentations which is appro- County Agricultural Directorate re to comply with a composition commercial name of the pro- recipes for the following sectors mentations represent and what ved by the Directorate General of the shall provide to the Ministry requirement and with the qua- duct, the code of the analysed and products: do they contain? Food Industry. of Agriculture and Rural lity parameters of the food food product, the identity data of - bread-making sector: white Development – Directorate product obtained according the operator from the food sector, Viorel Morărescu: The technical potato bread, semi-white pota- documentations represent data and to bread, brown potato bread, Granting the certificate documents which the certification of rye bread, interweaved over- a food product obtained according to and logo lapped bread, Bucharest white a famous recipe is based on, and they loaf – 6 products; contain: the name of the product; de- What should producers do in - meat and meat product sec- scription of raw materials and used order to certify their products tor: sausages, smoked fillet, ingredients; the famous recipe; the obtained based on famous smoked boneless bacon, ba- technological scheme; the descripti- recipes? loney, beef hot dogs, Torpedo on of the technological process; the salami, pressed pork barrel – 7 description of the quality indicators Viorel Morărescu: For the interes- products; (sensorial, physical and chemical, mi- ted economic operators, the normati- - dairy sector: Bradet smoked crobiological); specific elements re- ve deed indicates the following stages pressed cheese, Dalia pressed garding packing and labelling of the in order to grant the certificate and cheese made out of raw and food product; storage and transpor- the logo for the food product obtained pasteurised milk, Fetești pre- tation conditions; control procedures according to a famous recipe: ssed cheese, Râmnic pressed and methods. 1. The economic operator drafts the cheese, Rucăr pressed cheese file (see the enclosed box) for the made out of raw and pasteuri- All operators from the food sector may product and it shall submit it to the sed milk, 3.3% fat kefir, 2% fat submit to the Technical Commission, County or Bucharest Agricultural butter milk, 3.6% fat sana cul- through the agency of the professio- Directorate (CAD/BAD), depen- tured milk, 80% premium nal organizations, new product pro- ding on the radius of which the butter – 11 prod-ucts. posals accompanied by technical food product is prepared.

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Rural development

the used testing method, the date 6. In case the documents do not cor- Photocopies of NRFR registration of receiving the food product, the respond to the provisions of this certificates may be displayed on the Taste of tradition in milk products based results of the test, the name, posi- order, the documentation shall site where the food products obtai- tion and signatures of the persons be rejected, and the procedure of ned according to the famous recipes on famous recipes validating the testing report. registration of the product with are marketed. 5. The Ministry of Agriculture and NRFR may be resumed after the Rural Development (MARD) remediation of the causes which The food products obtained according The milk and dairy shall verify, through the agency determined the rejection based on to the famous Romanian recipes shall product market from be labelled by complying with the pro- of the personnel of the General a new registration application. Romania has faced an as- visions of the valid legislation on food Directorate of the Food Industry, cendant trend within the labelling. The labelling of the product the documents submitted by The authorized representatives of last few years. But, the eli- shall be completed with the famous re- CAD/BAD, and if the correspond, MARD, Ministry of Health and the mination of the milk quo- cipe logo and the code of the product. they shall issue the document National Authority for Consumer tas shall represent a chal- called “Certificate for the Food Protection shall verify at the produc- lenge for all the players in Product Obtained based on a tion unit, in the department in which the field. The animal bre- Can the certificate be withdrawn Famous Romanian Recipe” provi- the product is prepared and on the eders, producers and pro- and under which conditions? ded at annex no. 4. The certificate marketing site, the compliance with cessors are looking for efficient solutions in order to shall contain the data regarding the conditions and criteria based on Viorel Morărescu: Cancellation remain affordable. Among the production unit, the position which the certificate and logo for the of the certificate – withdrawal of the these there is diversifica- of the product in NRFR and al- food product obtained according to right to use the logo – deletion from tion, education of consu- so the code of the food product. the famous Romanian recipe were NRFR shall take place under the mer and approach of the The code of the food product granted. following conditions: niche segment of the famo- is the identity number of the ope- us recipes. rator from the food sector, of the The inspections carried out by the • the conditions and criteria for code of the product category and counsellors with inspection preroga- granting the certificate and of the code of the product, its tives in the field of food industry, from FAMOUS RECIPE logo are not With the famous recipes it is desired representation being: 00 – 00 – the county and Bucharest directorates maintained; to make the difference between the 00. The food products obtained for agriculture, at the production unit, • the economic operator does traditional products made only at the according to famous Romanian verify the legality of the certificate and not allow the access in the ma- farm and the products related to tradi- recipes shall be marked with the of the famous recipe logo. As a result of nufacturing department of the tion, which are prepared in industrial logo of the famous recipe provi- the carried out verifications, they shall authorized person with control system. The main features are related ded at annex no. 5 of the Order. draw-up control minutes provided at prerogatives; to the recipe, which must have a certain age, and to the ingredients that The logo of the famous recipe is annex no. 6. The inspections shall be • they refuse to make available to must be 100% Romanian. the exclusive property of MARD carried out according to the inspecti- the authorities the information and it may not be subject to an as- on themes and procedures approved and documents afferent to the “We have taken as point of reference signment or pledge or to another by the management of the Ministry of food products obtained according the Romanian recipes of more than security interest or enforcement. Agriculture and Rural Development. to the famous recipes. 30 years old and proposed them as project to the Ministry of Agriculture. They also have another advantage, because these products, according to the normative deed, can be produced only in Romania. Therefore, we will not have any more surpri- A market still in the VAT, market, own trademark, they ses of Rucăr pressed cheese made in bud, but with good have not focused on this field, on this Poland and sold in hypermarkets”, perspectives niche of the famous recipes. There said Dorin Cojocaru, the President are only three-four companies who of the Romanian Association of the wanted to study the issue. Therefore, Employers from the Milk Industry In the meat sector there are already it is just at initiative level. But, I re- (RAEMI). companies which have registered with products based on famous recipes, the commend them to carefully study the file and to contact the territorial The prices of the milk products pre- same as in the bread-making sector, pared based on these recipes shall be and now, the milk sector is following. Agricultural Directorate and to sub- higher, considering that they need cer- For the time being, the number of pro- mit the files, because it is an oppor- tain ingredients and a special tech- cessors in the milk industry interested tunity for certain types of products, nique. In this case, it is very important in this modality of preparing the pro- a market still in the bud, which is de- to make the consumer aware of what ducts was not high. “Maybe because veloping and I think it will be well re- they represent. they have other problems now, like ceived”, said RAEMI President.

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these types of VAT, I realized that the respective country has established priorities. When you want to develop a sector, you reduce the tax pressure”, said RAEMI President.

Thus, it should be invested in all means of communication in order to make the consumer aware with regard to what healthy diet or famous recipe mean, how to read a label, what is good to eat. “If we knew how to buy, to taste more things, I think that more niches would penetrate the market, both from the milk and meat indus- tries. If you go to a dairy product fair, it is amazing what you will find there. Only in France there are more than 300 cheese recipes. In Romania we know pot cheese, cottage cheese, pressed cheese and a few smoked cheese assortments. We must try to open the market also with these ranges of products”, also said Dorin Cojocaru – RAEMI President.

Reduction of taxation desired on the milk market

Currently, it is discussed about decreasing VAT to 9%, a measure desired by most of the players on the market of food products. The decrease of this tax pressure, said the representatives in the field, would determine the decrease of the selling price and the increase of consumption. Thus, all tho- These products are made only with Education of consumer, a In the West, all sorts of combinations se from the production channel can 100% Romanian ingredients based on priority are made and the market is tested. A develop, provided that this low VAT a Romanian recipe. They can provide change is also necessary at the level is kept at all levels. to the consumer the guarantee of the At European level, each producer is of the Romanian market. For exam- quality as compared to other products. allowed to name its product. Under ple, the milk industry also has a ran- “In case the trader buys with 24% and Moreover, they meet the nostalgia of these conditions, RAEMI President ge of puddings, desserts which, in our sells to the consumers with 9%, do the consumers of a certain age. “The considers that the consumer can be country, is not very well developed. A you think that they are insane to block reason for this would be the fact that teenagers have other tastes. Within deceived. A solution would be opening their cash flow by purchasing from the governmental financial support, State aid cancels black they are made with chemical products the last 40 years, I have noticed that stores specialized on famous recipes. the Romanian processor or from the the subsidies, the profit margin etc. or with powder milk. But, powder market the taste alters. I try to give my child “I have discussed with Romalimenta Romanian industry, or it would prefer If we destroy the industry which is to open stores specialized on famo- milk is an organic product without to look for suppliers in the European cheese made like it was once made, the intermediate link between far- In 2014, the milk and dairy product us recipes, and I have also discussed water. “I have recently seen a study community where these inputs have but he does not like it. It is creamy, mers, trader, consumer, the farmer market from Romania has increased with Rompan President to open a at European level, and VAT level in lower VAT? It would try to bring its will not be able to sell the raw milk not sweet, but he does not like it. We few stores, to see how it is working, the field of education, culture, medi- merchandise from abroad. What wo- with 6% as compared to 2013, the in the stores, because it is forbidden must be careful to which segment we at least to provide to the consumer cine was of 5%. So, everything that uld the Romanian processor do? It turnover being of almost 990 million address”, said Dorin Cojocaru, who something else”, said Dorin Cojocaru. is information magazines – 5% VAT, will close the business and send pe- by the law”, said Dorin Cojocaru. The Euro. At the same time, the imports believes that a strength of these reci- He hopes that, gradually, we will also food from 0% in England up to 5.5% ople home. The Government should milk must be pasteurized and packed, of finished products have increased pes is the fact that they do not contain have, at the level of our country, a cul- in France, 7% in the northern coun- take the final decision at what level we which are impossible to be done by the with 20%. “Poland, Slovenia, Czech certain substitutes or additives. ture for quality foods. tries, in our country is 24%. Seeing apply VAT and, then, we shall weight 17,000 farms from Romania. Republic, Hungary have penetrated

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Famous recipes, the equivalent of culinary excellency

What does famous recipe mean, who can make a product based on a famous recipe or which are the production and marketing costs are few of the most frequent questions asked by the producers and farmers. We got the answers from Ștefan Pădure, the Executive Manager of the Romanian Meat Association (RMA) and the President of the Association for Romanian Food Promotion (ARFP).

The number of famous recipes for the “Many of these products, I think 80%, meat products provided on the websi- did not exist. No one was updating te of the Ministry of Agriculture and that list and no one wanted to update Rural Development is of seven and it”, also said Ștefan Pădure. they include sausages, smoked fillet, smoked boneless bacon, baloney, beef hot dogs, Torpedo salami, pre- Constant marketing is ssed pork barrel. The notion of product made based on a famous recipe necessary for the famous differs from that of traditional pro- recipes duct, and the consumers, even some the Romanian market with dumping processors or intermediaries. The fact that all clients are the partners of of the producers, do not distinguish The first certificates of famous recipes identity elements of those from the prices. This is a market and aggres- effect was observed because neither the producers, processors and traders. one from the other. were granted to the producers from sion strategy in the sales area: you the number of cows increased nor the European Union were adopted, simi- “The trader works for the consumer, the meat industry by the Minister of apply a dumping price for one year, cow gave 15% more milk. Therefore, lar logo, number or publishing regis- because it is the one which issues the “For example, the specification con- Agriculture, Mr. Daniel Constantin, you conquer the market, you elimina- that financial support of 20 Euro per ter systems were used. The product money on the market. Therefore, let ditions for the famous recipes have on November 14th, 2014. te the competition, and, afterwards, ton of milk sold with invoice for pro- us work for the consumer! If money the standard of product, while for has a mark, which is the property of you increase the price”, said RAEMI cessing eliminated 15% of the black does not circulate, we all suffer and I the traditional product, there are MARD, a mark on the label by which President, who thinks that, in order to market”, explained RAEMI President. the specification conditions with But how we distinguish the pro- do not want to turn from a country of it is transmitted that it is a famous re- succeed, we must learn how to make which it was submitted and appro- ducts based on a famous recipe? For smart, hardworking and young peo- business together. Another solution At country level, the number of milk ved. With the two versions proposed all the products prepared as such, cipe or traditional product. would be for the farmers to associate factories has decreased to 152, of which ple into a country of unemployed pe- by the Ministry of Agriculture from in order to be increasingly stronger a few have zero employees and others ople who all leave for other countries. our country, one for the manufactu- and to efficiently collaborate with the will call for bankruptcy or have requ- Let us be open minded and initiate rers and one for the small producers processors. ested to be declared insolvent. There partnerships: one is providing milk, a separation was desired in Order no. are whole regions from Romania, in one is processing it, and the other sells 690/2004 with traditional products The “milk package” has also suppor- the south-west or east area, where the- it. Each one should be a specialist on from the old one, which was very ted the farmers, when, for one ton re are no longer milk buying points. its area”, said RAEMI President. good, but missing only one extremely important component: that of control. of milk sold by applying the taxes In the north-west, it is bought only at When a verification campaign was 20 Euro were offered. In 2015, milk Satu Mare – at Unicarm, at Baia Mare Moreover, the farmers must unite in initiated, there were 4,000 traditio- production has decreased with 15%. – at Monor, Bistrița County, and at associations or groups of producers nal products in Romania”, said Ștefan other few small processors, of up to “On April 23rd, 2014, I said that the in order to be able to process the pro- Pădure, the RMA Executive Manager milk production of Romania will in- one ton per day. Most of the milk fac- ducts by themselves, without selling and ARFP President. crease with 15% and it increased with tories are from Harghita, Covasna, them as raw material. At local level, 15.2%. Based on which did I make this Braşov. For example, only in Braşov said Dorin Cojocaru, the mayor must The enforcement of the Order judgement? The number of cows from there are 45,000 registered cows. be the manager of the community, and 724/2013 on November 30th, 2014, Romania is of 1,460,000. I conside- each community must have a platform has reduced the total number of the red a small lactation of 4,500 litres of certified Romanian traditional pro- of acquisitions and processing, becau- milk, which gave 6.5 million tons. In Involvement at all levels ducts. At the level of 2005, there were Romania, we process 880,000 tons, for profitability se all the clients want packed, verified 280 Romanian traditional products, this year – one million tons. The pro- and monitored products. The promoti- and in 2014, there were 4,400. It was cessing share is of 1.2. These 20 Euro In order for this sector to face constant on of the Romanian products shall de- not the great number of products that will stimulate the farmer to sell on development at the level of the entire termine profit and development only was the issue, but the fact that most the black market to various smaller country, we must become aware of the if there is involvement at all levels. of them did not exist.

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The companies or producers whi- have undertaken based on specifica- “The European Commission supports He explained how, at European level, “The Ministry of Agriculture and Promotion, facilitated by ch want to make products based on tion conditions. A facultative scheme the promotion programmes for this the basis for certification, according Rural Development must assign a the groups of producers famous recipes have no limit for such is a marketing element, an element type of products, currently, with 64 to the regulation, is represented by budget for the promotion of these in which you present to the consu- million Euro, this amount increasing the group of producers, because the- products, and they are voluntarily quality schemes in which to support The products which are obtained by mer the advantages of the respective to 200 million Euro each year. The re, the exception is represented by the registered. using famous recipes are based on the product. It is made from bio pork, the amounts are used for information ac- single companies and only in case it is the producers, to explain them what same formula, the same products used recipe does not include certain pro- tions, fairs, economic missions, acti- demonstrated that there is no group, a is better for these products to do, and, The use of these recipes also impli- and the same conditions. The produ- es a higher production price and, im- ducts, hand minced garlic is used – ons. You can see very clear these ac- company can be certified. Therefore, in the second stage, to explain to the the promotion actions are not for one cers which make these products may plicitly, a higher selling price. Thus, there are data indicated in the famo- tions in colleges which produce the clients, the consumers, why they cho- us recipe, and the consumer under- plum jam from Topoloveni. They are company, but for a group. For example, associate in order to promote themsel- the notion of famous recipe must be se these products and why do they stands and he is willing to pay a cor- part of such programme. At national the association of Milano salami or ves together. “Many of those which are explained to the consumers in order have a greater added value. Careful, rect price for that product. Of cour- level, if we do not allocate a budget Prosciuto di Parma producers obtains in the group must also be producers for them to understand what a pro- se, there products do not sell in in- from the Ministry of Agriculture for a budget, and for three years, it travels we are not talking about safety, but of the same product, if they are appli- duct made by honestly following the- dustrial quantities, and here, there the promotion of facultative schemes, in various countries, at fairs, to pro- about different quality systems, be- cants on the same guaranteed tradi- se steps implies. is another issue with regard to unit it is very hard to distinguish them, mote its product. The finality is that it cause, from sanitary and veterinary tional specialty. If there is a geogra- costs, the fixed costs of the products”, and people will not understand why can valorise itself better and it provi- perspective, all such products are safe phic indication or a name of origin, “You must provide correct informa- they must have regional connection, said RMA Executive Manager, who they must pay more for a product or des benefits to the producer irrespecti- if they have an oval stamp or a round tion to the people who agree to pay thinks that all the elements which de- why they have to buy it. This is what ve of the fact that it is a small or a large to be part of the regions included in stamp bearing the health mark or the more for certain additional features fine these products were thought to gives added value, but the informati- producer, in order to be able to deve- protection. Many of our colleagues of that product. You must demons- ensure the added value and that they on must be communicated. This jus- lop. In our country, the same would be registration to the National Sanitary- are grouped in the Romanian Meat trate that you are correct and you must be supported through national tifies the price difference”, also said possible, for example, for all producers Veterinary and Food Safety Authority Association or in the Association for comply with everything that you programmes. Ștefan Pădure. which make Torpedo salami. – NSVFSA”, said Ștefan Pădure. the Promotion of the Romanian Food.

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In case there is a budget for promoti- “A certification costs between 500 and 100 products with which to apply af- from other countries of the European are made on the market”, explained that the Chinese market is willing to on at the Ministry of Agriculture, the 1,000 Euro per product. Not everyo- terwards to promotion programmes Union, together with which to draft RMA Executive Manager and ARFP pay a great deal of many, especially applying group could be even RMA ne that produces Hârlău or Penteleu and to receive European financing”, projects which to submit directly to President. for certified quality products, becau- or ARFP”, also said Ștefan Pădure. pressed cheese, or others which mi- said Ștefan Pădure. the European Commission. “Until se, they make the environment pro- From his viewpoint, any investment in ght very well comply with these now, the application took place in Under these conditions, there is a European schemes, has the possibi- ducts at much lower prices than the physical assets, in factories, in plants In the opinion of RMA Executive the member state. The projects were chance for the projects to be faster lity to pay for these certifications. And Manager, we could not participate in producer prices. Therefore, for the ac- must be a natural consequence of the submitted in Romania at MARD, in approved and to no longer be diffe- demand of products on the market, the Regulations which the national the European promotion programmes two annual sessions, one in April and rences between the European states. cess on any market, whether it is na- and, therefore, promotion and quality programmes are based on provides at because we did not have protected pro- one in September, financing was 50% Moreover, Romania, with its unique tional, European, common market or should be supported. Article 16 the implementation of qua- ducts. Only Topoloveni plum jam was lity and promotion, in which certifica- protected and participated in two pro- European, 30% of the member state agri-food products, can provide an third market, the quality schemes and tion is 100% paid for an entity for five grammes together with the Greeks, and 20% of the association, namely, added value at European level. the products with added value allow European certification years, for the first time when it par- because, a group could not be formed of the producers. Currently, by chan- you to grow”, said Ștefan Pădure. ticipates in a quality scheme, within at country level. ging the regulation, the projects will supports the producers the limit of 3,000 Euro. Moreover, this Famous recipes, products be submitted directly at an agency But for a guaranteed success, support certification is not only for products, which is established at Strasbourg, demanded for export Another challenge for all those from and promotion are necessary. A fas- but, for example, there is a certifica- Association can be made and financing will be 70% European the industry is the European certifi- tion for good agriculture practices ter promotion of these products would between states and 30% of the producers. There will All premises show us that the famous cation, which not anyone affords. It for the land. You can only imagine also be possible, if the procedure valid provides you with the possibility to no longer be differences, because, in recipes will be successful both at coun- what opportunity would have been for the traditional products is appli- promote yourself and to draft pro- for Romania and we would not have Currently, there is also the possibility the past, there were some countries try level and at European level, consi- jects in order to obtain financing in remained only with Topoloveni plum for the Romanian producers or organi- which provided 10% financing, others dering the openness of foreign market ed and separate shelves in stores or order to participate in exhibitions, jam and Sibiu salami and Ibănești sations to associate and form a group 30% financing, like Romania, and the- with regard to the products made this hypermarkets are made, even mobile fairs and, finally, to sell the product. cottage cheese. We would have had with other entities of the same type re were discussions that interventions way. “During a trip to China, I noticed markets in all the cities of the country.

16 17 Rural Romania – no. 23

prepared from swine’s entrails. The Traceability of meat and meat products, sausages are made of pork, salt, garlic and pepper. Without any other prote- in. “We have agreed to write down on an indicator of manufacturing company the labels «based on traditional recipes» or «based on famous recipes», power for the people to distinguish between an industrial product and what is from their own farms, the spices are we are producing, in order for us to Agrosuind Com S.R.L., from Secuieni Commune – Neamț natural (pepper, garlic etc.), and the have a range of customers, even thou- County is parts of TCE 3 Brazi Holding. Additionally, the milk natural and artificial membranes are gh a small range, but who consumes bought from various suppliers with cow farm from Zănești, Baby-Beef farm, which deals with cattle healthier products, because we do not which the company has concluded add any additives. They are kept in breeding for meat, and the ovine farm from Girov are also part contract. “The seven famous recipes marinade or brine and the meat im- of TCE 3 Brazi Group. All these farms provide the raw materi- were acknowledged by the Ministry of pregnates with as much as it is ne- al for the basic meat products made based on famous recipes Agriculture and Rural Development. cessary”, said Vasilica Cerbu. If there were also others, we would and also for the traditional products, all being prepared in the certainly register to certify them As we have previously said, the raw slaughter house and butcher’s shop of Agrosuind Com from as famous recipes, because we pro- material for all the products pro- Zănești, Neamț County. duce many meat products based on duced at Agrosuind Com. slaughter famous old recipes. In addition to the house/meat shop comes from our seven products prepared based on certification for sausages, smoked fillet own farms. “For us, the raw materi- The famous products, the famous recipes, we make other 35 and baloney, and as of February 24th, al from our farms is sufficient, said same as the traditional products which we distribute on the 2015, another four products were cer- the manager of the slaughter house/ market from Piatra Neamț, Târgu butcher’s shop. We can also deliver, products, are healthier tified: beef hotdogs, smoked boneless Neamț and Roman”, told us Vasilica pork, beef or mutton carcass. Fresh and taste better bacon, Torpedo salami and pressed Cerbu, Manager of the slaughter hou- meat can also be found in our stores. pork barrel. These are products obtai- se/butcher’s store from Zănești, belon- I communicate to the farms my recipe This year, Agrosuind Com was gran- ned based on a famous Romanian reci- ging to Agrosuind Com. The products on monthly basis, in order for them ted the certificates for seven products pe. The sausages, hotdogs and Torpedo specific to the area are also prepared to prepare the meat.” made based on famous recipes. Thus, salami are made of pork and beef to here based on traditional recipes, like on January 298th, 2015, it received the which lard is added. The raw material homemade sausages or the sausage Continuous investments the animals in order for them to feel with our own money. Modernization have been made in the no pain. The equipment is compliant was started in 2012. “We want to make slaughter house and with the requirements of the European a maturation room for raw products, which are very well sold, and another butcher’s shop since 2012 Union. It has two mobile pneumatic platforms for skinning and splitting room for the maturation of beef”, said the carcasses, the blood tube, which Vasilica Cerbu. Agrosuind Com slaughterhouse and allows the collection and storage of butcher’s shop were granted the ope- blood that must be delivered, a fully ration authorization in 2012, but the equipped laboratory for artificial di- European funds for slaughter house has been operating in modernisation of pig Zănești since 1999. gestion test for trichina, with veterinarian from the Sanitary and Veterinary farms, silos and CFF “In our butcher’s shop we produce Directorate of Neamț County. approximately one ton of products Under 2007-2013 National Rural per day, approximately 20 tons per “The equipment was modernized in Development Programme, Agrosuind month. For slaughtering, we have 540 2012. We have a vacuum filling ma- Com SRL obtained financing from the pigs with 46 tons of carcass, 25-30 chine. We bought a mixer, 1600 kilo- European funds based on Measure cattle with 10 tons of carcass and 200 gram mincer, a semi-automatic fi- 121 – Modernization of agricultural sheep with 5 tons of carcass. This is xator, stunning boxes, an electrical holdings and another one based on our monthly capacity per slaughter stunning box, but we also have two Measure 123 – Increase of the ad- house”, said Vasilica Cerbu. stunning boxes where we work for ded value of agricultural and forest the traditional processing with bee- products. The slaughter house is mixed, for ch wood”, added the manager of the porcine, ovine and bovine. It has slaughter house. The project accessed based on a stunning box for bovine, porcine Measure 121: “Rehabilitation, con- and a mobile stunning box for ovine, All investments in the slaughter house solidation and reengineering of with modern gun for slaughtering and butcher’s shop were made in time Porcine Raising-Fattening Farm and

18 19 Rural Romania – no. 23

equipping with renewable energy Based on the investment made in the systems S.C. Agrosuind Com S.R.L. Pig Farm from Bașta (Secuieni, Neamț Secuieni” was completed at the end County), the quantity of pork produ- of 2014. The scope was to implement ced here will increased up to 2.3 milli- and develop new procedures and tech- on kilograms per year. Until the end nologies which to ensure the comfort of this year, the entire capacity of the farm will exceed 36,000 animals. and welfare of the animals from their gestation, farrowing and nursing pha- Based on Measure 123, Agrosuind se to the raising and fattening phase, Com SRL has invested in silos for at a high food safety and biosecurity storage and in the Combined Fodder standard. Factory – CFF. An integrated fodder storage and production unit – silos With this project, it was intended to and CFF – was built and equipped in modernize and reengineer a farm in order to modernise and make efficient the field of pig reproduction and rai- the swine raising activity. The scope sing for meat, by completing the works of the project is the culture of plants already done by Agrosuind during four and production of seeds, raising ani- years, and adaptation to EU standards mals in zootechnical farms or mixed by purchasing state of the art equip- farms and also processing animal and vegetal products in our own factories. ment in order to increase the comfort The European funds assigned based and welfare of the animals as regard on Measure 123 have a clear destina- the reproduction. tion: making new investments.

The total value of the project is The total amount of the project is 3,721,120 Euro, and the eligible value 28,241,285 Lei, and the eligible is 2 million Euro. The non-repayable amount is 16,934,000 Lei. The amount amount/public funds is of 800,000 of non-repayable financing/public Euro. funds is of 8,467,000 Lei.

20 21 Rural Romania – no. 23

People

The company is currently one of the in order for the farm to be profitable. collecting system. If in 1992 they were Ioan Neagoș – the man with five largest producers of dairy products We currently milk 35 litres of milk per working with over 7000 farmers, cur- from the country. cow. I have no information that such rently, the number of suppliers decre- completed European projects and production is yielded somewhere else ased to 4000. “People became awa- The unit has two processing sections, in Romania”, said Ioan Neagoș. re of the fact that they must deliver one for the production of fresh pro- quality milk, under 100,000 germs, 23 years of investments in milk ducts (its capacity being of 40,000 li- The investment was initiated four under 400,000 somatic cells. With tres/day) and another section for the years ago. Currently, the farm from the well-organized collecting points, production and processing production of cheese (with a capacity Bistrița County has 1320 cattle of with the training of the milk collec- of 50,000 litres/day), which include an which over 550 milk cows which are tors, we have reached performance. to buy such product, these being not collection and processing. It has 300 ultrafiltration line, a microfiltration milked. Ideal would be to have 600 In fact, milk is not even collected, if the milk cows in order for the farm to be 23 years ago, Ioan Neagoș only products prepared based on employees. The investments were con- line and a purging station, which en- conditions imposed by the European more profitable. The obtained quan- established a milk pro- famous recipes, but also prepared stant and in all the fields. “From 1992, sures chemical and biological purging. community are not met. It is a lot of tity is over 20,000 litres of milk per cessing company called in Romania from Romanian milk”, I have made nothing else, but to in- work and we are glad that people day, and it ensures the raw material Carmo-Lact Prod SRL. said Ioan Neagoș, General Manager vest all the money that I have made. have become aware of the fact that Cow farm provides for the factory. Currently, in addition to of Carmo-Lact Factory. Two things helped us: during the pre- they must provide clean milk and it is the factory in which all sidency of Ion Iliescu, for five years, the raw material for a good milk”, said Ioan Neagoș. the products are manu- In addition to the four famous recipes, thanks to a law, no duty or tax has processing Quality milk, quality the producer from Bistrita would like factured under “Monor” been paid to the state for the reinves- products The price of the finished brand, he also has a cow also like to make ecological milk pro- Carmo-Lact company currently conti- ted profit. Then, the European funds products influenced by farm which provides the ducts, like kefir and pressed cheese, came. We are currently working on nues one of the oldest Romanian tra- If for some producers the selection of raw material for the fac- because there are already two certi- our fifth project. I am discussing with ditions, that of raising animals. “The the suppliers is a true challenge, for many factors not related tory, and a vegetal farm. fied collection points which deliver a specialty company from Bucharest farm, which is managed by my associ- those from Carmo-Lact, the things to the producer He wants to continue the ecological milk. to renew the equipment in the facto- ate, Eugen Creoșteanu, veterinarian, appear to be simple. The first advan- investments and to access ry in order to increase the capacity started to offer us satisfactions as of tage would be that they have their With regard to the price of the product other European funds in production – an investment around the last year fall, because we have re- own milk cows. The second advanta- in stores, with regard to which certa- addition to the five pro- “From 1992, I have made one million Euro. I think it is the last ached a sufficient number of animals ge is that they have a well-organized in voices say that it is too high, Ioan jects already completed. nothing else, but to one based on SAPARD”, said Ioan He intends to prepare pro- invest all the money” Neagoș, a mechanic who decided af- ducts based on famous re- ter the Revolution from 1989, when he cipes, but also from ecolo- Carmo-Lact Prod SRL was establi- gical milk, like kefir and was president of cooperative in the re- pressed cheese. shed in 1992, its profile being milk spective area, to establish a business

Ioan Neagoș, from Monor, Bistrita County, is one of the producers who has already initiated the procedure to obtain the certificate for four products prepared based on famous recipes. A famous recipe is a tradition of the Romanian nation, which has perpetuated, a recipe which might be more than 30 years old, up to 100 years old or even more. In the opinion of the producer, all those from this field should use the recipes prepared only with Romanian milk, in this way helping the local market. Moreover, these products based on famous recipes will be easily identified by the consumers.

“After certification, there is a logo which you have the right to place on the respective product, and I think, in this way, we make the Romanian consumer aware and determine him

22 23 Rural Romania – no. 23

Neagoș says that is a pretty complex additions. “The factory price will re- Elimination of milk they were satisfied with what they provided for up to 250 reproduction One of the solutions in order to suc- issue determined by several factors. ceive another 50%. 24% is VAT, 25% is quotas, a challenge for had”, said the farmer, who is not afraid cow registered with the Genealogical ceed on this European market is to For example, the company which he added by the trader and another 50% breeders with regard to the future of his busine- Production Register. I am sure that make high quality products, consi- represents works over 1200 hectares are added to its price. In the case of ss due to the subsidies he will receive. dering that the raw material can be of land, but the quality of the soil in milk cartons, only the package is 0.40 those who have large farms registe- The elimination of milk quotas as of found at the level of the entire coun- that area is precarious. Lei. For a box there must be 4-5 colo- red with the Register will survive. Of April 1st, 2005, in addition to the em- “I understand that a subsidy of appro- try. Thus, the products made based urs and the manufacturing costs are ximately 190 lei per ton of milk shall be course, there is another subsidy on the on famous recipes will be a solution “You must spend a lot of money on the bargo with Russia, is one of the gre- extremely high. All these things con- atest fears of the milk cow breeders. provided. Another 250 Euro shall be agricultural land”, added him. for many producers from the country. land in order to have a satisfactory tribute to a high price per kilogram of production, and, still, last year, we As a confirmation, the producer from products supplied by a factory. And I have obtained over 6000 kilograms Bistrița said that he received propo- did not mention the duties and taxes. of wheat per hectare and over 5000 sals to buy milk at very low prices. We pay a lot of money on the pillar kilograms of corn and 38 tons per “I already have offers of extremely hectare of silo corn. It is for the first tax. Since last year, there has been a cheap milk. If last year one litre of time we reach these performance af- duty for all the concrete casted – in a milk brought from abroad was 0.52 ter years in which we have rotated the zootechnical farm in which there are Eurocents, now, I have overcome the cultures and fertilized the soil”, said thousands of cubic meters -, because invasion of products from the near fu- the farmer. we made a farm which to also look ture. U am a little bit worried for the good, a 5 star shelter. All these things farmers who own up to 10 cows, who- Another aspect related to the price must reflect in the price of the product, se subsidy will be too low to survive that cannot be controlled by the pro- otherwise, you are declare bankrupt”, on the milk market. Unfortunately, ducer is represented by the subsequent said Ioan Neagoș. people did not work on genetics and

24 25 Rural Romania – no. 23

Experiences

is our integrated circuit. In order to sell shareholder is Societatea Agricolă we exceeded 300 cattle for meat. It is My business our products, we have a true trans- Combinatul Agroindustrial Curtici a special thing, people do not have yet portation echelon. The transportati- (Agroindustrial Plant Agricultural a sufficient culture for healthier beef From pitchfork to fork on is carried out every morning when Company). Currently, the company consumption. It is a profitable meat we leave with the merchandise to our holds approximately 800 cattle for for both producer and consumer. A own stores. Also, every afternoon, the milk and 320 meat cows. bull which in one and half year reaches Dr. Eng. Dimitrie Muscă is bank collects our money, so we do not 760 kg, somewhere around 1.750 kg have any problem with its protection considered a remarkable Dimitrie Muscă, the agronomic engine- daily average growth yields 120 milli- and, at the same time, we have it in the character in the Romanian account and we also receive interest”, er, grew fond of the meat cows. And this on ROL from retail sale in the stores. because profitability is extraordinary. Not everybody has the chance to con- and European Union agri- said Dimitrie Muscă. “We first bought 140 animals and now sume beef from Curtici, because I am culture. Today, Dimitrie Muscă manages the Agri- By continuous investments, zootechnics industrial Plant from is profitable Curtici and Agri-industrial Plant from Olari, Arad Swine Raising and Fattening Farm from Macea, Arad County, is part County. That who obtained of Societatea Agricolă Combinatul performance before 1989 Agroindustrial Curtici Curtici (Agroindustrial Plant Agricultural also obtained when he took Company). It is a closed circuit com- in charge the Agricultural plex unit focused on swine raising and Production Cooperative fattening, slaughtering them in their own slaughter house, meat processing from Curtici, taking it from and finished product valorising (fresh five million Lei loss to more meat cuts and meat products).

than ten million lei profit. The swine farm from Macea was es- Dimitrie Muscă writes histo- tablished in 1993 with an initial number of 400 pigs, currently, reaching to ry in a reality in which many 24,500 pigs. things go wrong. “With regard to raising the pigs, we only buy reproductive pigs, namely Agri-industrial plants from Curtici and that if I established one at Curtici, why and which we represent our lives, we males. We also have pure lines and Olari, Arad County, are the property of not establish one at Olari, where my have built with a lot of work. It is no crossed lines in the system, which in- the shareholders, Dimitrie Muscă being parents live?”, said Dimitrie Muscă, the secret, everything begins with disci- clude commercial pig and slaughter only their manager, not having anyth- Agronomic Engineer. Agri-industrial pline, state of the art technology and house pig. Our pig can be slaughter ing more than any of the shareholders Plant from Curtici exploits over 5,000 growing fond of your workplace. If at 165-170 days and we tend to reach of the company. “All the shareholders hectares. you have production, you also make 5 months and half. Of, course it is not know that I obtained performance. money.” In the companies managed easy. A lot of work and discipline are I have created these companies. The “Currently, it is normal for us to yield by Dimitrie Muscă there was no place necessary, complying with the techno- company from Curtici was the first over 7000 kg of wheat per hectare, my for intermediaries in the circuit from logical links, but, I repeat, it is not pos- from the country established after tendency is to constantly reach over pitchfork to fork or, as it is also said, sible without investments. The annual 1989, when there was no legislation, 8000 kg/ha. There are years in whi- from the soil, from the grass to con- profit we do not share to the sharehol- where there was nothing. We are still ch from some plots of land we have sumer and on the plate. ders. We reinvest the entire amount. It operating based on the Law no. 36 of made even 8200 and 8500 kg of wheat would be very easy to divide the pro- April 30th, 1991 on agricultural com- /ha. I want for the people to remember “I have never let anyone interpose in fit, anyone can do this operation”, said panies and other forms of association one thing: the entire wheat production the circuit from seeding to salami or Dimitrie Muscă. in the field of agriculture. Based on the we yield exclusively from Romanian roast from the plate. We have land, acquired experience and especially species, with wheat species created we have production, we have ani- The zootechnical bovine farm belongs upon the request of my fellow villagers and improved at the Institute from mals, we have our own combine fod- to S.C. IAC S.A. from Curtici, a joint from my native commune, I have also Fundulea. I absolutely love them”, der factory, we have slaughter house, stock company established in 1994, its established an Agri-industrial Plant at said Dimitrie Muscă. He also added: we have bakery both for the associa- main scope of activity being raising Olari, where, currently, we work 2500 “The two agri-industrial plants, whi- ted members and for various consu- and reproduction of bovine, together hectares. They were always told me ch we are proud of, which we respect mers, we also have milk factory. This with milk processing, whose main

26 27 Rural Romania – no. 23

the one who raise and slaughter them the general manager of Curtici Agri- wide range of preparations, from fresh At slaughter house, everything be- “We comply with the traditional re- Milk and bread and I supply them into our own stores. industrial Plant. pork and beef meat o meat products. gins with slaughtering of the pigs and cipes: pork, gammon, hard lard, pa- have won the trust Therefore, I have not given anything to bovine, cutting, removing the bones, prika, garlic, pepper – everything is and appreciation of anyone, I have no interpose network The special quality of the products is selecting the cut parts and the meat. natural. There is high demand for tra- Meat products for all ditional products from Ardeal area; for transport, marketing or placement given by the always fresh raw materi- Currently, an average of 5000 pigs consumers tastes from the slaughter peasant sausages, homemade sa- of our production. Therefore, everyth- al used in the technological processes and somewhere around 150 bovine ing is «internal». We have never faced house of Curtici Agri- characteristic to each product. “Our lami, smoked and homemade bacon. Also in Macea, Arad County, there is are slaughtered on monthly basis. The Smoking consists in cold sawdust a loss and we have invested what we industrial Plant story begins in the swine and bovine also the milk processing factory, the production capacity with regard to smoke, we have a smoke generator, have earned each year. Therefore, we raising farms where there are used unit being designed for a processing have intensively developed. These in- An important part of the activity car- animals with special genetic poten- the products is of over 10 tons on dai- we produce sausages, hot dogs, Polish sausages, hams, absolutely all assort- capacity of 10,000 litres of milk/day, vestments are extraordinary due to ried out in agri-industrial plants from tial, raised in adequate microclimate ly basis, but the total processing ca- ments. We try to maintain a special consumption milk and fresh acidophi- two reasons: they increase and impro- Curtici and Olari is represented by the conditions and, last but not least, fed pacity reaches 15 tons per day. The quality standard for all these pro- lic products: simple yogurts, fruit yo- ve your productivity and they decrease industrialization of pork and beef. The only with high quality fodders”, said products made at the slaughter hou- ducts”, said Dimitrie Muscă. gurts, buttermilk, fresh cheese, sour the cost price, so we win double”, said slaughter house from Macea produces a Dimitrie Muscă. se from Macea are both from the category of those boiled and smoked, of specialities, like traditional products, and also from the category of raw-dried products. There is a post- maturation storage house for traditional products. We comply with the traditional recipe, said the general manager of Curtici Agri-industrial Plant from Curtici.

28 29 Rural Romania – no. 23

cream, pressed cheese, cottage chee- farmers from locality. We pasteurize and sour cream in 200 gr cups. We also se, soft cheeses, smoked cheeses, mo- the milk at 73 degrees Celsius and it is have a pot cheese boiling equipment, zzarella etc. transported through ducts to the cheese obtaining a paste which we put in mo- division. Currently, we pack the milk in ulds. We produce Dalia pressed chee- The unit has two divisions equipped a bag, the raw material we pasteurize se, smoked cheese, Mozzarella, Trapist with state of the art machines com- at 93 degrees. From the pasteurizer it cheese, melted cheese, salty soft chee- pliant with EU standards, the divisi- comes out at 5-6 degrees, and cooling se (brânză de burduf), cottage chee- on of fresh products and the division is continued in the cooling rooms up se, fresh cheese”, said Dimitrie Muscă. for cheese. to 4 degrees. And from here it reaches the bag. We have the special necessary With regard to the bread sector, The milk that enters the factory is brou- equipment capable of forming a one Societatea Agricolă Combinatul ght in cisterns and it does not come at litre bag. I have to mention that we Agroindustial Curtici (Agroindustrial all in contact with the air. have no stocks. Around 28 fresh pro- Plant Agricultural Company) is proud ducts reach on the table of the consu- of its own bakery from Curtici. Made The milk which reaches the factor has mer: simple yogurts, six assortments exclusively from our own production between 3 and 4 degrees. “We collect of fruit yogurts, three assortments of of wheat carefully selected by the most the milk from our farm from Dorobanţi sour cream, buttermilk, a wide range skilled millers, the bakery products and from one small collecting centre of cheeses. We dispose of an equipment won the trust and constant apprecia- from Olari, where it is brought by the for packaging the yogurt in 150 gr cups tion of many consumers.

30 31 Rural Romania – no. 23

According to the financing contract Faster and more efficient There is no spot on a 400 ha area My farm no. 91/04.04.2011, the total value of with money obtained which was not touched”, said Dorian the project is of 14,335,591.55 Lei, under POP Marin. Dorian Marin from Moldavia started a fish farm of which the total eligible value is of 10,837,852.20 Lei. The non-repayable From de-clogging, pump replacement, When he took over this business from financial support was of 6,502,711.32 canals, heavy works, water works, di- the former owner, he saw what it could in Tulcea at Chilia Veche Lei. kes, fit-outs, internal transportation be done and how the investment would with electrical cars – all these have look like in seven years, not just what it The general objective of the project was contributed to the decrease of pro- Chilia is one of the places in the modernization of Chilia Fishing was there: “I solved conflict after conflict and I decided to enter this busi- duction costs and yielding an estima- which any passionate fisher- Farm Establishment, Farm 4. It was ness in which I saw more the specta- ted production of over 300 tons of fish man wants to go. The fairy- intended to modernize several buil- annually. dings from the pumping stations, re- cular side”, said the general manager tale landscapes and plenty pair of the unloading dock from pum- of the company. Such investment shall be cleared off of fish are the ingredients ping station no. 11, restoration of the in 6-7 years, if it is kept in production which attract here increa- drainage canals, fishing holes, installa- The first investments he made from his parameters of over 70% of the capacity. singly more visitors from tion of a solar system, two purging sta- own money, for population and fit-out of the dikes. He then understood that Moreover, the increase of the price for the country and abroad. tions and two water treatment stations. Maintenance machines and equip- he can access funds under 2007-2013 one kilogram of fish, an increase also Dorian Marin from Iasi also ment, equipment for aquaculture acti- POP and that his project would be com- determined by the increase of the uti- came to visit Chilia, but he vity, equipment necessary for keeping pleted in another manner. lity costs can place you in the profita- fell in love with this locati- the fish, improvement of the work con- bility area. on and he decided to stay ditions, pumping, but also equipment “I saw that we can also obtain European funds and that we can com- The following steps considered in this and start a business. Thus, for outdoor electrical systems, machines and equipment for fish transport plete the project in another manner, fish farming establishment would be with funds obtained un- were bought. meaning faster and within the para- a processing section and the develop- der 2007-2013 Operational meters that I would not have affor- ment of fish farming tourism. But all Fishing Programme (OFP) With this project, five jobs were crea- ded it. In no case I could do without these after exceeding the 70% capacity he modernized an existent ted in an area in which finding a job is European money what it is now here, with a progressive increase up to the fish farming establishment, a true challenge. the modernization being everywhere. undertaken objective. the total value of the project being 14,335,591.55 Lei.

Dorian Marin is one of the people for whom everything related to fishing and fishes is no longer a passion, but a business. An investment of a few million Euro has been keeping him at Chilia Veche, a commune from Tulcea County. He said that he made the step not completely knowing the reality, but also because, if he puts his mind to something, he finds solutions to solve any impe- diment. “I took over 400 hectares wi- Dorian Marin, thdrawn from the work field, in the investor at Chilia Veche sense that, when I arrived here, no one was doing fish farming. It was only team of Moldavian people” of his kind, beneficiary is Gip Est SRL, Dorian reed, scrap iron and the buildings were destroyed. Not knowing things makes without whom he could not have done Marin being its General Manager, someone fearless. I honestly did not anything. was co-financed through the European evaluate correctly what I was getting Fishing Fund, based on the non-repa- myself into. But I was lucky that I had Millions of Euro for yable financing contract of 2007-2013 the intellectual capacity to maintain POP, concluded with the Ministry of myself above the wave, because I fa- modernization ced all sorts of technical issues, which Agriculture and Rural Development could destabilize me”, told us Dorian “Modernization of the current fishing through the Directorate General for Marin, happy because he had a “super farm establishment” Project, whose Fishing – POP Management Authority.

32 33 Rural Romania – no. 23

My community “Țara mea” (“My country”) produces quality

“Țara mea“ (“My country”) is a programme which was initiated in July, 2014, with 200 vegetable gardeners members of the Cooperative of Producers from Izbiceni and Visina, Olt County, which is affilia- ted to Agrostar Federation. Currently, it also means an association with the same name as the programme, a cooperative meant to turn Alexandru Stănescu, Horațiu Raicu, President of “Țara mea” (“My to good account the pro- General Secretary country”) Cooperative ducts of the partner pro- of Agrostar ducers from all the fields from this area. premium quality. “We have focused Quality behind the brand on these products to be healthy, from here the name «Țara mea». It all star- The members of “Țara mea” (“My The President of “Țara mea” (“My ted from here. We want for Romania country”) also have short term plans, country”) Cooperative is Alexandru to eat healthy, because everyone is fed among which the production of vege- Stănescu aged 23, graduate of the up with toxic foods which are making tables in protected premises, in green- Faculty of Physical Education and us sick”, added Alexandru Stănescu. houses. “We are also trying to make Sports, currently attending the innovations, to use the thermal water classes for the Master’s Degree of the in order to heat the land. The greenho- University of Agronomic Sciences and The system is integrated and it is at- Veterinary Medicine. If two years ago tempted to valorise everything that uses consume a lot of energy and we there was only the idea, through works the members of the association produ- intend to build on ten hectares of land and dedication, the cooperative was ce. “We want to also multiply the idea a greenhouse line in order to obtain established and, today, the products of in other areas. Last year, we initiated production all year round. As long those registered in it can be found on this project through a pioneer’s work as we are a federation of trade union the shelves of Kaufland Hypermarket and, unfortunately, we did not yield type, we represent both the social and from Romania. any profit. We hope that this year we the economic interest of the members. We try to aim a new construction in break at least even. From all invest- the trade union area”, said the General “The discussions started two years a long time such type of projects and procurement and sale of the products ments made last year and this year, we Secretary of Agrostar. ago. We made the plans with regard we considered that it is necessary to of the members of the cooperative to have reached far, said Horațiu Raicu. to how is the cooperative going to establish such cooperative so that, af- Romanian key accounts. “We have di- Only the premium quality products work and what exactly it would do. ter the brand we launched last year, fferent associated companies, whi- Those in charge with the processing From discussion, we applied the plan will be supplied to the traders, the to continue based on an integrated ch shall do the processing, and, in are doing it based on recommended and, finally, we succeeded in doing other products will be sent to the system for the people to buy auto- time, Agrostar being also involved, recipes, following the tradition of Olt everything that we intended in the partner processors until the associ- chthonous products”, added Horațiu we want to open a company in all the area. Moreover, in the future, tra- first place. This cooperative includes ation will have its own factories. All four companies and the cooperati- Raicu, General Secretary of Agrostar. fields, in order to help with the pro- ditional products or famous recipes the products made will be found under ve members, among which Agrostar, cessing and everything we needs”, shall be included, because they must “Țara mea” (“My country”) logo. We said the President of “Țara mea” (“My be presented to all consumers from which will help us with the projects Healthy food on each care a lot about the quality of the pro- based on European funds”, said country”) Cooperative. the country. ducts. We try once again to promote Alexandru Stănescu. table our Romanian products and not just The products cover all the sectors, Among the future plans there is also a label on which it is written «Made “We have done what we have inten- Currently, the biggest challenge of from cereals, vegetables, fruits, dai- the establishment of a milk collecting in Romania», but with raw materials ded: a cooperative, a form of associ- the producers is sale. The main ac- ries and cheese to meat, meat pro- section, a butter factory at Vișina and brought from other countries”, added ation. We have been supporting for tivity of this young cooperative is the ducts and eggs, and they are only of a hen farm also at Vișina. the General Secretary of Agrostar.

34 35 Rural Romania – no. 23

Efficient storage premises administrate and how much are we can be done only in a factory sized minimum 20 year period only to buy administrating. We have the great depending on the area and on the land”, said the Mayor Mircea Velica For Izbiceni Commune, this associa- advantage that Romania is still one quality of production. Nevertheless, convinced that the associative forms tive form can be extremely beneficial, of the countries which use as active one of the objectives of the Board of thinks the Mayor Mircea Velica. The will be successful. In their absence, substance per hectare a very small Directors of “Țara mea” (“My coun- only desiderate is for these forms to the risk is for the farmers to rema- quantity as compared to the develo- try”) Cooperative is the integration be functional, and the tax to remain in at the peaty of the intermediaries. ped countries like Germany, France, of production. at local level. Holland and even Turkey. They obta- Cooperative also means the establish- in important production, but also “In this way, he will completely valo- “The proposal that we (the Association ment of an annual strategy, conside- with very large quantities of active rise the entire production, obtaining of the Communes) made was for the ring the requirements of the market, substance and especially nitrogen. added value, which will cover some of tax on agriculture to be cashed by the and mutual support, and a strong voi- From here the issues which occur in the expenses. Moreover, he will also city halls and to remain at their level, ce that can be easily heard at all levels. the relationship with consumers”, said be able to pay at the Health Insurance and this tax, which comes from the Mircea Velica. Administration and Pension House in farmers, to be 60% used as part of Moreover, under the new National order to benefit of pension when he co-financing for projects at the level Rural Development Programme, the reaches a certain age, based on the of administrative territorial unit and Integration of contribution. The cooperative mem- associative forms are supported by up 40% to be provided to the associative production, the objective bers shall be able to valorise everyth- to 90% financing. The new measures, forms of the young farmers”, said the both for young farmers and for moder- Mayor of Izbiceni. of the cooperative ing they produce on a certain area of land which they inherited from their nisation of agricultural holdings consi- parents. Also, we made a proposal dered by those from “Țara mea” (“My From his viewpoint, it is also ne- As a result of sorting and delivering country”), and Agrostar Federation cessary to build premises in which to to supermarkets only premium qua- to the Minister for the members of work for the initiation of projects ba- store the merchandise, which to be lity vegetables, a certain quantity re- the cooperative who have the finan- sed on these measures within this afterwards packed, labelled and de- mains to the farmer who cannot valo- cial power and want to be able to ac- livered to supermarkets. For exam- rise it by himself. All these procedures cess credits with very low interest on association ple, from one ton of peppers only 700 kg are of premium quality. “In the-

Mircea Velica, se storage premises there must be a Mayor of Izbiceni quality testing laboratory and a pe- Commune dology and chemistry laboratory so that to know what substances we

36 37 Rural Romania – no. 23

Updated Leader

by which cultural centre rehabili- “Podișul Mediașului” (“Mediaș Plateau”) tation/fit-out projects, Emergency Service fit-out projects were Local Action Group Association - GALPM financed; - Measure 421 – Implementation of cooperation projects by which a - Measure 312 – Support for the es- Financing measures cooperation project was financed, tablishment and development of From January, 2012 until accessed under “Podișul its main scope being to promote small enterprises, based on whi- December, 2015, “Podișul Mediașului” (“Mediaș the local producers and products Mediașului” (“Mediaș ch production or service supply from the area. Plateau”) Local Action Plateau”) Local Action projects were financed in non- Group has been imple- Group agricultural fields, the intensity of menting the strategy of de- the non-repayable support being Establishment of the velopment of the territory With the support of “Podișul of 50-85% of the total value of the young farmers in the field consisting in Dumbraveni Mediașului” (“Mediaș Plateau”)Local project; of zootechnics City, 13 communes from Action Group, the following measu- - Measure 313 – Encouragement the north of Sibiu County res were accessed under the National of tourist activities, under whi- In the beginning of 2014, Maria-Lucia and one commune from Rural Development Programme: ch agri-pension establishment Lăpădat took over an apiarian busi- Mureș County. ness and settled for the first time as - Measure 112 – Establishment of projects, recreational activities, Seq. Locality Villages Area Type of esta- manager of a holding. Lăpădat Maria- young farmers, based on which establishment of thematic touris- no. (ha) blishment The association reunites 59 members, projects were financed by whi- tic routes and tourist promotion Lucia Authorised Natural Person from whose mission is the development of were financed; Alma Commune (Sibiu County) ac- 1. DUMBR ĂVENI Ernea, Șaroș pe 5575 City ch young people under 40 years Târnave Mediaș Plateau territory which is geo- old were appointed as managers - Measure 322 – Renovation and cessed a European project under Measure 112 with the help of “Podișul graphically located in the area delimi- of the holdings, the intensity of development of villages, impro- 2. ALMA Alma, Giacăș, 3762 Commune Mediașului” (“Mediaș Plateau”) Local ted by Sighișoara and Sibiu. The rural the non-repayable support being vement of the basic services for Șmig establishments maintain elements of Action Group, in total amount of of 100% of the total value of the the rural economy and population 3. AȚEL Ațel, Dupuș 3902 Commune the Transylvanian Saxon culture, with 24,000 Euro, the entire amount be- project; and valorisation of rural legacy, fortified churches which dominate the ing non-repayable. 4. AXENTE Axente Sever, 7370 Commune landscape and houses with tall gates SEVER Agârbiciu, Șoala aligned along the road. GALPM objectives are: 5. BAZNA Bazna, Boian, 8759 Commune Velț Mediaș Plateau micro-region consists - Captivate the interest of the citizens for the involvement in the 6. BLĂJEL Blăjel, Păucea, 3402 Commune in 14 communes and one city and it reflections and decisions regarding the development of own Românești has a total area of 77,072 ha, which territory with special emphasis on the Romani communities, administratively spreads in Sibiu and young persons and women; 7. BRATEIU Brateiu, Buzd 3511 Commune Mureș counties. In total, the 15 loca- - Animation and encouragement of the civil society and local 8. DÂRLOS Dârlos, Curciu, 4010 Commune lities account for 40 villages of whi- authorities to actively collaborate in order to establish the Valea Lunga ch two belong to Dumbraveni City. 9. HOGHILAG Hoghilag, Prod, 5213 Commune The closest urban localities outside Local Action Group and to identify the development priorities; Valchid LAG territory are Mediaș and Sibiu, - Encouragement of the inhabitants to associate (establish the in Sibiu County, and Sighișoara and association of producers in order to align to the European 10. MICASASA Micăsasa, 7138 Commune Târgu Mureș, in Mureș County. norms, promotion and valorisation of local and traditional Chesler, Țapu, products) in order to successfully access the funds dedicated Văleni The terrestrial communication with to rural development; 11. MOȘNA Moșna, Alma 6117 Commune the outside is made by road and Vii, Nemșa railway access. The internal road in- - Information on the financing opportunities provided by the frastructure of micro-region con- European Union and the Government of Romania under the 12. ȘEICA MICĂ Șeica Mică, 4379 Commune sists in national, county and commu- National Rural Development Programme (NRDP); Soroștin nal roads. The railway infrastructure - Becoming aware and thoroughly studying the “down upwards” 13. TÂR NAVA Târnava, 2831 Commune makes the connection with the clo- principle in order to identify and place in a hierarchical system Colonia Târnava sest city, Mediaș, but also with other the needs of the territory. The citizens must understand that no 14. VALEA VIILOR Valea Viilor, 4416 Commune large cities - Cluj Napoca, Brașov and one can know better than them the sustainable development Motiș Bucharest. The closest airports are at necessities of their life space; Sibiu and Târgu Mureș. The micro-re- 15. VIIȘOARA Viișoara, 6687 Commune gion has administrative relations with - Identification and co-optation in actions of resource persons Sântioana, Mediaș, Sighișoara, Sibiu and Târgu for future thematic work teams; Ormeniș Mureș, frequent economic relations - Motivation of young people to stay in the rural area. Total 15 40 77072 with Mediaș, Copșa Mică and Sibiu.

38 39 Rural Romania – no. 23

From 2012, Lăpădat has been dedica- – Support for the establishment and total non-repayable amount being of Encouragement of tourist this project it is intended to increase, area, promotion of the tourism with ting to the common passion of keeping development of small enterprises, ba- 28,000 Euro. activities improve and diversify the infrastruc- local specificity and increase of the ad- bees, in 2014 owning 120 families of sed on which production or service ture of touristic services, the increase ded value of the rural tourism. bees. Once with the submittal of the supply projects were financed in non- CMV- Lal Viorel Authorized Natural Measure 313 – Encouragement of to- of the number of tourists who visit the project of the first establishment, the agricultural fields, the intensity of the Person was established in 2004, its urist activities based on which agri- commune, but also of their staying pe- Mihnea - Gabriel Vîrgolici, Hoghilag beneficiary intends to develop the ac- non-repayable support being of 50%- scope of activity being NACE code pension establishment, recreational riod in the commune and in the area. Commune (Sibiu County), has sub- tivity, namely to increase the number 85% of the total value of the project. 7500 – Veterinary activities. From activity, thematic touristic routes, to- mitted a project in amount of 215,844 of bees from 120 to 175 families. 2004, the beneficiary of the European uristic promotion projects were finan- Viorel Toda from Alma Commune Euro, of which the non-repayable to- S.C. Ioanalin SRL, from Târnava money has been carrying out veteri- ced was also accessed with the support (Sibiu County) accessed the European tal in amount of 183,467 Euro. The Based on this project, equipment are (Sibiu County), has made a project in nary activities in Ațel commune. Most “Podișul Mediașului” (“Mediaș funds in order to turn a stable into a general objective of the project is the bought in order to facilitate the work total amount of 85,430 Euro of which of the farms, sheepfolds and summer Plateau”) Local Action Group. pension. development of horse riding recreatio- of apiculturist, namely: a honey ex- the non-reimbursable amount was of camps for the animals which bene- nal touristic activities in Sibiu County. traction collector, a table for capping, 59,801 Euro. The beneficiary intended The investment project of Viorel Tota The applicant was initially a natural fit of sanitary and veterinary ser- Marianne Rempler, from Moșna (Sibiu a honey filter, a virgin wax collector, to equip the company with specialized (project value – 87,691 Euro, non-re- person, who subsequently authorized vices carried out by CMV-Lal Viorel County), has accessed a project in total a heating recipient and a transporta- machines for the supply of landscaping payable total – 74,537 Euro) has as himself as Authorized Natural Person. Authorized Natural Person are found amount of 46,635 Euro of which the tion cart. services and snow removal services. main scope the creation of an agri- at great distance from the veterinary non-repayable amount is of 39,640 Euro. The project is intended for the pension by changing the purpose of a The idea of executing this project came office, being located in hardly accessi- Another beneficiary of the European With the help of the equipment bought modernization and repair of all doors, stable and a shed located on the pro- as a result of the experience which the ble areas, without modernized roads. funds accessed with the support under the project, a motorised mower, windows, electrical equipment from a perty and at the domicile address of applicant acquired in time with regard Under this project, the beneficiary has of “Podișul Mediașului” (“Mediaș the small enterprise carries out activi- building located in Moșna Commune, the applicant. Under this project it is to the activity of horse breeding and Plateau”) Local Action Group is ties like mowing the public green are- bought the following assets: veterina- in order to change its scope from intended to valorise the apple orchard by participating in many horse riding Păuceanu Vasile-Mihai Authorized as, mowing/fitting-out the recreatio- rian van, trailer for the transport of Vicarage into agri-pension. which is nearby the location, by pro- recreational activities abroad. Thus, Natural Person, from Dârlos. Vasile- nal areas and removing the snow from animals, kit of instruments. All these viding the fruits for meals, but also being the owner of horses and the pre- Mihai Păuceanu accessed the the roads/sidewalks/parking lots. allow him to arrive in due time at any The scope of the investment is to crea- to valorise other foods produced at mises necessary for horse breeding, European funds for the establish- intervention, the transportation of the te a favourable environment which to the farm. the owner of a land with favourable ment of the young farmers and im- CMV- Lal Viorel Authorized Natural sick animal at his veterinarian office, support the development of the activi- characteristics for carrying out horse plemented a project with a total value Person, Ațel Commune, Sibiu County, if necessary, precise diagnoses, which ties related to agriculture in the field The project will contribute to the cre- riding activities, the applicant prepa- of 24,000 Euro, the entire amount be- has executed a project in total amount ensure the application of the correct of tourism, ensuring a development ation of jobs, diversification of touris- res an investment project necessary ing non-repayable. of 42,630 Euro under Measur 312, the treatment from the first phase. path for agri-tourism services. Under tic infrastructure and services in the and opportune in the context of a local

The beneficiary of the project took over the holding from his brother and settled for the first time as manager of holding in November, 2013, in Dârlos, Sibiu County.

With the first settlement he receives as non-repayable public aid, the beneficiary intends to modernize and develop the holding by purchasing equipment specific to swine raising activity, namely, accessories used in chemical fer- tilization of agricultural land.

The beneficiary plans to extend his activity, intending to also access the measure for the modernization of the agricultural holding during the new 2014-2020 programming period.

Development of non- agricultural sector

Through the agency of “Podișul Mediașului” (“Mediaș Plateau”) Local Action Group European funds were accessed based on Measure 312

40 41 Rural Romania – no. 23

News and events

development strategy in this regard, the main cultural objectives of inte- extension with new location in Moșna, that “Podișul Mediașului” (“Mediaș rest; covering a detouring route on the Nemșa and Alma Vii. The export of agri-food products is increasing Plateau”) Local Action Group, the land outside the built-up area for an The commercial excess of the exchan- The main agri-food products expor- (146.1 million Euro, +19.2%), cho- location for completing the invest- off-road land; covering a hiking route. “ Transilvania Mea” (“My ges of agri-food products from 2014 ted in 2014 were: wheat (almost five colate (163.6 million Euro, +16.3%) ment being Prod Village, Hoghilag Transylvania”) Sust a inable was of 514.3 million Euro, increasing million tons for 959.4 million Euro), and pork (286.1 million Euro, +6.5%). Commune, Sibiu County. “Vecinătățile Moșnei” (“Moșna Development Association from Axente with 58.3% as compared to the po- corn (3.7 million tons/755.1 million Neighbourhoods” ) Association inten- Sever Commune (Sibiu County) ac- sitive balance of 324.9 million Euro Euro), cigarettes, sunflower seeds Sugar, a product which traditionally Under this project, an area was bou- ds to make an ECO-MUSEUM circuit, cessed 7,494 Euro under Measure from 2013. Romania has exported and oil, rape seeds, barley, livestock occupied the first or the second po- ght with the specific scope of horse the non-repayable value of the project 313, with the support of “Podișul in 2014 agri-food products in total from ovine and goat species, poultry riding activities and a tent which to being 38,110 Euro. Mediașului” (“Mediaș Plateau”) Local amount of 5,409.6 million Euro, meat and also livestock. sition in the top of the imports, to- cover a part of it. Action Group. The scope of the project with 311.5 million Euro more than gether with pork, scored a signifi- the previous year (+6,1%), while the The route of the eco-museum from is to promote Axente Sever Commune As compared to the returns yielded cant decrease (less with 47.9 tho- imports, in amount of 4,895.3 milli- Moșna (Sibiu County) was identified as a tourist destination. For this pur- in 2013, the exported increased vo- usand tons, 60.8 million Euro, re- on Euro have slowly increased, exce- lumes of cigarettes and rape seeds Thematic touristic routes, in 2007. The concept of eco-muse- pose, promotional materials – pre- spectively), under the pressure of the eding with 2.6% the amount of 2013. provided a plus of 193.1 million Euro sentation films, photos, brochures, quantities of sugar made of beet simi- touristic promotion um appeared in the Western Europe (total 699.1 million Euro) and 145.7 (France) in 1970’s, because of the ne- customized DVDs – were made and “If 2013 was the first of the last 20 million Euro (total 338.3 million larly produced in 2014, occupying the 39,500 Euro is the investment of Ațel cessity to preserve the elements of the provided on the project website: www. years with positive commercial ba- Euro), respectively. The nut export tenth position in the top of the im- Commune (Sibiu County) based on rural world at the risk of extinction un- visitaxente.ro. All these materials are lance for agri-food product exchan- has also increased in 2014: conside- ports after coffee. Decreasing import which there shall be established a pa- der the pressure of urbanization and relevant information on the characte- ges, 2014 gives us the best result with ring the increase with 22.8% of the values were scored in wheat (-6.8 noramic touristic route on the territo- of the technical and social progress. ristics of Axente – Șoala, the touris- regard to the commercial excess for delivered quantity and also of the mil Euros), cigarettes (-29.8 milli- this period, namely 514.3 million unit price, the returns increased with ry of the commune that will be opened The eco-museum is a mirror in which tic objectives and the legends related on Euro), milk and sour cream (-8.3 for the public, the beneficiary inten- the population (owners, tourists, ad- to them, accommodation and cam- Euro”, said Daniel Constantin, the 55.6% as compared to 2013, to 60.4 million Euro), sparkling water which ding to attract a great number of tou- ministration etc.) see themselves in ping locations, leisure time spending Minister of Agriculture and Rural million Euro. contains sugar and sunflower seeds. rists. The establishment of the route order to recognize the past and to or- possibilities. Development. will result in a better visibility of the ganize their future. The aspects of the Pork, soy grits, bakery-pastry pro- commune in the field of cultural/ru- daily life, the landscapes, the archi- The geographic position in an extre- In relation to the previous year, the ducts, various food and chocolate The European Union was the main ral tourism from the area. tecture, the cultural and natural pa- mely rich area, both from natural amount of intercommunity delive- products occupied the first positi- partner in the agricultural commerce ries of agri-food products from 2014 ons in the structure of agri-food im- trimony, the occupations of the villa- and cultural viewpoint, provides to of Romania in 2014: the deliveries of increased with 10.7%, while the exports in 2014, after the value weigh- agri-food products to this destination The project is focused on signalling gers, the lifestyle, the oral evidence, Axente Sever Commune an impor- ports to third countries decreased ting in total import. As compared to had a value share of 61.0% (58.4% in a touristic route with maps and in- all these are the subjects aimed at by tant touristic potential. The main with 0.3%. The acquisitions from EU 2013, the invoices were greater, ma- dicators and also the placement of the eco-museum. touristic objectives are the fortified member states increased with 3.2%, inly in the case of gross tabaco (total 2013), and the acquisitions from EU street furniture adequate for refuge, Evangelic Churches from Axente and those from third countries mai- 162.4 million Euro, representing an member states hold a share of 81.4% halt and admiring the panorama. The By implementing the project, it Sever, Agârbiciu and Șoala (neighbo- ntained at the same level as in 2013. increase with 27.9%), poultry meat (80.9% in 2013). three distinct routes are adequate for is intended to preserve the route uring villages), but also the Catholic visiting the commune, with halts at (by fitting-out halting places), the and Orthodox churches.

42 43 Rural Romania – no. 23

Phil Hogan, in a Romanian farm during his first The first projects based on the new National Rural official visit in a member state Development Programme as of March 25th Occasioned by the first vi- one. It is the second investment with to develop the local communities by Daniel Constantin, the Minister entire programme and I think that continue to be efficiently spent in or- sit in Romania of the European European funds which is made in the creating jobs. of Agriculture, and Phil Hogan, at the middle of April we will recei- der to finance projects which will ge- Commissioner for Agriculture and same farm”, said Daniel Constantin, the European Commissioner for ve the confirmation letter, which will nerate an increasing number of jobs, Rural Development, Phil Hogan, a trip the Minister of Agriculture. “It is my first visit in a member state Agriculture and Rural Development, certify the fact that all negotiations have an increasing impact on the eco- was organised to a farm for swine fat- village and it extraordinary to dis- met on March 13th, 2015, at the are closed and that the elements have nomy and create new opportunities tening and at its combined fodder fac- At the same time, the Minister said cover this integrated project execu- Ministry of Agriculture and Rural been agreed between the two parti- for the people from rural communi- tory. On March 12th, 2015, Phil Hogan, that Romania needs many integrated ted with the support of the European Development. During the meeting, es”, said the Minister of Agriculture, ties”, underlined Phil Hogan. together with Daniel Constantin, the projects which to cover the entire pro- funds. It is not just an example of they discussed the progresses made Daniel Constantin. Minister of Agriculture, Corina Crețu, duction chain, starting from the cul- good practices regarding the deve- within the last years by the Romanian Also, on the agenda of discussions European Commissioner for Regional tivation of the cereals and processing lopment of a farm, but also an exam- agriculture, but also modalities for In turn, the European Commissioner between the two officials, there was Development and Eugen Teodorovici, them in units as the combined fodder ple with regard to the modality in a more efficient management of the for Agriculture and Rural also the condition of the farmers affec- the Minister of European Funds, ar- factory, which will be subsequently which the European financing can European funds available in the fu- Development, Mr Phil Hogan, ted by the embargo imposed by the rived at S.C. Suinprod Radic SRL, used for feeding the animals from the contribute to the development of the ture 2014-2020 National Rural assessed as positive the role of the Russian Federation, the measures for Development Programme (NRDP). which owns the swine farm and farm. Additionally, the operator pro- local communities from the rural European funds in developing the lo- supporting the producers from the dairy sector, after eliminating the milk CFF, objectives financed under 2007- cesses the meat which originates from area”, underlined Phil Hogan, the cal communities. 2013 National Rural Development these animals, and the products made European Commissioner. “We have discussed about the sta- quotas in April, 2015, rehabilitation of Programme, in Rătești Commune, hear are found in supermarkets. ge of 2014-2020 Rural Development the secondary irrigation infrastructu- “The European funds for agriculture Ciupa Mănciulescu Village (km 86 Among the subjects approached by Programme and I would like to thank re with the 370 million Euro available and rural development shall have an of the motorway), Argeș County. In turn, Phil Hogan, the European the two officials during the visit of the the European Commissioner and his under the new NRDP, but also details impact on 2.5 million persons, both Commissioner has saluted the pro- European Commissioner to our coun- team for their openness during this regarding disadvantaged areas, in the directly and indirectly, through the “It is an honour for us, because it is gresses made by the authorities from try, there is also the condition crea- negotiation period. We are close to the context of the new criteria established financings which shall aim at the road the first official visit which Mr Hogan Bucharest with regard to the absorpti- ted by the embargo imposed by the final. I have informed the European at European level. The Romanian side infrastructure at local level, irrigati- takes in the capacity of European on of non-repayable European funds Russian Federation, especially with Commissioner that Romania took the requested the determination of the on infrastructure, agri-tourism ser- Commissioner for Agriculture and for agriculture, showing that the in- regard to pork, and also the solutions decision, at its own risk, as of March areas with natural constraints, given Rural Development. We have chosen vestments like that from Argeș are not that can be applied in order to support 25th, to receive the first projects, ba- vices and preservation of the local cul- the fact that certain provisions have this project, because it is a successful just a business model, but a chance the local producers. sed on two measures with regard to tural patrimony. The perspectives for caused the exclusion of areas, which, which negotiations with the European the Romanian agriculture are good. during the previous programming pe- Commission have completed. We are Last year, Romania scored a positive riod, were considered part of this ca- talking about the measure regarding commercial balance, having the best tegory. The European Commissioner the firm investments and the mea- results within the last 25 years. We explained that, at the level of the ser- sure of investments for young far- hope that the European funds assig- vices of the Commission, this situati- mers. We have also discussed about ned to the Romanian agriculture in on is known, but there is a legislati- the calendar of the approval of the the new programming period shall on problem that cannot be surpassed.

44 45 Rural Romania – no. 23

Introduction of NRDN

Romania will export pork in China members

The Ministry of Agriculture and Authority from China, the frozen pork export on a market as important as Union of Poultry Breeders from Romania Rural Development has informed export can be initiated in the Popular the Chinese market. As a result of our There is a continuous flow of infor- that, on March 16th, 2015, Romania Republic of China. actions, we can speak today about a The Union of Poultry Breeders from Romania (UPBR) is a non- mation from the economic agents to received the official letter of the State concrete step made by Romania in the governmental autonomous association with professional cha- the Union and vice versa, through Administration for Monitoring the “The decision of China to import pork direction of sustainable development racter, without lucrative scope, with legal character, established regular reunions, scientific and te- based on the criterion of the specificity of the activity of poul- Certification and Accreditation from from Romania is a great achievement of the Romanian agriculture throu- chnical symposiums and conferen- the Popular Republic of China, in whi- for the Romanian economy, becau- gh exports. For us, this was an ab- try branch. ces, profile exhibitions, congresses. ch the Romanian side was commu- se, as of 2012, from taking over the solute priority. Therefore, we consi- On decade, monthly, trimester and nicated the approval of the registra- government, we have been making der the opening of export to Chinese The Union carries out professional, technical, economic and sci- tion in this country of the first pork continuous efforts together with market an extraordinary opportu- entific activities and services of common interest for its mem- annual basis, the Union receives producing company, S.C. Smithfield the National Sanitary-Veterinary nity for Romania”, said the Minister of bers, so that their activity to become more profitable. from its members information re- Romania S.A. Thus, after listing on the and Food Safety Authority in order Agriculture and Rural Development, garding the carried out activity, the website of the Sanitary and Veterinary to open the possibility of the pork Daniel Constantin. Established in 1993 with the scope of achieving the organisational unit of the poultry breeders from Romania, UPBR has the role of binder between the economic agents which operate in the poultry raising field. It ensures economic, financial, organisational and legal relations with internal and international governmental bodies and supports the interest of its members through concrete lobby actions.

The main scope of the Union is the representation of the interest of the members before the state bodies and/or competent forums by draf- ting proposals regarding drawing up of normative deeds, according to the law, meant to determine the enforcement, maintenance and systema- tic development of Romanian poultry raising.

46 47 Rural Romania – no. 23

level of production, the economic (“Aviculturist”), a trimester publi- performances, the issues faced by cation which the Union has been re- Romalimenta – Romanian Federation them, support requests and sugges- gularly editing as of 1994. tions from the Union. After processing, the received information is UPBR members can be the economic of Employers from the Food Industry accessible to all members based on agents in poultry raising field from the “Informative Bulletin” edited on the country and abroad, irrespective and relevant information meant to cla- monthly basis. of the form of property, natural and/ Romalimenta is a national non-profit autonomous apolitical rify any misunderstanding and to help or legal persons from other fields, federation of the employers, being the professional represen- carrying out a transparent activity. The consultancy, support and ser- who express their wish to partici- tative of those who form the food and beverage industry from vice activity with regard to the appli- pate in the development of this sec- Romania. Romalimenta Federation was established in 1994 and What does Romalimenta cation of efficient technologies is tor. Scientific personalities from the as of 2011, it is FDE (FoodDrinkEurope) member. carried out by organising sympo- country and abroad which, through Federation intend siums with the participation of the their activity, have contributed or companies producing and/or mar- contribute to the progress of avicul- Romalimenta – the Romanian competitiveness of the food operators Through Romalimenta Federation keting equipment specific to the fi- ture, are or might become members Federation of Employers from the both internally and internationally. we intend to make a unitary voice of eld. Also for this purpose, the Union of honour of the Union. Food Industry groups most of the the food sector heard, having legally edits “Actualitatea in avicultura” associations/employers from the In order for the legal regulations and acknowledged representativeness and being the signatory of the Collective (“Actuality in Aviculture”). Currently, the Union of Poultry food industry together with great au- normative deeds to consider the inte- Labour Agreement per branch. Due Breeders from Romania has 300 tochthonous and multinational pro- rests of the members, the Federation to the fact that the food and beverage – study book, each issue being de- members, trading companies and cessing companies. Romalimenta actively participates in the dialogue industry is the greatest manufacturing dicated to an aspect specific to the it is ready at any time to welcome Federation represents the interests with the state institutions. sector from Romania, with a turnover activity carried out by the members: new members in order to focus the of its members, complying with and of 44.4 billion Lei (2011), and also the nutrition, technology, biosecurity, efforts of the economic agents from supporting the interests of the con- Additionally, Romalimenta aims at first employer – approximately 200 economic- commercial. the field so that to maintain and en- sumers and, at the same time, promo- creating the adequate image for the thousand employees, it deserves con- force the system/ ting the principles of fair competition. food and beverage industry, at the same time facilitating the dialogue stant attention not only from those di- The best results obtained in the pro- Romalimenta members expect from between the producer and consumer. rectly involved in it! duction activity, practical observati- The Union of Poultry Breeders from their Federation constant support ons, useful experiences, farm tests, Romania shall continue the lobby and cooperation in order to develop The food safety and quality, environ- Our major objective intended based results of the research activity in the activity for the support and protec- in a correct business environment. ment protection, vocational training, on all the activities of Romalimenta field of aviculture are published in tion of the internal producers while Practically, Romalimenta acts to re- energy efficiency and nutrition are just Federation is to support the fast de- the magazine called “Avicultorul” facing the competition. move the artificial barriers in the a few of the fields of interest for which velopment of the food industry in the way of businesses and to increase the Romalimenta provides consultancy context of the European Union Market.

48 49 Rural Romania – no. 23

We have thousands of operators which work at the European standards of hygiene and quality, but there are many others which still need to work in this direction.

We intend to support the food export on the sole market, but also outside EU. We know that the progress of our industry depends on limiting the underground economy and on balancing the contractual relations with the commercial sector, mainly the great retail. In this context, we in- volve, based on Romalimenta resources, in organising the participation of Romanian companies in national and international fairs.

The subjects which are current with regard to the Romanian industry (evasion, VAT decrease in food etc.) have a major impact and we are constantly preoccupied by them. Even if they are the (unwanted) reality in our business environment, there are issues which our colleagues from other European countries also deal with. Of the same importance are the deba- tes from Brussels and from the entire Union generated by the significant Current preoccupations changes caused by the globalization, - Decrease of VAT in food; What does Romalimenta do? financial and economic crisis, but also - Famous recipes; by food flares, which, sooner or later, - Permanent contact with - Strategy of reducing food waste; have a direct effect on the Romanian institutions and organi- food industry. - Nutrition label and information of consumers; sations from Romania; - Food fairs - ANUGA, ALIMENTARIA, SIAL, IFE (http://www. Romalimenta Federation brings to- romalimenta.ro/targuri_internationale.php); - Representation of the in- gether companies from the food and - Press campaign for food safety; terests of the members in beverage industry in order to promo- their relation with autho- - Legislation - lobby (the new Tax Code; limitation of tax evasi- te the professional and commercial on; separation of control prerogatives) rities, considering the in- ethics and also to support the inte- Romalimenta projects terests of the consumers rests of the trading companies from and also fair competition; this branch. Member of: - Food For Life Platform Romania – Collaboration with research institutes, employers, companies from the industry, rele- - Drawing up key positions ∙ Export Council – Ministry of Economy; vant authorities, associations and foundations, consumers, in important current mat- The management of the ∙ Commission for Social Dialogue of the Ministry of Agriculture for carrying out research and development programmes in ters from the industry; Romalimenta - Romanian and Rural Development; the food industry and their immediate development. Federation of Employers - Close connections with ∙ Commission for Social Dialogue of the Ministry of Health; from the Food Industry con- - Occupational standards and development of structures for the food chain links; ∙ Commission for Social Dialogue of the National Sanitary- clarifications – sectoral committee, certain occupations, di- sists in President -– Sorin Veterinary and Food Safety Agency Authority (NSVFSAA); fferent branches. - Development of acti- Minea; Vice-presidents – ∙ Commission for Social Dialogue of the Ministry of Public ons meant to strengthen Doina Cavache and Aurel Finance; - Adaptability to the normative deed for safety and health at the and sustainably deve- Popescu; Executive Manager ∙ Work relations; negotiation of the Collective Labour Agreement workplace – partnership with the Trade Union Federation and lop the members of the – Mihai Vișan. at the level of the activity branch. with four Spanish organizations. Federation.

50 51 Rural Romania – no. 23

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52 OPEN TO THE FUTURE

ROOTS OF A EUROPEAN COUNTRY

CONTACT: National Office of the Network Support Unit (NSU) 39-41 Nicolae Filipescu St., 6th floor, 2nd district, postal code 020961 Tel.: 031 690 0214, Fax.: 031 690 0215 E-mail: [email protected], Internet: www.rndr.ro

This publication was produced by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development in Romania, as part of the project “Founding and Supporting the National Rural Development Network.” Project co-funded under the EAFRD through Measure 511 of the National Rural Development Programme 2007-2013. March, 2015 The content of this material does not necessarily represent the official position of the European Union. Free distribution.