RomâniaRural Ro Rumarnail a ă NNATIONALAReţeauaTIONAL NaţioR RURALURAnLa D DEVELOPMENTlăEdVeELDOePzvMoltareENT N NETWORK RuETrWa OlăRK

NIssueumăr u17l 3 AYneuarl II, SFepbtreumabrryi2e02105 14

Dr. Eng. Viorica Boboc, Senior Adviser for the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Directorate General for Food Industry: Agricultural education in high-schools and vocational schools must be adapted to the needs of the market

Bianca Toma, Romanian Centre for European Policies: The way in which agricultural education can change the Romanian villages

Farm education programme at World Vision Romania

Save a piece of Romania, save IA, the Romanian Traditional Blouse!

RĂDĂCINI DE ŢARĂ EUROPEANĂ Rural Romania – No. 17

REGIONAL OFFICES Supporting Unit of the National Rural Development Network

BRĂILA 282, Independenţei Blvd., 1st floor, postal code 810124, [email protected] Tel.: 0339 732 009, Facsimile: 0339 732 016

CRAIOVA 19, Libertăţii St., postal code 200421, Faculty of Agriculture and Horticulture, room L-311, 2 nd floor, [email protected] Tel.: 0251 460 377, Facsimile: 0251 423 651

ZALĂU 49, Kossuth Lajos St., postal code 450010, [email protected] Tel.: 0360 404 056, Facsimile: 0360 404 158

TÂRGU MUREȘ 60, Mihai Eminescu St., postal code 540331, [email protected] Tel.: 0365 430 349, Facsimile: 0365 430 351

IAŞI Ciric Entertainment Area – Ciric Entertainment Complex, postal code 700064, [email protected] Tel.: 0332 881 281, Facsimile: 0332 881 282

TIMIŞOARA 53, Take Ionescu Blvd., 2nd floor, office 26, postal code 300074, [email protected] Tel.: 0356 460 982, Facsimile: 0356 460 983

TÂRGOVIŞTE 7A, Vărzaru Armaşu St., postal code 130169, [email protected] Tel.: 0345 100 605, Facsimile: 0345 100 025

BUCUREŞTI 39-41, Nicolae Filipescu St., 6th floor, 2nd District, postal code 020961, [email protected] Tel.: 0316 900 214, Facsimile: 0316 900 215

The text of this publication is for informative purpose only and does not entail legal responsibility.

Additional information on MARD and NSU can be accessed on the Internet: www.madr.ro, www.rndr.ro

NSU, Department of Publications, February 2015 ISSN 2393 – 123X ISSN-L 2393 – 123X © NRDN, 2015

The reproduction of the texts of this publication is authorized provided that the source is mentioned. Printed in Romania.

Copyright for photographs: Liviu Brădean, World Vision, GAL Valea Buzăului, GAL Microregiunea Dâmboviţa, Marius Bostan, Gina Curea, Kurt Hieldcher, Andrei Ţintoc, Marian Nedelcu, Zsuzsanna Varga, Fundaţia FARA, Sorin Năstase, Pop Petruţa Contents

EDITORIAL ...... 3

RURAL DEVELOPMENT An overview of the agricultural education in Romania: measures and recommendations necessary for the correlation of educational offer with the needs of the labour market ...... 4

The way in which agricultural education can change Romanian villages ...... 10 The profile of an agricultural high-school from Romania: “Nicolae Balcescu” High-School from Alexandria – challenges, solutions, opportunities ...... 12

World Vision Romania: farm education programme, which can be replicated ...... 14

Rural employers involved in a project for the vocational education from Holland ...... 16

Young managers and entrepreneurs in rural area – skills, motivation, opportunities ...... 20

The upper secondary agricultural education can be a launching base on the labour market ...... 22

Calendar of our villages ...... 24

Romanian mountains, a three-dimensional experience ...... 28

PEOPLE From the skill of making opinci (traditional peasant shoes) to the art of luxury footwear. Young and bold, the Romanian fashion designers rewrite the history of shoe making ...... 32

The last artisans from Maramures. The trade of blacksmiths – a skill at the risk of extinction ...... 34

For childhood taste lovers, a family of entrepreneurs from Odorheiu Secuiesc makes gingerbread decorated by hand ...... 36

EXPERIENCES My farm :

OAT Farm – a social business established by FARA Foundation and supported by Prince Charles ...... 38 My business :

Young entrepreneurs – a chance for the development of the Romanian village ...... 40 My community:

S.C. Vlad Agro Zahar S.R.L., the farm with the largest quantity of sugar beet delivered to Bod Sugar Factory ...... 42

UPDATED LEADER Valea Buzaului Local Action Group: almost half of the projects contracted until February, 2015, were under Measure 322

...... 44 „Microregiunea Dambovita Sud-Vest” Local Action Group: most of the available funds were assigned for the settlement of the young farmers ...... 46

NEWS FROM THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT ...... 48

INTRODUCTION OF THE NATIONAL RURAL DEVELOPMENT NETWORK MEMBERS ...... 50 România ru rală – Nr. 5

2 Editorial

Why do we need upper secondary and vocational agricultural education?

The main subject of this issue is related to the status of the upper secondary and vocational agricultural education.

A modern agriculture, in which the latest methods and technologies are applied, needs qualified people. The Romanian village needs young people who work in the field of agriculture, agri-food industry, other industrial branches or agri-touristic services. In order to prepare the future generations and to contribute to the development of communities whom they are part of, we need a deep reform of the upper secondary and vocational agricultural education, in order for it to provide the qualifications requested on the labour market.

Unfortunately, the agricultural schools are avoided by both parents and Centre for European Policies also writes that activities like making shoes by students, and the education provided by on this subject, showing that hand, processing metal and gingerbread such institutions is not always agricultural education can change the products can generate income even to correlated with the requirements of the Romanian village, and the vocational this day. market. One of the main issues of the schools are starting to be rediscovered. education is practice. You can find out from the magazine We also present two foreign good about OAT Farm established by FARA As it results from the article of Dr. Eng. practices and examples to be followed Foundation in Suceava County, an Viorica Boboc, Senior Adviser for the from our country, like “Nicolae organic farm where the young Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Balcescu” High-School from disadvantaged people and those who Alexandria, the most important Development, Directorate General for come from the institutionalized system agricultural high-school from Food Industry, the practice classes acquire skills which to allow them to should take place based on partnerships Teleorman County, and a few training obtain income from agriculture. with the relevant companies from the programmes. Some of these territory, and the tutors must come programmes are: AgroVision of World We also invite you to continue from these practice units in order for Vision Organization, an outdoor school discovering together with us the the education process to be as close as in which thousands of people have possible to the actual situations from learnt a trade or improved their calendar of Romanian villages and the the field. In her article, Dr. Eng. Viorica knowledge on animal raising and soil touristic potential of the mountain Boboc also provides a series of cultivation, and also rural areas from Romania recommendations regarding the entrepreneurship support programmes measures necessary for the adaptation carried out by the National Foundation of agricultural education to the current of Young Managers (FNTM). The same Viviana Vasile , Team Leader of requirements. as in other issues of the magazine, we „Establishment and Support of the present stories of people who honour National Rural Development Network” Bianca Toma from the Romanian their communities and who show us Project

3 Rural Romania – No. 17

Rural development

An overview of the agricultural education in Romania: Measures and recommendations necessary for the correlation of educational offer with the needs of the labour market

We have extracted a fragment from the with a feeling of social importance for Although Romania has not ratified these preamble of Recommendation 101 of the the work they do, in order for the general recommendations regarding the General Conference of the International public to acknowledge the importance of vocational training in the field of Labour Organization from 1956, after agriculture as trade; (…) agriculture, after 1900, over 160 the Education Recommendations from (d) increase of efficiency, production agricultural schools have been 1921 under which it was decided to adopt and outputs in agriculture, and established in Romania, keeping their certain proposals regarding the improvement of quality and preparation valuable reputation for tens of years, vocational training in the field of of the adequate agricultural and despite economic reforms and crises. agriculture, because these processing products in exploitation in recommendations, proposed almost 100 order to facilitate their marketing, and After 1990, the vocational and technical years ago, seem to be depicted from the especially the increase of the nutrition agricultural education from Romania current rural development strategies: level of the population; had to face new market challenges and (e) improvement of income, living requirements at European level, which „… due to the fact that during the standard, employment opportunities, determined reorganization measures, Conference, the issue of vocational work conditions and perspectives as a and at sectoral level, the urgent need of training has been examined in detail contribution to the remediation of the promoting proactive policies on the and recommendations have been lack of balance between agriculture and agricultural labour market was signalled adopted, and the Permanent other trades from other branches of in order to increase adaptability and Agricultural Committee of the economic activity; (…) insertion of young people, to Organization has studied the specific (j) overcoming the seasonal continuously train the adults, at the aspects of vocational training in the unemployment issues and same time complying with the field of agriculture, and proposals have underemployment in the field of requirements of the employers from the been made with regard to this subject agriculture; field of agriculture and with the matter, the members should establish or requirements of sustainable extend adequate systems for vocational 3. The vocational training programme development of the rural area. training in the field of agriculture. The in the field of agriculture should cover conference recommends each member the entire rural population depending on For the development of the human to apply, under the national conditions, the specific necessary occupations capital from the field of agriculture and the following provisions as soon as related to the actual agricultural the related fields, and also for the possible and to report to the Office the potential, from the initial training to the increase of competitiveness, it was measures taken for the application of most advanced stages. necessary to re-correlate lifelong the training principles and objectives ”: education and learning with the labour 4. When determining the content of the market, together with the promotion of 1. In each country, public authorities or training course, the following aspects the potential of development of other bodies should ensure that must be considered: (a) persons to be agriculture and rural area from vocational training in the field of trained and the level of qualification that Romania. agriculture is provided and organized in must be acquired; (…); (c) trends on the an efficient, rational, systematic and labour market and the mobility of the The new objectives specific to skill coordinated programme; workers; (d) social life, customs and acquirement should have ensured the perspectives of the agricultural competitiveness of agriculture in the 2. The objectives of the vocational community; (e) other briefly described national economy by: training in the field of agriculture should relevant aspects of the national policy. be clearly formulated in each country, • promoting and supporting the quality referring to the main points of necessity: 5. In case it is possible and opportune, of the national initial and continuous (a) sharing the skills and knowledge the vocational training in agricultural education and vocational training in the necessary for the unqualified, semi- field must also provide courses for other field of agriculture, including of the qualified and qualified workers, trades from rural area for the purpose of higher education by active policies and managers and operators to exercise their ensuring additional or alternative means measures supported at institutional level agricultural professions, and inspiring of work.” in public-private partnership with social

4 partners; national level provides comparative data Strategic directions: • promoting entrepreneurial culture for 2010-2012 period, when the number and improving the quality of the training of employees has increased in 2012 with 1. consolidation of institutional programmes from the field of 167.9 thousand persons, and the sectors structures and partnerships for agriculture, fish farming and the related with the highest dynamics as regards the continuous vocational training; rural development field; increase of the number of employees • facilitating the insertion of the young were the commerce, with 66.8 thousand 2. early anticipation of the needs of people on the labour market, in the persons, and agriculture, with 47.9 skills obtained by non-tertiary and context of aging of the workers from the thousand persons. tertiary education and continuous field of agriculture; training programmes, based on the • facilitating the access to education and It was also ascertained that agriculture Human Resource Development Strategy on the labour market of the vulnerable was the sector with the lowest for Agricultural Sector; groups, especially of the persons from contribution to the gross added value per subsistence and semi-subsistence farms. economy total (VAB – gross added value 3. preparation of the skill map broken per employed person at sector level), down by qualification sub-areas, which After the accession of Romania to the facing the most significant decrease to include all qualification levels European Union, integrated orientations during for the entire period (from 12.1% according to the European Qualification were necessary for a new strategy of to 6.7%). Framework (EQF); development of the workforce from the field of agriculture, with a focus on the In this context, the analysis of the skills 4. implementation of quality assurance development of agri-food chains and of the employees and of the mechanisms and improvement of increase of the added value of the requirements on the labour market is agricultural education quality by: agricultural production. necessary in order to correlate the a. ensuring the national placements for income with the income obtained from practice programmes, in “authorized In Europe 2020 Strategy, an intelligent the national economy. farms”, which to allow practical training increase, by developing an economy of both teachers and students; based on knowledge and innovation, is a Launching a socio-professional policy in b. obtaining a relevant, credible and primordial priority in order to ensure the agriculture and defining the professional objective certification of the training development of a well-qualified status of the farmer are urgent. providers, on the one hand, and of the workforce, which to meet the training beneficiaries, on the other hand; requirements of the labour market, A conjugated effort of the involved especially by promoting lifelong national authorities, Ministry of 5. consolidation of transnational learning. National Education, Ministry of cooperation in the field of agricultural Agriculture and Rural Development, and education with European Union The distribution of the employed also of professional and member states; population per activities of the national interprofessional organization, trade economy in 2012 shows that 29% of the unions and employers from the 6. preparation of 2014-2020 National total employed persons were agricultural sector, is necessary in order Rural Development Programme, concentrated in the agricultural sector, to develop strategies for the including activities specific to non- 28.6% in industry and constructions, implementation of concrete formal and tertiary agricultural education and and 42.4% in services. In the context of non-formal education and training for continuous training between the eligible the massive decrease of the number of the specialty qualification and vocational operations. persons employed in agricultural sector, reconversion of the active workers from with 1,932.2 thousand persons (from the national agri-food sector. The target established by the strategy 4,614.5 thousand persons in 2000 to prepared within the National Rural 2,682.3 thousand persons in 2012), a The Romanian agricultural education Development Programme of Romania is major mutation of workforce must be restructured on distinct levels, for the percentage of participation in the occupational structure is necessary which to ensure the qualified personnel continuous vocational training (FPC) of concomitantly with the permanent requirement, consolidation of vocational the rural population aged 25-64 to reach improvement of the skills for the sectors skills of the graduates and increase of the 7%. related to agriculture (food industry, quality of employment of the workers agri-tourism, forestry, fish farming, agri- from agricultural sector in order to On short and average term, the following food commerce etc.). increase competitiveness in agri-food two strategic objectives were established This employed population lost from the sector, to ensure long-term sustainability for continuous vocational training: agricultural sector had, almost of rural areas, to increase the added • facilitation of the access to Continuous completely, the occupational status of value of agri-food production and the Vocational Training (FPC) for all self-employed (including unpaid family contribution to the gross domestic categories of participants, from the worker) or, at European level, the product by: perspective of lifelong learning; significant share of self-employed • increase of the quality of continuous workers is observed in the business and - reform of the legal framework vocational training programmes by financial service sector, public regarding the vocational training of the active involvement of Sectoral administration and community workers from agriculture; Committees. service/household activity sector, this - innovative national initial and trend not being observed in Romania. continuous vocational training Vocational training is vital for the programmes for the workers from the increase of agricultural activity The last analysis of the workforce at agricultural sector. performance.

5 Rural Romania – No. 17

Romania has approximately 1.3 million Specific measures for the development of unjustifiably denigrated until 1990, and farmers registered on the lists of APIA vocational and technical agricultural they have permanently taken away their (Agency for Payments and Intervention education: children from this important field of in Agriculture), who should be trained, - identification of the new qualifications agriculture, without real explanations, informed and advised within the required on the labour market; given that working on a tractor, following years, depending on the field - update of the skills required by harvester or other agricultural in which they operate, in order for their employers; equipment needs very high skills up to activity to become profitable. - development of new vocational mechatronics and sophisticated training standards (SPP); automated distribution and control Special attention shall be paid to - update and review of COR systems for planting, control of diversification and consolidation of the (Classification of Occupations in microclimate factors in greenhouses, system for the vocational training of the Romania) and NC (Classification of solariums and animal raising halls, for farmers for it to actually correspond to Qualifications); the administration of chemical their information necessities and to help - review of curriculum for the substances, chemical weed control or them in their effort to develop modern qualifications contained in NC; special plant treatments or animal and efficient agricultural holdings - creation of a system which to ensure feeding etc.” capable of successfully dealing with the the connection with the higher education competition on the market of agri-food and continuous vocational training. According to the National Centre for the products. Development of Vocational and Measures for the promotion of Technical Education (CNDIPT), in 2013- The study “An inclusive labour market in vocational and technical agricultural 2014 school year, the following data were rural area” shows: education in Romania: recorded with regard to the number of ➢ more than 38% of the high-school - information and promotion schools and inclusion of the student in graduates from rural area and almost campaigns; full-time, part-time and distance high- three quarters of the 19 years old girls - identification of forms of support for school education, two year vocational are inactive persons; the young agricultural education education, trainings organized after the ➢ 5% of the young persons from rural graduates; 10th grade, post-secondary education area obtain income from agricultural - partnerships with professional and and special education, in the field of work; interprofessional organizations, agriculture: ➢ 30% of the young employed persons employers, trade unions, local action • 171 vocational and technical education live in subsistence farms; groups, other associative forms from units which educate students in the ➢ the most affected ones are the agricultural sector and rural area. fields of Agriculture and Mechanics for agricultural and non-agricultural day vocational qualifications specific to the labourers, meaning those persons who “agricultural” subsector, of which 68 deal with precarious underemployment Necessity to increase the schools are in rural area; or employment conditions. attractiveness of agricultural • 674 classes of students enrolled in the education fields of Agriculture and Mechanics for Causes: vocational qualifications specific to the ➢ the available jobs are informal; One of the biggest challenges for the “agricultural” subsector, of which 342 ➢ the employers offer very small managers of the schools, which keep or classes of students are in rural area; salaries as compared to the required develop programmes dedicated to the • 15,814 students enrolled in the fields of work; agricultural sector, is related to the Agriculture and Mechanics for ➢ the skills of the workers are below the attractiveness of vocational schools – at vocational qualifications specific to the expectations of the employers; the level of the perception of the parents “agricultural” subsector, of which 8,042 ➢ 61% of the young persons over the age and society there is still a negative trend students are in rural area; of 19 are unemployed, inactive or they – and of agricultural profiles. • 1,624 students enrolled in the two year have never had a job; According to the analysis of the Ministry vocational education, the fields of ➢ of the people who worked, 60% are of Agriculture and Rural Development Agriculture and Mechanics, for over the age of 26, and three quarters and of 2010 - 2012 Sectoral Agriculture, vocational qualifications specific to the have been unemployed for maximum Fish Farming and Fishing Committee: “agricultural” subsector, of which 902 three years; „First of all, a national strategy for the students are in rural area. ➢ only 46% of the young persons from promotion of agricultural vocational The practice tutors should come from the rural area, who do not have a job, education is necessary. But it is farms or other units of agri-food chains. have been looking for a job within the necessary to promote modern and last year and only 10% have received a efficient agriculture and good practice The teachers are trained by the Ministry job offer; models. The agricultural high-schools do of National Education in current ➢ 11% of the employees from the not have candidates. national and transnational training and agricultural sector declared that they specialization programmes financed have always worked without For example, if we refer to the schooling from the European Social Fund, Sectoral employment contract; figures from the agricultural mechanics Operational Programme Human ➢ 58% of the employers and 51% of the schools, almost 15 years after 1990 have Resources Development, or other authorities declare that the vocational been a disaster. Many parents have European programmes, in accordance training level of the young persons does associated the qualification for with the current requirements. not correspond to the requirements of agricultural mechanics with one of the the market! qualifications for tractor drivers An issue is considered the training of

6 Vocational School year training Type of education 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 field 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 High-school education - 5377 5135 3701 3239 3651 3778 4080 5910 level 3 Vocational education - level 8379 7979 5764 4644 3865 0 0 0 1 (SAM) Vocational education - level 3166 3437 3516 2748 2486 2107 226 54 2 (Year of supplementation, training after the 10th grade) Agriculture

Post-secondary education - 15 0 0 206 196 181 205 463 level 3 advanced (post- secondary school + foremen vocational school) TOTAL Agriculture 16937 16551 12981 10837 10198 6066 4511 6427

High-school education - 2239 2044 1710 1098 862 582 890 1031 level 3 Vocational education - level 1107 949 922 793 457 0 0 0 1 (SAM) Vocational education - level 652 830 724 641 621 319 41 36 2 (Year of supplementation, training after the 10th grade) Forestry

Post-secondary education - 590 443 178 164 385 458 392 357 level 3 advanced (post- secondary school + foremen vocational school) TOTAL Forestry 4588 4266 3534 2696 2325 1359 1323 1424

High-school education - * * * * * * * * level 3 Vocational education - level 3766 3484 3221 2920 2412 0 0 0 1 (SAM) Vocational education - level 3027 2912 2700 2584 2462 1970 192 102 2 (Year of supplementation) Food Industry Post-secondary education - 313 173 134 400 394 419 404 661 level 3 advanced (post- secondary school + foremen vocational school) TOTAL Food Industry 7106 6569 6055 5904 5268 2389 596 763

practice tutors, which is currently production unit or he/she is tolerated in and supervise the students when inadequate because it is not supported in the practice unit (farm, processing unit exercising real prerogatives and actual terms. The practice tutors should or other link in the agri-food chain) only activities of the company in which the be made available by the farmers or to accompany and supervise the practice, and pedagogical education and other units from agri-food chains. In students. their payment to be partially borne from reality, this is not the case. the student skill training budget. A solution would be for the practice The students are accompanied by the tutors to be the technicians from the We have agricultural schools which have practice teacher, and he/she does is not practice units made available under benefited from collaboration always familiar in detail with the practice agreements, in order to guide partnerships with European centres.

7 Rural Romania – No. 17

Many agricultural, agri-tourism and their lack of interest in providing provision of services (sterilization, pubic food schools have benefited from locations for practice. ” fertilization, medical tests), in exchange cooperation partnerships and good The educational offer must be presented of a fee. The order no. 730/2014, practice transfer with well-known by placing the emphasis on the published in the Official Gazette no. European education centres from opportunities provided by the 396/May 20th, 2014, provides that the France, Italy, Germany or Denmark, and development of the agricultural sector funds originating from extra-budgetary they share their experience with several from the area. activities of public institutions shall be generations. Among these schools there transferred into the state budget; are Prejmer High-School from Brasov The school offer from the agricultural • very restrictive legislation with regard County, Palas Agricultural High-School field must be first presented to parents to the sale of the products from from Constanta County, Agricultural in order to break the barrier of outdated didactical farms / rules of the Public High-School from Falticeni, Suceava mentality about agriculture, and Health Directorate and Office of County, Agricultural High-School from subsequently to students, as an Consumer Protection; Alexandria. opportunity of development and use of • financing from the Ministry of the resources from the closest proximity. Education for vocational colleges is the In the case of the students of many of Thus, it must be highlighted that the same as that for the theoretical colleges. these schools, the practice courses can educational offer of a vocational training Therefore, there are no resources for take place at the didactical farms nearby institution was adapted to the economic didactical farms; most of the high-schools with tradition changes, energy restructuration in • lack of financial resources for the in agricultural education or at farms or parallel with the increase of the share of practice tutor. real commercial economic units, services, food industry and agriculture. subsequent to signing a practice The qualifications which the school Practice models in high-school agreement between the student, high- offers are in fields in which the coverage agricultural education in Romania school and the economic agent. is insufficient as compared to the needs of the community. For example, “Tara 1. World Vision model – Practice in a Too few farms and economic agents Barsei” College for Agriculture and Food real farm; from agri-industrial field are interested Industry from Prejmer is the only viable 2. Junior Achievement model of to receive students for practice, mainly provider of vocational training from the entrepreneurial education; because of the following reasons: area in the fields of agriculture and food 3. Romanian-German Centre for 1. Lack of practice tutors. Considering industry. Vocational Training and Up-skilling in the current regulations in which, the Field of Agriculture from Voiteg. because of the constraints regarding the As regards the demand from the norm of the practice teacher, he/she students, the specializations from the Conclusions and must manage the activity of large groups field of food industry and agri-tourism recommendations of students. Because in Romania there are most highly sought after the are not many large farms, it is necessary specialization for veterinary technicians, The interventions for the improvement for an important effort to be made by the while for the rest of the educational offer, of performance of vocational and economic agents to assign human there are still some difficulties. technical agricultural education from resources (supervisors, tutors) Romania would be made based on the 2. Lack of complementary resources. According to the deputy manager of the following guidelines: The transfer of students to the practice college from Prejmer, “both children and units needs special conditions parents leave when they see in the option (transport, accommodation, meals), form for high-school the word which incur costs that neither the «agriculture». A national popularization Public sector students (many of them already campaign is very necessary. commute), nor the school or the A. Resuming the structured dialogue and economic agent can bear. Difficulties regarding the practice of the collaboration between the Ministry of students Education and the Ministry of Thus, these practice partnerships have Agriculture and Rural Development with worked in many of the cases with great • lack of large farms / farm associations, regard to the reform of the technical and difficulty, according to the official which to take over the students in a vocational agricultural education, both documents: centralized manner for practice; at the theoretical level (correlation of the • lack of material resources and/or new employment standards with “The National Centre for Vocational equipment necessary for the curriculum provisions) and especially at and Technical Education Development” transportation of students to practice practice level. The new 2014-2020 (CNDIPT) warns with regard to the low partners; National Rural Development number of partnerships between the • lack of material resources for the Programme, which places a great agricultural companies/farms and didactical farm: provision of animal emphasis on the rejuvenation of the vocational and technical agricultural food, needs of financing for the rolling active workers in the field of agriculture, education units from rural area, stock: tools, shrubs, medicinal products, on their capacity to be active on the especially because of the low number of veterinary clinic etc.; market as entrepreneurs, shall allow middle agricultural companies and of • legislative restrictions for the agricultural high-schools to access funds

8 in order to improve the material base. A Employment Stimulation Plan, whose officers) and high-schools, farms, concentrated action of the two ministries measures shall be included in the economic agents, for the establishments is necessary in order to meet the National Reform Programme (PNR) in of local and regional practice centres. objective of training competent the chapter regarding the employment. The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural agricultural specialists who to be 2014 National Reform Programme was Development has recently initiated a successfully taken over by the labour approved in May, 2014. The plan dialogue between the Minister of market. contains two measures which can be Agriculture and the Minister of considered relevant for this report: Education with the participation of state B. A campaign is necessary to inform • acknowledgement of the skills acquired secretaries responsible for the future of the public with regard to the vocational by young people in informal or non- vocational and technical agricultural perspectives in modern agriculture from formal system and vocational training by education and experts in the field of Romania, which to be focused on both apprenticeship at the workplace; initial and adult vocational training from young people from secondary schools • acquiring the first professional the two ministries. On this occasion, a and their parents – there is often a lack experience by volunteer activities. measure plan was launched and it shall of adequacy among their aspirations and be enforced this year, providing specific their children’s aspirations. Concretely, the apprenticeship law support actions to create conditions for allows young people between 16 and 25 the students from agricultural schools to Improvement of practice system from years old, without qualification or acquire the skills requested on the labour agricultural high-schools experience, to get hired with market, namely, the correlation with the apprenticeship contract in exchange of skill requirements imposed of the A. Reformation of the existent the minimum wage. The employers shall economic agents. institutional infrastructure – in an actual receive from the state a subsidy in decentralisation optics, based on a amount of LEI 300 for each apprentice C. Wide implementation of “My regional approach, by establishing for two years period. The costs shall be Company” (Junior Achievement) practiced agricultural education centres borne from European funds (almost 34 modules in classes, at the disposal of the (public-private partnerships), the same million Euro from FSE) and 7.47 million school. The applied entrepreneurial as in the Western states (Holland, Euro – national co-financing afferent to education should represent an important Austria). FSE. component of vocational and technical agricultural education in Romania, given B. Maintenance of the existent physical B.2. Improvement of the existent the potential of this economic sector. and educational infrastructure with didactical farms average and long term interventions by: Dr. Eng. Viorica BOBOC • Resources for ensuring a number of Senior Adviser / Ministry of Agriculture B.1. National programme for closing teachers and for providing the adequate and Rural Development/ Directorate practice partnerships between specialty training. The practical training General for Food Industry agricultural high-schools and courses should be taught by the training commercial farms / agricultural foreman, but, because of insufficient cooperatives / various relevant economic funds, often, the class teacher is also Sources: agents. responsible for these practical training Recommendation 101 of the International Labour Organization from 1956, summoned at Geneva by the Board courses or, at best, the administrator of of Directors of the International Labour Office reunited in the The trade is truly learnt in conditions as the didactical farm. 39th session on June 6th, 1956 CNDIPT – CRIPT study regarding the review of the skills in close to real life as possible. But for these • Restructuring / rethinking of the the Romanian vocational and technical education – 2011- partnerships to become a reality, a “win- administration of functional didactical 2012 CRPE study – Education for agriculture - 2014 win” situation must be created for both farms with substantial equipment. The CNDIPT – CRIPT study regarding the review of the skills in parties. It is recommended to provide parent-teacher associations must be the Romanian vocational and technical education – 2011- 2012 tax facilities to the economic agents stimulated in order to manage the CNDIPT – CRIPT study regarding the review of the skills in which conclude practice agreements didactical farms – assets, income, the Romanian vocational and technical education – 2011- 2012 with high-schools. The companies from expenses. By capitalizing a part of the National study – An inclusive labour market in rural area – the field must be co-interested in getting services and products offered by the 2011-2012 - POSDRU/83/5.2/S/57941 Analysis of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural involved in the improvement of the didactical farm (seeding, flower Development and Sectoral Agriculture, Fish Farming and education of children, because, in the arrangements, fruits and vegetables Fishing Committee – 2010 - 2012 CRPE study – Education for agriculture - 2014 current stage, they complain about the etc.), the didactical farms could solve at Analysis of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural poor education of children, which least partially their issues regarding Development and Sectoral Agriculture, Fish Farming and Fishing Committee – 2010 - 2012 derives from the lack of qualified financing of current expenses (fuel etc.). National Centre for the Development of Vocational and personnel who to guide and supervise • Stimulation of the dialogue, Technical Education Regulation for the organization and operation of didactical the practice courses in agricultural high- consortiums and extended partnerships: farm from non-tertiary education units of May 30th, 2007. schools. responsible authorities, namely the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural In the beginning of 2013, the Development – Ministry of National Government of Romania, through the Education, school – economic agents – agency of the Ministry of Labour, has local community. Dialogue between the initiated a National Young People local councils, city-halls (authorising

9 Rural Romania – No. 17

The way in which agricultural education can change Romanian villages Bianca Toma, Romanian Centre for European Policies

Although the townspeople yearn for the with all difficulties and impediments – especially to meet the need to ensure life, vegetables or eggs from the shall exist in several programmes with qualified workers for the key sector of countryside, increasingly more people European financing and they are meant Romanian economy: agriculture. Of saying that the think of opening a small to change the Romanian villages. The course, it is not how we know it from our business with “countryside” products, we preoccupations and funds for micro- grandparents or who it happens hear the parents from the Romanian credit, and also the association measures nowadays. The figures show that four villages often replying “I want my girl to can also contribute to significant years ago only 2.5% of the managers of go to college, not to milk the cow” or improvements. On the other hand, the the agricultural holdings from Romania “why must she go to a vocational school? increasing demand of quality and graduated a form of agricultural To live here, in poverty?” In terms of ecological food products, and also the education. At the level of the European market economy, seeing as realities and subsidies for young farmers are other Union, almost 30% of those who have a prejudices manifest, we would say that it arguments that agriculture and farm or work the land have graduated a is improbable for the demand and supply development of a business in rural area technical or agricultural school. to meet. But, a series of measures, shall be more attractive in the near instruments and trends show that what future. But, the realities from the The change of approach at Romanian has been until recently a dream, the countryside tell us that many young education level – reestablishment of success of small businesses or of farms people leave, the unemployment among vocational schools – was recently made: from the countryside, has the chance to those who stayed is significant, the fewer years of study and theory and more change the prejudices of the parents and properties are shredded, the subsistence applied practice and apprenticeship. the future of many young people. agriculture is not a solution. These vocational schools, which lost their attractiveness after the revolution, are Why do we believe in the change of The connecting link: agricultural still regarded with reticence, often Romanian village? education because of negative stereotypes and prejudices from the recent history. It is Rural development, meaning funds and Another important change also took also true that while some specializations assistance for roads, utilities, facilities – place in Romanian schools, and it comes are attractive and demanded on the

10 labour market, others remain tributary to modernization and financing, but there market players, but also with the old departments which no longer find a are already good practice models and Ministry of Agriculture. correspondent in the real world. exceptional schools which have succeeded in making modern practice A key role in changing mentalities can Vocational school, a new beginning programmes. Major attention should be also be played by the promotion of some also paid to training future entrepreneurs modern agriculture models, good An onsite research and interviews with in agriculture, the small businesses being practice exchange, working visits and the managers and teachers from several the ones which shall provide added value experiences at farms and holdings from vocational agricultural schools made us to community, local administrations and other European countries. It is expected discover that the education for to the families from the rural area. The for the European funds from 2014-2020 agriculture, even if it still needs preliminary conclusions of CRPE study programming period to also play an modernization, new experience and identify some intervention areas: important role in promoting modern openness for labour market, is one of the resources for ensuring an adequate agriculture, in transforming vocational areas in which serious changes might number and training of specialty schools into attractive offers in happen in the near future. teachers. The onsite reality shows that community, in organizing more the practical training courses, which competitive practice modules. The rediscovery of vocational schools is should be the responsibility of training starting to take place. As I was writing in foremen, but, because of insufficient Moreover, a consortium of non- the report of the Romanian Centre for funds, they are taught by the class governmental organizations (NGO) European Policies, “Education for teacher or, at best, by the administrator analyses this year the modalities by Agriculture”, last year, in December, the of didactical farm. which the education programmes from schooling level for 2014-2015 indicates a the field of agriculture can be number of 35,740 enrolled students, It is also necessary to stimulate the modernized, connected to the real almost three times more than in the management of didactical farms: by market and can train entrepreneurs previous period (12,693 in 2013-2014 capitalizing a part of the services and without whom rural development and school year). One of the main products offered by the didactical farm agriculture are not complete. NGO conclusions of the report show that the (seeding, flower arrangements, fruits and consortium includes the Romanian greatest difficulty of vocational vegetables etc.), the didactical farms Centre for European Policies – CRPE agricultural schools/high-schools could solve at least part of their issues (which has experience in European remains the connection with the business related to financing of current expenses policies), CIVITAS organizations and the sector and labour market. The difficulty (fuel etc.). It is also extremely necessary Centre for Economic Education and appears from the level of practical to stimulate the dialogue and extended Development – CEED (with experience training, especially because of a low partnerships: school – economic agents in rural development), and they have number of partnerships between – local community. contributed to the development of pilot agricultural companies/farms and projects of cooperatives in Vidra – Ilfov vocational and technical agricultural Future plans County, Apahida – Cluj County, education units from rural area. Prisacani – Iasi County, together with At the same time, at the level of public World Vision Romania and Junior Entrepreneurship for modern policies, significant adjustments are Achievement, with the support of agriculture necessary so that the educational Romanian-American Foundation. programmes for agriculture to be Didactical farms also need planned in partnership with the great

11 Rural Romania – No. 17

The profile of an agricultural high-school from Romania: “Nicolae Balcescu” High-School from Alexandria – challenges, solutions, opportunities

Although as of 2010, the upper educational plan meant to ensure with external financing from secondary agricultural qualified personnel for the entire agriculture and the enrolment of education from Romania seems technological flow. According to Mrs students for certain qualifications, to recover, qualifications in Gina Curea, the principal of the high- for example, agriculture technician agriculture are not in the top school, the qualifications awarded to or veterinary technician ”, said Mrs options of the high-school the students when graduating are of Gina Curea. students. According to the “technician in agriculture, veterinary Ministry of National Education, technician, technician in food Enrolments: At “Nicolae Balcescu” for 2014-2015 school year, the industry, food product test High-School from Alexandria, the places in agricultural high- technician, ecologist and fight for attracting students consists schools were approximately environment quality protection in own original initiatives. “ For 2014- 68% occupied. technician, mechanical technician for 2015 school year, the target was to maintenance and repairs, technician have six 9th grade classes, which we In Alexandria, there is one of the for economic activities .” have met 100%. It was met as a result oldest and prestigious agricultural of educational programs, like «Doors high-schools from the country, The high-school tries to include other open day», «Career caravan» or “Nicolae Balcescu” High-School. It qualifications, too. “ As of 2015-2016 «Dancing to high-school», during was established in 1903, being called school year, we will also have the which the high-school, the school the Lower School of Agriculture and qualification of horticulturist. The activities and the vocational Commerce. future qualifications are those qualifications which the students can dictated by the labour market, but obtain in our school were presented ”. High-school visiting card also the opportunities regarding the possibility of accessing European Projects of the high-school: in Currently, “Nicolae Balcescu” High- funds. We have observed a addition to attracting students, School from Alexandria disposes of an correlation between the programmes “Nicolae Balcescu” High-School

12 approaches and fights for the project with European funds, which in his company, instead of seeing in education in the same manner, of is intended to build and adequately students persons who interfere and, initiatives and projects even of equip three milk, meat and flower sometimes, lower the profit .” international rank. “ Our high-school processing shops, a repair shop and was initiator and partner in shelters for animals. The lack of In order to ensure practice, “Nicolae educational projects at local and specialty school books is Balcescu” High-School from international level. Thus, we have compensated by printing and Alexandria combines its own carried out three projects, two multiplying auxiliaries, which help resources with the help provided by projects in partnership with Pavlov students to study thoroughly .” the economic agents. “ The high- High-School from Ruse, Bulgaria, school disposes of a didactical farm and one project in partnership with One of the main reasons for which on 22.7 ha of land, zootechnical 10 profile high-schools from students avoid to attend the courses sector, repair shop, microlaboratory Romania. The main objectives of the of an agricultural high-school is the for food industry, so that most of the projects consisted in exchanging mentality of their parents. They try to practical training courses are taught good practices, becoming familiar guide their children towards urban in the school. In order to ensure the with the education system from professions, which to provide great development of the general skills and Bulgaria and establishing friendship financial income in a relatively short of the skills specific to each trade, we relationships between schools ”, said period of time. “ This mentality is have concluded collaboration Mrs Curea. somehow wrong. The vocation of protocols with the economic agents agriculture is not without financial from Alexandria, where students, Challenges and solutions perspectives or inferior to other guided by the teachers, attend the professions, on the contrary. I can practical training courses. From my The successful results of “Nicolae say that it is as important as any perspective, the best result is that Balcescu” High-School from other profession, from the viewpoint they are hired by the economic Alexandria do not make it immune to of the increasingly important concept agents where they have carried out great challenges of the field of upper of healthy food ”, said Gina Curea. The their practical training; in our case, secondary agricultural education at greatest benefits of the farmer trade 25-30 graduates are hired in the field country level. For each of the issue seriously compete with the urban of their basic training .” occurred in the general context, professions; the agriculture can be his “Nicolae Balcescu” High-School tries own boss, after a while, the work Between the school and the to apply its own original solutions generates high income; from financial employer meant to maintain the fame of perspective, agriculture provides agricultural school. stable income both for the farmer and Between the upper secondary for his family. agricultural education and the labour One of the biggest challenges is the market there are two incompliances; lack of education means specific to it happens for the students to be agricultural department: “ The issues „The devil is in the details…” considered overqualified in relation to faced by “Nicolae Balcescu” what they are required by the future Technological High-School are ... says an old saying. It fits like a glove employer. “ The qualification of mostly the same with those faced by to one of the biggest issues faced by technician in the field of agriculture, the Romanian upper secondary the upper secondary agricultural agricultural mechanics and agricultural education in general, education from Romania: the practice veterinarian are considered namely, the lack of specific education courses. They must usually take place overqualifications by some of the means (tractor, plough, harvester at the premises of the economic employers who actually need etc.), shops for practical training, agents, but they become less and less workers in the field of agriculture, school books for most of the study willing to invest time and resources in often tractor drivers ”, explained Mrs modules, «dissipation» of scientific training future farmers. Mrs Gina Curea. “ Thus, at «Nicolae Bălcescu» notions in many long and similar Curea says that the most adequate High-School, for 2015-2016 school denominations, which cause solution for the improvement of the year, we have introduced a new confusion in the mind of the student ”, practice courses is the direct qualification into the three year explained Mrs Gina Curea. stimulation of economic agents: “ The vocational education. It is the solution would be the creation of tax qualification of horticulturist In order to improve this situation, it facilities for the economic agents who requested by the Administration of was decided to access European conclude practice partnerships with the Public Domain from Alexandria .” funds: “ We have succeeded together the schools. Thus, the economic agent with the local community, the City- is motivated and open towards Hall and the Local Council to access a school and the student who practice

13 Rural Romania – No. 17

World Vision Romania: farm education programme, which can be replicated

Union.

„Through the Common Agricultural Policy, Romania shall benefit by 17.5 billion Euro financing within 2014- 2020. These funds risk to be wasted without motivated and active generations of young people. Currently, the young people are not drawn towards the agricultural education and they consider the statute of farmer as being inferior, therefore, undesirable. Most of the agricultural school or high- school students go to such schools as a result of the national distribution. Moreover, the young people and their parents consider that agriculture does not provide jobs. Therefore, they do not want a career in this field.

The education system must contribute to high-school graduation have fewer study The vocational orientation must be a the economic, social and cultural options, and they are not connected to continuous action. Many necessary development of each community with the reality of the labour market. trades, like breeder, are not appreciated the competencies that it generates. But, by children and their parents. Trades this depends on shaping the study Urgent and intelligent measures are with more interesting names are programmes from the perspective of the necessary in order to improve the quality preferred: environment technician, development needs of the community. of the human capital, the training of the veterinary technician. We have great teachers from rural area, the educational difficulties in finding farm managers, Each country must elaborate an offer in rural schools, to prevent the tractor drivers, mechanics etc. education system which to determine school abandonment and to develop those qualifications, irrespective of their innovative programmes by NGOs in On the other hand, high-schools deal level, which to correspond to the needs partnership with the institutions from with the lack of facilities and partners regarding the workforce required by the the education system. for practice. Practice must be done in economy. As a member of the European real economically viable farms in order Union and encouraging the free One of the important organizations for the students to have a holistic movement of the workers, Romania can which consistently contributes to this understanding of the operation of a support the production of a number of necessary effort is World Vision farm ”, said Crenguta Barbosu. qualifications, which to also comply with Romania. The organization implements its needs. long term community development The foundation carries out a programme programmes with a focus on education called AgroVision, an outdoor school in But, according to “Education for and reduction of school abandonment, which, during nine years, thousands of agriculture” report, 58% of the child health and protection, agriculture people have learnt a trade or improved employers consider that the level of and rural development. their knowledge about how to raise vocational training of the students from animals and to cultivate the land. the rural area does not correspond to According to Crenguta Barbosu, market requirements. And this given Agriculture and Rural Development The project started in 2004 with the aim that, on the one hand, there are young Programme Manager of World Vision to help small farmers to make the people who leave the rural areas during Romania Foundation, we need well transition from a subsistence farm to a school in order to benefit from education educated and motivated young active commercial farm. The strategy of the in the cities, and on the other hand, people in order to take advantage of the project was focused on two directions: those who stay in the rural area until opportunities provided by the European development of an educational model

14 (Centre for Agricultural Training and main actors from the field, World Vision learning. Consultancy) and of a business model Romania Foundation proposes the (AgroVision demonstrative farm). The implementation of a pilot educational The students exchange experience and farm currently has 85 animals, of which programme at AgroVision farm, which to make outdoor visits, which are meant to 44 milk cows, and 112 ha of land. be subsequently replicated. stimulate the assimilation of knowledge. The project includes a summer school The result is impressive: The project financed with European where children develop their cognitive • 2,520 participants in training funds, “The student of today, the farmer and practical abilities by active learning programs, supervised practical of tomorrow”, is carried out from May and value chain approach, but also experience, workshops and practical 6th, 2014 until November 5th, 2015, in practical trainings for young people demonstrations; the Centre Region, in partnership with carried out in partnership with high- • 705 graduates of CNFPA qualification “Tara Barsei” College of Agriculture and schools and middle-schools. courses for mechanics in agri- Food Industry from Prejmer and zootechnical farm and agri-tourism Ascendo S.R.L. from Ramnicu-Valcea. “Based on the acquired experience and workers; An integrated education system shall be results, we will draw up a good practice • 700 farmers attending the business tested, which to develop in the mind and guide, which subsequently will be used ethics course; heart of the children the interest and in agricultural high-schools, in this way • 2,000 children and young participants love for agriculture and rural area, for contributing to the improvement of the in educations projects, summer schools, locally produced healthy food, education of students at national level. camps; eliminating the prejudice according to • 300 parents attending parenting which welfare is obtain only in urban This innovative programme implies the courses; areas or abroad. mobilization of all interested factors, • 40 women learnt the art of weaving management and business sector. and embroidering during the weaving 500 young people from urban and rural Agriculture is a beautiful but hard workshop. area, from the central area of Romania, occupation. Therefore, those who want shall acquire improved practical skills, to do agriculture must be qualified and AgroVision project has revealed the becoming more competitive and more passionate about the field. The change of mentality when children and adapted to the requirements from the agricultural machinery and equipment young people attend the courses and agriculture and food industry field. The are more and more sophisticated and activities from the farm. Based on the innovative practice at AgroVision expensive. That is why they must be obtained results, but also as a demonstrative farm from Crit, Brasov used by responsible people with solid consequence of the consultations from County, shall include sessions which knowledge ”, said Crenguta Barbosu. the debates organized in 2013 with the combine practical learning with e-

15 Rural Romania – No. 17

Rural employers involved in a project for the vocational education from Holland

Case study I ways to solve the problems. with various educational levels in order to become professional innovators in „Value in the Valley” Project The project initially involved 6-7 sustainable development, ecological Subject areas – Sustainable teachers and a group of 20 students technology and agriculture. In order to development, ecological technology attending secondary vocational meet this objective, the project created and agriculture education, subsequently extending at a “Community of the Students” (COL), Scope and scale – Regional level national level. The regional in which the learning process blended Period – 2005 administration has offered 60% of the with the work, and the difference funds as part of an initiative meant to between schools and companies Summary approach the issue of school became less and less visible. The abandonment and to encourage students were fulfilling the tasks given “Value in the Valley” Project was technical training, and 40% of the by real customers, in a semi-authentic launched in 2005 in order to involve funds were provided by schools and working environment similar to the especially the students attending companies. Even if it is no longer professional one, and they were being secondary vocational education and carried out in its original form, the supported with clear pedagogical vocational colleges in interdisciplinary tools and methods developed in this mechanisms, which were combining projects ordered by rural employers. project influence and support the concept of training through The projects focused on renewable programmes and partnerships from experience, active learning and an energy and sustainability, their scope the region, providing valuable ample process of evaluation based on consisting in helping students to pedagogical skills. questionnaires, interviews with become innovating professionals in participants, customers and the new fields of activity relevant at society How the best practice works family/friends of participants. level. The students worked in small groups, learning how to approach the The scope of “Value in the Valley” Objectives global challenges with interdisciplinary Project was the education of the instruments and how to find creative students from various fields of study “Value in the Valley” Project was

16 conceived based on a long lasting education with work and in which the departments. They are coordinated initiative focused on the regional participants developed their effectively via the library, which also development in the north-eastern part innovation skills, at the same time initiates and makes available a whole of Holland. The project has capitalized learning to value creative and range of books and materials. The existent partnerships between several unconventional relationships between school serves a wide catchment area, entities and organizations active in the subject matters. The professional with students from a range of region, but which were not established environment, in which students were socioeconomic backgrounds and the in the context of a clear pedagogical moving and were being active, was also ways in which the creative curriculum vision. The project faced this issue, enriched with a multitude of at the school has been adopted have creating the necessary framework for pedagogical elements meant to meant that the innovation is part of the these relationships to determine stimulate students to work for the aspiration of both teachers and pupils. productive and efficient educational “customers” and to offer creative experiences. solutions to punctual challenges. How the best practice works

Tools and resources Case study II In the past three years, members of staff from across the different The project benefited by a precise United Kingdom of Great Britain – departments, students in the lower methodological approach based on Scotland secondary classes and as a coordinator, research through action. The method Queensferry High-School – Cross- the school library, have been involved of research through action consists in curricular didactical project in several major cross-curricular recurrent cycles of the planning, Age of the students – 12-15 (secondary projects. For instance: implementation and evaluation school) • Kidnapped was a library-based phases. It also implies a permanent Website: http://queensferryhigh.co.uk project centring on an adventure novel collaboration with both participants Length of the initiative – ongoing of that name by Robert Louis and stakeholders, meant to guarantee Country – Scotland Stevenson and fitting in with a city- that the results obtained based on the Subject areas – Cross-curricular wide Edinburgh educational initiative project are relevant and acknowledged Scope and scale – The example is “City of Literature”. Pupils explored by all those involved. The research drawn from one school, but this history, literature and drama and through action can be a solid working approach is used in a number of performed for other members of the framework for creating the necessary schools across the UK in more or less school community. This was then conditions to stimulate creativity: exciting ways. showcased by the school. collaboration, mutual support and • Rapid Response involved teams of six common scopes. Summary students drawn from across year groups acting together to imagine and Also in the project, punctual The project was initiated by a strong respond to a local disaster scenario. pedagogical instruments were used in library initiative and the school • The current project looks at order to support the learning process: librarian and supported by the new discourses and ideas about Africa and training guides for the students to help Head Teacher and team at Queensferry explores the history, colonialism, each other, books and plans, which High-School. This Scottish politics, development, aid, media facilitated the understanding of the comprehensive school with 850 pupils representation and other key political way in which the projects are carried has developed an exciting strategy for and social issues. out, of the way in which the tasks are engaging students in particular year • Our Planet forms the exemplary focus prioritized and of the progress from the groups and from different subject areas of this Best Practice case study. It was simplest to the most complex tasks. in a range of projects. a cross-curricular project focusing on media discourses about the Benefits, creative potential and Objectives environment, sustainable development barriers and climate change and leading The focus is on topics such as students to build both knowledge and The hypothesis which the project was literature, history, the environment debating skills as well as confidence based on was that learning and and civic and political initiatives in the and civic consciousness. knowledge can be obtained by local area. Students work together in cooperation between teachers, groups to develop creative, critical and It is worth mentioning that, although students and specialists in various thoughtful approaches to this project culminated with a day fields. “Value in the Valley” Project has international, national and local dedicated to the presentation of tried to implement a new educational problems, using scientific and results, it has been constantly supplied paradigm, bringing together the best mathematical data and/or historical and has borne fruit during its entire advantages from the universe of and social events, role play, debate and period, a process which materialized education and from the work field. performance to highlight their into trips (at wind farms or in other perspectives. These projects run over areas) or into visits made to scientists, The project succeeded to recreate a several months in the spring and politicians or artists. professional and interdisciplinary summer terms, with the enthusiastic environment, which combined participation of teachers in different At the same time, the students watched

17 Rural Romania – No. 17

movies and discussed them, they built about the issues relating to, for refreshed and their debating skills scale models, like the one related to the instance, global warming, international challenged. Now, every time and new issue of preserving water resources, politics, sustainable development, local project starts, there is a palpable and in the art and literature class, the neighbourhoods, migration, flora, excitement across the year group pictures of a well-known photographer fauna, power and energy, work and involved. presenting workers and refugees trade, ecology, architecture, trade and served for the stimulation of debates education. Benefits, creative potential and on the rights of employees, Overall, the students showed both barriers resettlement and sustainability. The resilience and skills in taking on board, students wrote and interpreted rap critiquing, evaluating and debating The notion of cross-curricular project poems, debated the feasibility of using perspectives to which many of them is not new. However, the imaginative nuclear energy to produce electricity in had never been previously exposed. By and sustained manner in which this the area, they discussed and calculated the end of the project, these school implements this cross- the effects and the necessary inputs for perspectives were explored in media curricular projects and the sheer building bridges in the area or for the such as speech, blogs, paintings, diversity of options and activities air transport of flowers and fruits photographs, drawings and charts, encompassed drew from the children, imported from other countries. graphs and calculations. their parents and the community new The willingness of the teachers to give ways of approaching longstanding Tools and resources up their precious time ensuing from issues and problems. Where it would some classes having left and their be normal for students to hear only one The range of the tools and resources enthusiasm were among main enablers perspective, and that too in a single used for this particular project of the project’s success. Additionally, subject, this project approach engages encompassed all available tools and the organisation, knowledge and them with multiple scientific, moral, resources in the school itself, but did enthusiasm of the school’s librarian social and political perspectives on a not entail any external or extra and the support of the new head and key topic in different subjects. investment. Outside visitors came to management team meant that the the school on a voluntarily basis and work was valued in and of itself, rather These all contribute in some way to the students’ visits to external locations than being seen as needing to have a totality of the children’s growing were kept local and within easy reach. testable outcome. The children’s understanding of global warming and commitment, the extra work they put climate change without disrupting Computer and internet connections in at home as well as at school and their their normal lesson. Teachers of were used to write blogs, mobile willingness to participate for the length different subjects incorporate the work phones and digital cameras to take of the project made it an overall of the project in their lessons in a photos of buildings, bridges or rural success. This extra commitment could holistic and embedded manner so that areas, art materials to paint portraits of also be regarded as a barrier in some resources and time are used in an endangered species or people at work; schools where parents and students are exemplary manner. But more calculators to measure and calculate, not convinced of the worth of the cross- importantly, they use resources at children used musical instruments, curricular work. hand both in terms of the school’s human bodies, paints, cameras, environment and in terms of the printers and ink or Power Point, paper, Sustainability and scope children’s skills to build towards a pens and blogs to make presentations. collaborative conclusion which does In terms of time, the projects since One of the key aspects of the project not involve formal examinations or 2008 have been scheduled to coincide that makes it so accessible to other assessment, but does note the with the summer term when the senior schools is the way in which it fits into incremental increase in a variety of students are either on study leave or the everyday lives and work of the students’ skills, knowledge, have left after examinations, thus school, and does not disrupt the understanding and confidence. leaving some teachers with a few curriculum because each teacher lessons release time that can be continues to teach integrated nits in Source: devoted to the project. their own lessons. As a result of this http://ftp.jrc.es/EURdoc/JRC59689_ project, students’ enjoyment and TN.pdf Key creative successes and motivation in relation to their learning barriers has been enhanced. Their knowledge of current affairs has improved. Some During the project, the librarian students have taken independent involved teachers from every subject initiative even following the area encouraged their students to completion of the project to write collect, analyse and reflect on and then letters about the topic to local to debate a range of conflicting politicians and to the newspapers. perspectives available in the media Their civic consciousness has been

18 19 Rural Romania – No. 17

Young managers and entrepreneurs in rural area – skills, motivation, opportunities

More than 17 years of experience as Management Authority of the National the business, the economic, marketing, supplier of professional business Rural Development Programme - accounting and legislation knowledge education and management services, DGDR AM PNDR. being essential together with knowing consultancy in local development how to draw up a business plan. sector, including in rural area, The intervention policies in the field of recommend the National Foundation rural development by education and According to FNTM president, Marius of Young Managers (FNTM) as source training should be based on relevant Bostan, most of the people attending of relevant information and experiences and researches carried out the meetings organized by the substantiated opinions with regard to by universities, public intuitions and foundation in “Rural-Entrepreneur” the status, possible issues and non-governmental organizations. and “Rural-Manager” projects have solutions in the field of training and acknowledged that when they increasing the human capital In the researches carried out by FNTM accepted the idea of entering the necessary for sustainable rural at country level during 2009-2012 managerial world, they realized that development. period, it is shown that the they have a few major drawbacks: “ Not entrepreneurs from rural area had the only they did not master certain Since October, 2012, FNTM has been first managerial experiences before the fundamental management concepts, a member of the working group age of 22. That is why the experience but they had to deal with things they “LEADER – Innovation and vocational from non-tertiary study period is so were not familiar with: relations with training” established by Directorate important. Specialty knowledge are authorities, control institutions, new General for Rural Development – absolutely necessary for the success of customers, computer programs,

20 people they had to manage, to convince to buy or to sell as reasonable as possible, law courts .”

“In order to cope with these challenges, the most convenient solution was «onsite training», learning from my experience and the experience of others, self- improvement with the help of the internet. The classical managerial skill based on information passes from the teacher to the student was for more profitable activities, the first Additionally, the European funds replaced, in most of the cases, by attempt in entrepreneurial process has might be useful for extension or even instinct and practice ”, said Marius significantly affected the activity of start-up .” Young people from rural Bostan. those who became employers: most of area with ideas of serious projects can them continued to carry out their apply for European financing afferent The school curriculum and skills activity in the initial field, and only one to 2014-2020 programmes. The first acquired during specializations in the third of them changed the field of financing application launchings, both agronomical field in high-schools, activity. The graduates of agricultural for the NRDP measures and on axes of vocational schools, tertiary education, schools remained loyal to the first other operational programmes, are should ensure to the young graduates business field. foreseen in February, 2015. the level of skills compliant with the requirements and opportunities on the Thus, Marius Bostan considers that “There are mentalities and practices labour market from rural area, the “ graduates of agricultural high- which restrain the entrepreneurial including for the development of schools or vocational agricultural enthusiasm and acquirement of new private businesses. Stimulation of schools could become entrepreneurs useful knowledge. It is important to entrepreneurship among young people in the rural area easier than other verify its source and to eliminate it, to from rural area is conditioned by both young people”, the knowledge correct the already propagated the quality of the formal acquired during studies helping them errors .” entrepreneurial education and the to turn to good account the non-formal alternative education opportunities from the rural area. It should be insisted on the motivation initiatives. “The agricultural farms are in search of young people and on arousing their of agricultural high-school and curiosity by presenting real successful „Through our projects, Rural- college graduates. According to what national and international cases and Entrepreneur, Rural-Manager and we have observed, we have exampled. The power of example is Tourism Entrepreneurs, within the ascertained that there is a demand for very important to create a mentality last four years, more than 4,000 serious graduates with a solid favourable for success. FNTM holds entrepreneurs and future knowledge base, willing to learn on within the Resource Centre over 30 entrepreneurs from rural area and ongoing basis. But, I am convinced of motivational video materials, success touristic sector have studied e- the necessity of additional studies in stories with Romanian and foreign Learning Programs for the field of entrepreneurship and entrepreneurs and examples of good entrepreneurial and management management, which might help a practice in business. education, developed by FNTM young person to develop his own together with national and European agricultural or non-agricultural An increasing number of Romanian partners. Many of them have also business .” people who work abroad would like to benefited by personalised consultancy return home. “ They can be examples actions for the initiation and FNTM president considers that there which to inspire and stimulate. They development of their own business ”, are numerous opportunities both for have knowledge, skills, experience explained Laura Popa, Project intensive cultures on small areas and and a great work capacity ”, said Manager for FNTM. for fruit growing, vegetable growing, Marius Bostan. zootechnics and other branches. “ It is According to FNTM studies, although important to identify the market and You can find out more details and the many businesses are favoured by the to be able to profitably satisfy it. complete results of FNTM research general economic context at a certain There are also opportunities in the on: http://www.fntm.ro/materiale- time, operating only for a short period field of services in the rural area, fntm-414.html of time, and others were abandoned together with the small industry.

21 Rural Romania – No. 17

The upper secondary agricultural education can be a launching base on the labour market

Where are we between theory correlated with the real needs on the Cosmin cultivates wheat, rape, and practice? labour market? sunflower, corn and barley on 1000 hectares. The farm was established in A handful of trade is a handful of gold. Here are some questions whose 2007, but Cosmin and his family have Here is a saying whose significance answer we can find at the employers, been cultivating cereals and technical we feel increasingly sharp in a society who are also graduates of this system. plants since 2000. affected by crisis, in which looking for We will focus on a once flourishing a job can become, in many cases, a sector, which, after a long period of The business is going well, the true treasure hunt. decline, is trying to recover – the average production per hectare being agricultural sector. Mainly in the rural of 6-7 tons of wheat, 4,000 kg of rape, The trade is perfected at the area, the people begin to understand 3,000-4,000 kg of sunflower, 6-7 tons workplace, but it is learnt at school. Is that in agriculture, whether we talk of barley, and, in very good years, we it the Romanian education system about agricultural cultures or can harvest even 15 tons of corn. The currently capable of producing zootechnics, profitable businesses can success is mainly due to the fact that graduates prepared to face the fierce be done with constant efforts and by the manager of this company, Cosmin competition on the labour market? assimilating new and efficient Micu, has a specialty training. Do many of them become technologies. Continuing the tradition of his family, unemployed with graduation degree, Cosmin has always known that he overqualified only on paper and with Cosmin Micu is 27 years old and it is wanted to work in the field of deficits in practice or are they a true the manager of S.C. Procereal agriculture. He first attended the gain for the employers? Is it the Agrosan S.R.L. In Manastur Village, courses of “Iulian Dracea” school curriculum adequately Vinga Commune, Arad County, Agricultural High-School from

22 Timisoara, from 2002 until 2006. technologies available for the possibilities of integration on the Wanting to improve his studies in the agricultural education. The labour market are multiples. A part of field, in 2010, he graduated “Banatul” mechanization part must be well and them open their own business and University of Agricultural Sciences correctly understood, but, become employers for other and Veterinary Medicine from unfortunately, the school units are graduates. Others can get a job at Timisoara, becoming agronomy equipped with old machines. It is like farms, as workers or, depending on engineer. you practice on a Trabant and people their study level, they can work as drive exclusively Volkswagen cars ”, engineers or veterinarians. A “If you want to work in a certain said Cosmin Micu. sufficiently sought niche, especially field, especially if you want to build for the salaries, is that of agricultural your own business, specialty studies Still, an agricultural school graduate multinational companies, which hire are definitely of great help ”, said the has high chances of finding a job people with specialty education. entrepreneur from Timisoara. Still, within a short period of time. This is Another wide sector is that of seed how prepared is a graduate of an the opinion of the manager of S.C. and pesticide distributor, where an agricultural high-school to face the Procereal Agrosan S.R.L. Cosmin agronomy engineer with solid challenges on the labour market? Micu believes that in the agricultural training can easily find a job. sector is essential to work with people “Although it is not 100% prepared to who have specialty knowledge, even Unfortunately, not many of those who work in the field, an agricultural though the trade is truly learnt at the attend the courses of an agricultural high-school graduate has enough workplace. He is even willing to high-school chose to improve their knowledge, at least theoretically. receive for practice students from studies and to obtain a degree of Maybe something with regard to the agricultural high-schools, but only in engineer or veterinarian. Thus, there practical aspect must be change. I do small groups, in order to have the is currently a significant crisis of not believe that in school the theory- time necessary for each student to agronomy engineers, and as regards practice ratio should be equal. And memorize the assimilated knowledge. the veterinarians, few of them want to the practice should not be only on practice their profession in the rural paper, but to be of real help for the For those who attend the agricultural area. students. It is also the issue of courses in high-school and college,

23 Rural Romania – No. 17

Calendar of our villages Iulia Gorneanu

The story of Faurar splendid vine from which the best wine plant seeded by Noah after the flood – was made. Mosul An has filled the barrel the vine. The legend says that in the We have entered the month of Faurar with wine and equally divided it between beginning, the grapes were sour and (February) and – once the threshold is his 12 sons by marking each portion with Noah, in order to sweeten them, passed – the Popular Calendar turns an a coal line on the bottom of the barrel. sacrificed four animals, being instigated important page, marking the beginning The youngest of his children, Faurar, by the evil: a lamb, a lion, a monkey and of the New Viticultural Year, but also the who was fond of the bottle, when a pig. Then, the grapes sweetened, the day dedicated to an important totem finishing his portion, drank the portions wine became staggering flavourful, but it animal of Romanian people – the Bear. of his brothers. The furious brothers ran received from the evil the power to It is the shortest month of the year. after him to catch him and take him to transform the man. As the number of Therefore, Vlachs call it “Scurtul”. task for what he did. It is said that they drank glasses increases, it borrows the are still searching for him. When they behaviour of the sacrificed animals. At It is said that Faurar is the youngest are just about to catch him, Faurar first, he is placid as the lamb, afterwards, children of Mosul An (Old Year). begins to cry and the sky “starts the he is courageous as the lion, later, he is Cheerful, playful and inconstant as the blizzard”, and when they leave him ridiculous as the monkey, in the end weather, it is said that when the there is alone, he laughs like a child and the sun being identical with a pig… a sunny day, Faurar laughs, and when shines like it is spring. there is blizzard, he is unhappy and he The Day of Trif the Madman cries. He also cries because he is irritated The New Viticultural Year begins to have borrowed to his brother, Mart Faurar, the child of Mosul An, who was (March), a few days, and he no longer The first day of Faurar indicates the fond of the bottle, was not the only one wants to return them to him. The legend beginning of the New Viticultural Year, who gave himself up to drink, but also says that Mosul An, his father, did not and the story of his ritual drunkenness Trif the Madman, the mythical character make a fortune on earth, but he had a sketches a scenario worthy of the first who governs the first day of this month.

24 The protector of pests which destroy with its hibernation rhythm and divides bringing luck, wealth and fertility – the trees and vines, Trif the Madman the year into two equal parts. The most role of weather forecaster: “If the bear disentangles numerous rituals of fertility important days of the Bear are in the comes out of its kennel…although of the orchards, of renewal of trees and beginning of February and August. They outside is cold, the spring is close; if it wine time mandatory for the rebirth of a are festive days in which the peasants are comes out, but enters right back in the new vegetal cycle of fruit trees and vine. not allowed to say its name in order not kennel, although outside is sunny, Overlapping the day of Saint Mc. Trifon to invoke it. The call it “Mos Martin”, in winter will continue. On this day, the from the orthodox calendar, Trif the this way, integrating it among the old bear comes out of its cave and dances Madman must be celebrated, because, men of the nation, among the totemic around, and, if it is sunny and it sees its otherwise, he can drive all the insects of ancestors: “The bear which wanders shadow, it goes into the kennel and does the earth, which he keeps in chains, through our village was called Mos not come out, but its sleeps for another towards crops. Therefore, we bluntly say, Martin and Uriesu…because, you six weeks, because this is what is left together with the peasants from our see….without hair, it resembles to the from the winter; and if it does not see its villages: “ Trif is not merciful with other humans…it runs after you on its legs, shadow, it remains outside and the saints, he is mad; no one should work on and if it hits you with its paw, you kick winter ends.” (S. Fl. Marian) his day !”. the bucket; …there were days when we baptised a boy…if he was sturdy, we Haralamb de Ciuma (Charalambos Magical and mystical practices for called him Bear” (Marcel Lapes). of Plague) the harvest Another practice (also similar in the case of the wolf) consists in re-baptizing a On February 10th, the Popular Calendar There are many attested superstitious sick child with the Name of Bear, The of Romanian people marks a weird and fertilization rituals within the first Bear (Wolf, The Wolf), in order to make holiday, which the village people used to days of Faurar, and they differ from one a magical transfer of properties (power, celebrate because they were afraid: region to another. For example, in Banat, strength, intelligence, agility) from the Haralamb of “plague” or “sickness”. “ It the fruit trees are sprinkled with holy totem animal to the child. It is also said is a day with all kinds of water, and on the vine hills, a fire ball is that the bear chases the evil spirits and sickness…plague…vomiting…chills, rolled for purifying purpose. In other diseases, that it is the only one which can because God entrusted the Saint with all places a curse for pests is read and, determine the Destiny to change in the sickness from the world for it to do afterwards, a few vine stems are better the fate of the new-born child, that what it wants with them in the case of symbolically cut and wine is poured on it helps the soul of the dead people not bad people…Charalambos of the vines. An attested magical to lose the way… Plague…that is how it is called…keeps ceremonial from the south of the country the death on a spring and bestows it is called “tarcolitul viilor” (vine The situations in which the Bear upon those with evil heart .” (Marcel encircling) and it implies the ritual appears Laptes) roundabout of the vineyard in order for the fruits to multiply, while in In the folkloric legends, the milling Bear The holiday borrows the name of the Transylvania, an old custom called appears, and in the “dance of the Bear canonized St. Martyr Charalambos, who, “scuturatu’ pomilor” (tree shaking) was made of straws” the harvesting-Bear is during his life, was healing the sick ones kept, this consisting in ritual hitting of invoked, all these making possible an and “taught people the word of God, the trees to stimulate their buds and analogy between the hibernation of the offering guidance towards the path of fruits. All these practices were followed animal and the “sleep” of the wheat grain salvation”, and after his death, he asked by collective parties with rich meals and during winter. On the night of mourning God to save the people from the plague. plenty of wine. and on the night of the New Year’s Eve, Many legends were told about St. men disguise in Bear, following a pagan Charalambos, all trying to explain his Maybe the most interesting custom ritual from the time when it was thought gift: the power over death and illnesses. related to the beginning of the New that the spirit of sacred animals watches Today, plague became extinct, but Viticultural Year is Arezanul Viilor. At over the people like guardian angels. people continue to celebrate the holiday the break of dawn, men go in cortege at Relics of an ancient symbolic world, the in order for Charalambos to protect the vineyard, and once arrived there, Bear masks are the only ones which have them from serious illnesses as they cut vine stems which they use to no accessory. Everybody opened the frightening as the plague. make garlands and girdles. Afterwards, door to the Bear, the entire community they dig out the bottle with the wine expects it. And the Bear heals back pains, Dragobete, our impetuous love god from the last harvest, and they make a chases evil and voodoos, brings luck and big fire which they surround, and splash happiness. “It is good to have only luck Democritus said that “ a life without wine in it. It is the time when the party and happiness in my courtyard, and the celebration is like a long road without begins. The people play, eat and drink, Bear chased the bad luck out of our inns ”. The Romanian people expect burning the old Viticultural Year for the homes, and from now on, we shall have them, prepare for them, experience them New Year to be able to reborn. better days.” (Artur Govorei) For the as they consider it is best. In most of the Dacians, the bear was sacred, the name cases, the ancient holidays were of Zalmoxis himself being a derivation canonized and assimilated by the Martinii de iarna (Winter Bears) from the name of the bear fur. church, many of the autochthonous mythical-folkloric divinities being found The first days of Faurar are dedicated to On these days of February, when we in the attributes of the orthodox saints. the Bear, a fabulous animal from our celebrate Martinii de Iarna, the bear has If most of the pagan gods were replaced mythology, which changes the seasons – besides the role of healing and of in the calendar by saints and martyrs,

25 Rural Romania – No. 17

some of them were simply forgotten. The he-goat is the symbol of procreation Cross Day, and winter on the day of Saint This could also have been the destiny of power, vitality and fecundity, and the Andrew. A legend says that “Dragomir our impetuous love god, Dragobete, ancient holidays before the arrival of the the Love Drunkard” is the one who artificially re-brought to attention by spring were organized to determine makes the birds twitter, and they ethnologists in order to counteract the flower blooming, weather warming, life announce Eftepir (the Dacian snow Saint Valentine’s Day. Let us try to see explosion and love. The run of lupercus queen) that the long night of winter has who is and where the young god comes. on the roads of Rome reminds of ended. From now on, the cortege of At first sight, the name of Dragobete “zburaitor” of young people from the day Dragomir, consisting in Zburatori, refers to the old Slavic; it is derived from of Dragobete, recorded by ethnologist Dragoste and Dragostite, dominates the the word “drag-dragul”, the lexical root Marcel Lutic. At dawn, the young people sky and the world. In some stories, also projecting upon our mythological went to the forest to pick flowers, they Dragomir appears as the sun of Baba character erotic significances, in lighted fires on the hills in order to help Dochia, married with the sister of accordance with the portrait kept in the the sun appear on the sky. After Lazarica (god of vegetation worshiped on folkloric imaginary: “ Dragobete is a celebrating around the fire, the girls the Saturday before Palm Sunday). In loving bachelor who wanders through were running down into the village, others it is said that Navalnicu himself, the forests in search of girls and women being chased by the boys. If the girl liked a young and loving mythical-folkloric who worked on the Day of Dragobete. the “chaser”, she led herself caught and character, who took the minds of He catches them and mocks them when kissed, the ceremony actually signifying women. About Navalnic it is said that he they go after logs, flowers, the “ludic engagement” of the two young was punished by Virgin Mary and mushrooms …” (Constantin Radulescu- people during the entire year. Romulus transformed into a plant which bears his Codin, 1909). Vulcanescu considers that the custom of name and it is used for love spells. publicly declaring the love between the If, according to his name, it seems that chased and the chaser was kept with an The 24th of February is placed under the he came to us from the East, another erogenous cult until the 19th century. sign of love, company and the figure two. possible etymology sends Dragobete way Even the birds who do not mate on this back in time, to compete with the ancient Dragobete was celebrated on the 24th, day “remain alone for the entire year” or gods of the Greek and Roman antiquity. 28th of February or on the first days of worse, “they cannot mate and wander The hypothesis according to which the March, especially in the areas from the twittering from one place to another name would derive from the Dacian South of the country. The existence of until they die”. It is a beneficial day for words “trago” (he-goat) and “pede” (legs, several dates is the consequence of the beginnings, because “anything that is “pedes” in Latin), we are tempted to take confusion made in the popular calendar began today shall be successful”, a a comparative glance at the Roman when passing from the Julian calendar special day, “a threshold day” between holiday Lupercalia, during which men to Gregorian calendar. He was also winter and spring in which blood almost completely naked ran on the road known as Iovan, Iovan-Dragobete, brotherhoods are made, the first flowers and touched women with strips of goat Dragomir or Spring Head, because, for are picked, ritual fires are lighted, and skins in order to induce fertility. the Romanian peasant, spring began on women are subject to true beautification Additionally, “they were entitled to the Day of Dragobete, the same as the rituals and accept young girls into their irritate the women without being summer began on the day of St. group in order to initiate them. punished”. (At. M. Marienescu, 1884). Konstantin and Helena, autumn on the Save a piece of Romania, save IA, the Romanian Traditional Blouse! “IA of Magda Pelmus, visual artist. The together we can identify, recover, archive in time. The peasant never moves out of beautiful IA found at a street corner was what this nation has more beautiful and his house. The peasant clothes bear the saved by me from an undeserved destiny more profound. A few years ago, an old aspiration of the woman who made them, among the garbage from Bucharest. man from the North of Moldavia told me her striving for beauty. Thus, she Being a small IA, I found her an owner that “the clothes also have their destiny, spiritualized the act of creation, at the whom to fit and received in exchange one the same as people”. He was referring to same time making a transfer from the IA which fitted me perfectly. This is how the handmade peasant’s clothes. The useful plan to the aesthetical plan. the beautiful IA thrown away from the universe of the Romanian people in the house of an old lady reached its owner .” old days was concrete and alive, balanced Try to identify and recover a rustic object. and harmonious. For the Romanian Or maybe an old ballad, doina or a carol. This is the text written on the pedestal peasant, things were not just simple They, too, are not protected… their texts, which presented IA of the painter Magda material assets, but part of his/her being. rhythm and meaning are modified. And Pelmus in its exhibition, last summer. “IA If they were inherited, they bear the spirit write to us! Send us a picture with what – The Gate Towards Infinity” at Galateca of the ancestors. Therefore, in you have found. Record an old man telling Gallery. contradiction to the townspeople stories or an old woman singing. Be the obsessed by fashion, the peasants hardly link between your ancestors and your By saving one IA, Magda saved a piece of give up the traditions, the inherited descendants! Save a piece of Romania, Romania. The peasant’s patrimony is not practices and customs, the things with save IA, the Romanian Traditional Blouse! protected by any law. Therefore, only which they established a deep connection

26 27 Rural Romania – No. 17

Romanian mountains, a three- dimensional experience

Retezat Mountains, Godeanu Mountains and Apuseni Mountain. Six of the Dacian fortifications were included in UNESCO patrimony: Sarmisegetusa Regia, the fortress from Capalna, the fortress from Costesti Blidaru, the fortress from Cugir, Fetele Albe and Piatra Rosie settlements.

The best known mountain routes of the Southern Carpathians lead towards the fascinating and enigmatic Sarmisegetusa Regia, the capital of the former Dacian state, located in a beautiful décor, at approximately 1200 meters high, on the peak of a rock from Sureanu Mountains. The fortress was built with five terraces, the highest one sheltering the sanctuaries of the Dacians – the Circular Calendar, the Solar Disc, the Great Limestone Sanctuary, the Andesite Sun. It is not precisely known how were they used and to whom they were dedicated, but they prove that Dacians had thorough knowledge about astronomy. It is said that this place is still a source of mysterious energies.

But there are more secrets. The enigma of the identity of Kogaionon Sacred Mountain is far from being solved. The former sacred mountain of the Dacians might be anywhere, in Bucegi Mountains, in Ceahlau Mountain or in Orastie Mountains. But the most entitled mountain to bear the Dacian name seems to be Gugu Mountain, because of its peak covered in thick mist which makes it Considered the spine of Romania, From the mysteries of the history: invisible. Deceneus’ Cave is also located the Carpathian Mountains shelter a on the traces of the Dacians here, being a natural cave in which the fabulous world. Along the Great Priest of the Dacians from the time Southern, Eastern and Western 2000 years ago, the Dacians were one of Burebista used to pray. Near the cave Carpathians, tourism is a three- with the mountain. The ancient historian there is Platoul Merlei, the place where dimensional experience focused on Florus wrote that “ The Dacians live into thousands of years ago the Dacians the history of the Romanian people, the mountains ”, a fact that was attested gathered to celebrate their faith, and on unexplainable natural nowadays by the existence of the former nowadays, the pastoral holidays and the phenomena and on the traditional Dacian settlements and fortresses built in holiday called “Nedeia” are celebrated art of our ancestors. Orastie Mountains, Sureanu Mountains, here by the mountain villagers.

28 which they built houses, afterwards, in reconstituting not only the national On the trace of the people from extending around the houses ”, said Mrs costume specific to the people living in Apuseni Mountains Petruta Pop, the president of the Art and Tara Motilor, but also the sewing Artisans’ Tradition Association from Alba. technique, which is extremely special and Nowadays, nothing is more specific to the Because of the distances between complicated. It is the “ciupagul” sewing Mountains of Apuseni than Tara Motilor. neighbours, the communication has been technique, “ a trapezoidal element on the Scarisoara Cave, with a huge block of ice taken place for hundreds of years with the front of the shirt, which is very hard to inside, Focul Viu Cave, whose name help of a special instrument, the sew, in approximately three weeks. comes from the way in which the sunlight alpenhorn. “ The alpenhorn is specific to Ciupagul is a unique and fantastic reflects into the stalagmite formations as the people from Tara Motilor, being a technique ”, says Petruta Pop. “ It is made fire sparks, the Bears’ Cave, a real grave of wind instrument made of fire wood and with weaved hemp linen and sewed only a rare species of bears extinct 15,000 years with the help of which people called one with two colours, dark red and blue. The ago, the cavern bears, are famous. another; that is how they were linen is washed with rain water, without Varciorog Waterfall, Gaina Mountain, summoned for war and for the Revolt of detergent ”, explained Aurelia Matei. She Ponorului and Cheile Turzii Fortresses are Horea, Closca and Crisan. It is blown in a learned to weave in the memory of her the visiting cards of Tara Motilor with certain way. ” mother who used to weave all day long. regard to the natural objectives. “At night she was spinning and during Not having arable land, the occupation of the day she was sewing. She made rugs, “Apuseni Mountains are unique; they the people from Tara Motilor was bed sheets, carpets, drapes, table cloths, have a distinct shape, a special relief and “vasaritul”. They made vessels and all weaved with the loom. If my mother extremely spread villages. Tara Motilor household objects which they sold all over has not died young, I would not have offers an unusual picture, the houses of the country in exchange for food and learnt to weave. I learnt because I missed the people are built on the top of the clothes. This is how, immediately after the her. Now, I have three weaving looms: mountains, being far from one another. First World War, the national costume of one at home, one at the sheepfold and Until 400 years ago, Tara Motilor was the people from Tara Motilor was lost another one with which I go to fairs virgin, unpopulated, wild. People lived in because of an amalgam of sartorial around the country. People are amazed the area of the Lower Aries, in the elements taken over from all over the of the fact that I am still using it .” auriferous area called Rosia Montana, country. and the villages spread towards Cluj. The She loves Garda de Sus village and she is people were called “mocani”. When the Reconstituted national costume always happy to receive visitors. “ We, the area started to become crowded, some of people from Tara Motilor, we are them ascended the mountain, on Aries In Garda de Sus village, the traditional hospitable and generous people. Come River, moving there. The houses are costume from the 19th century was and visit us, because here is heaven on spread because there was no arable land; returned to the people from Tara Motilor. earth. Everything is natural, the same as the people grubbed at height places on The weaver Aurelia Matei has succeeded hundred years ago; we have many

29 Rural Romania – No. 17

animals, we cultivate the land and we are they missed. This art was taken over by The old houses from Rogoz village are still a very united community. At Garda is the peasants from the villages of standing: they have rectangular shapes, complete harmony between nature and Maramures, who preferred to procure by with porch and small windows, “ because people, it is peace and quiet which fills themselves the things necessary for the glass was expensive .” your soul. We offer you what we have farm instead of paying money for them – best. from kitchen tools to the tools necessary The name of Cuza he took from his wife, to work the land. who is a relative of the family of the great We have plenty of meat, dairy products ruler Alexandru Ioan Cuza. made at the sheepfold, all being healthy, In Rogoz village, this art is represented by without any trace of preservatives. Do Alexandru Perta Cuza, whose crosses have Some of the mountain mysteries not be afraid of the bears from our spread not only in the country, but also in The secret of Bucegi Mountain forests; even animals respect the Europe: “ I liked to carve the wood since I harmony bestowed by God, they step was little, because of the lack of money; Each year, on the 6th of August, the aside when they see us, without hurting at the age of seven, I was making my first holiday of Transfiguration of Jesus, the us. We share the berries with them. We money from wood carving. But, after the tourists come to Bucegi Mountains in take the tourists with sledges to the Revolution, something happened in me: I order to witness the transfiguration of houses of our artisans where popular art made the wood cross from Timisoara, the….Sphinx. It is said that on this day of demonstrations are made to them .” which I placed in front of the Cathedral. the year, at sunset, the sunlight Since then, I have been wanting to make propagates on the huge stone head, From gastronomic perspective, in Tara art out of this trade. You can say that I covering it like in an energy pyramid. The Motilor, cornmeal and wheat flour have carved thousands of wood crosses, researchers say that it is an optical “balmos” with sour cream and ewe cheese, which are disseminated all over the illusion, but which does not take place but especially plate pies. The plate is a sort country and abroad – in Belgium, every year. Still, many tourists are drawn of pan made of stone greased with Hungary, Republic of Moldova, Italy ”. by the Sphinx because of the energies homemade butter and heated into the His pride is the wood cross with 80 icons which are said to be emanated by the fireplace. The pies from Tara Motilor have carved on the back and front of the cross. stone. a special taste because of the stone. He does anything based on specific The giants from Buzaului Wood crosses of Cuza techniques and templates from Ardeal. Mountains “Characteristic to Maramures is the In Maramures, the art of wood carving sculpture with well-marked deeper- A mountain area full of enigmas is that of belonged in the beginning to the carved figurines. In my native village, the Buzaului Mountains. Scaieni mountain shepherds from the sheepfolds; they scary wood masks are still used. They are village became famous in the ‘90s when carved in wood various shapes for the girls placed on the porch to scary the thieves .” the local people discovered by accident the

30 bones of some giants. On a village hill, the digs made for planting an orchard have caused the discovery of numerous skeletons of people measuring 2.4 meters high. Nowadays, for the villagers, the necropolis from the hill is just an ordinary thing – they got used to the idea that they live on grounds that were once populated by giants.

Not very far away, in Tainita forest, the tourists come to see with their own eyes another miracle: Tainita Pillars, two stone columns which seem to have appeared from the ground between the trees. It is said they are the traces of a defence system built by the giants. very sought by tourists, maintaining its stove and sleeping area on one side and role of holiday village assigned by pemi. the “clean rooms” on the other side. The The lights from Ceahlau roof is large and goes all the way back, “Garana village is dominated by Semenic protecting both the house and the animal Dochia Rock from Ceahlau Mountains is Mountain” , said Cristl Hasthaus, the shed, which is stuck to the dwelling. There a tourist objective marked by legends. It is owner of the pension with the same name. are no pensions. In exchange, the tourists said that Dochia was the daughter of “The atmosphere is rural and colourful, can be accommodated by any hutsul. Decebal; she was followed up to the specific to the mountain, and people come mountain by Roman soldiers, and in order for her not to be taken hostage, Zalmoxis to stay in peace and for outdoor sports Florin Cramariuc, wood sculptor, was transformed her into a rock. activities. Many of the old houses of the born over the hill of Lucina, in Paraul German colonials were bought by Faghetel village, and he learnt how to Ceahlau Mountain is often covered in townspeople from Timisoara, and they strike nails before learning to walk. “ My mist, but there are numerous testimonies were restored and modernized in order grandfather was wood sculptor and he of the villagers from the mountain foot, to be rented as pensions. But they are was always busy. In order to keep me talking about the appearance of strong small pensions with maximum 12 rooms. busy when I was little, he gave me a few lights at the break of dawn. Also on Outside the tourist season, Garana nails and a small hammer. I stroke them Ceahlau Mountain there is the “Evil village is deserted .” Gasthaus Pension in the threshold of the house so deep that Stone”, a tower-like stone located on a was opened in a former restored stable. no one could get them out until this day. I smooth plateau. It is said that every night, The owner is very passionate about sports. learnt from my grandfather to carve the it moves towards left and right side with a Therefore, the pension has a tennis court wood ”. His sculptures became few centimetres, often changing its with natural grass. “ We have ski school, internationally famous. Therefore, the location. swimming school, tennis school. There is artisan sells his spoons, household objects a ski track in the village, but also a and chests far away, in other countries. From the mysteries of the mountain barrage for boating during summer “the chests have passed beyond the people time. ” With regard to the nightlife from borders of the country. I sell many, Gărâna, the uninhibited village of Garana, it does not exist. In exchange, the including trunks headed with iron. I the tourists cultural life abounds. There is an outdoor paint them with the style characteristic to sculpture camp and a jazz festival. Obvinele Bucovinei: vegetal colours with At the foot of Semenic Mountains, the juice from plants. An incision is made in tourists gathered in the summer in an Obcinele Bucovinei: Lucina, the the wood and the leaf is rubbed there uninhibited village. It is called Garana, a village of hutsuls until a natural colour is imprinted. I village established by “pemi” (German work with the gradient technique. Saxons colonials) approximately 130 years ago. At Obcinele Bucovinei, life has remained also came with the trend of wood The German colonials conceived it as a unchanged for hundreds of years. In colouring, but we took over very little, tourist destination with welcoming homes Lucina, the famous Romanian full-bred only what we liked – colours in which we and demure farms where tourists were horses, the hutsuls, continue to be raised. subtly masked the Romanian flag .” welcomed, especially from the Austro- The people did not let themselves Hungarian- Imperium. Until 1989, the attracted by the facilities of modern times, Gastronomy has also remained the same. many of the inhabitants moved away. and the houses are the same as in the past: Florin Cramariuc recommends tourist to Nowadays, there are around 20 a generous balcony, a large entrance hall try polenta with potatoes and trout permanent inhabitants. Still, the village is in the middle, having the kitchen with smoked in braches of fir tree.

31 Rural Romania – No. 17

People

From the skill of making opinci (traditional peasant shoes) to the art of luxury footwear

his mother worked at “Clujeana” Shoe Factory. In 1970, his grandfather had his own shoe making shop. Andrei attended the courses of a vocational school from Cluj-Napoca, and he did his so-called apprenticeship in the workshop of his family.

He only has a handful of helpers, and the machines on which they work belonged to his grandparent. Materials are of the best quality and they are mostly brought from Italy. The young designer creates the models by complying with the trend, but always giving an original touch of his personality. “ I always try to make something new, something special, which is not according to the standards, because I do not like to manufacture ordinary shoes without character. I do everything with passion and if I do not like a pair of shoes or I consider that it can be done in other way, I better call the client and say to come and modify the order ”, said Andrei.

The footwear designer from Someseni works exclusively for men. The price of a pair of shoes starts from 300 lei, but it can go up to 1,000 lei, when the articles are made of python, ostrich or cat fish leather.

Andrei is modest and he respects the work and his clients. Celebrities are among his clients, but the young man Young and bold, the Romanian fashion designers. does not want to talk about it: “ I fashion designers rewrite the manufacture shoes for anyone who history of shoe making A young man from Somesani sews enters into my shop, irrespective of his luxury shows on the machines of statute. I do not ask my clients what job Their ancestors made opinci. The his grandfather. they have or how much money they tradition was not lost, but it is only kept make .” as an exotic skill in some rural areas. At the age of 35, Andrei Tintoc is Nowadays, young talented people carry already famous among the handmade Together with fashion designer Istvan forward the skill and gift of the old footwear designers from Romania. He Campan, he made shoes to Romanian generations, providing new values and grew among lasts and sewing machines sportsmen for the Olympic Games from valences. The creations are according to and he cannot say for certain when he London, offering him great professional the times we live, and the artisans, once discovered the passion of making shoes. satisfactions and excitement. called shoemakers, are nowadays true His father had a leather goods shop, and

32 Although the footwear created by him is appreciated even abroad, Andrei considers that reaching perfection is for the time being only an ideal. “Every time I considered that I have made the perfect pair of shoes, the next day I came with another idea and took it from the beginning”, said the young man.

Marian Nedelcu creates one-of-a- kind sturgeon and cat fish shoes.

At only 24 years old, a young man from Clinceni Commune from Ilfov County, is already part of the elite footwear designers from Romania. For unknown factors ”, said the artist. I was merchandise, which is cheap, but not of connoisseurs, the name of Marian always supported by my fiancé, Monica, the best quality. He creates especially Nedelcu represents the border of who is his life and work partner. for men. He does not consider that unicity, elegance and comfort. women footwear would be more “I never invent a copy! ” – this is the difficult to make, but there is a limited He did not graduate a specialty school. motto in the art of Marian Nedelcu. And market for custom-made footwear. He has not been the apprentice of an the secret of his success is the artist for many years as it is seriousness and respect for the thing The prices for a pair of shoes created by accustomed. He only has native talent well done. The fact that he is a true Marian Nedelcu start from 500 lei, and which he discovered by working as fashion designer and not just a the order is ready on average on 20 manager of a company which shoemaker results not only from the days. But, for certain types of shoes manufactured footwear. It was there success of his products, but also from there are waiting lists. It is the case of where he created his first pair of shoes – the materials with which he works and sturgeon leather shoes, Marian being a classical summer model made of blue the way in which he combines them. the first artist who made this kind of velvet. He was only lucky to meet the Here are no ordinary shoes. The shoes shoes. right person at the right time. The created by Marian Nedelcu have a person who intuited that in this young pressed or imprinted veal leather Marian Nedelcu considers this man there is the spark that can light a exterior and only got leather interior. profession a continuous challenge. It is great passion was Zamfir Dumitra, And these are the most “common” not just a business. It is a passion, which former chief of creation department of shoes he makes, because the young provides him with balance and the the former Arta Incaltamintei designer also works with exotic desire to be an accomplished artist on Cooperative. The artisan offered to materials, like python, shark, sturgeon daily basis. “ There is always a material reveal to Marian a few secretes of the or even cat fish leather. which surprises me. I do not have a trade, and he learnt fast and thoroughly. standard pair in my shop window. Unfortunately, the apprenticeship only In his shop, Marian Nedelcu only has Something new appears every day! A lasted four months, because the artisan, one sewing machine, one leather few days ago, I decided to try to pain a having serious health problems, died. thinning machine and one press pair of shoes. The impact of this machine and a stove for soles. He does creation was unexpected. I was With the acquired knowledge and with not need more, because he does not shocked by the number of people who great determination and passion, three manufacture footwear in mass. He gain appreciated it. I was actually happy as years ago, Marian Nedelcu decided to his fame and the respect of his clients by a child when he receives a new toy ”, go on his own, intending to become a making comfortable and beautiful said the artist. well-known designer in the entire shoes, but especially with character. It world. “ I was left with what I have is a great advantage, especially on a He wants to be the best in the field. And learnt in those months of practice, and market invaded by kitsch, he surely has all the chances. I went on my own path with many autochthonous or imported

33 Rural Romania – No. 17

The last artisans from Maramures. The trade of blacksmith – a skill at the risk of extinction

Maramures is an area filled with objects. At least this is what the hard work. “ If I only find a boy to like traditions, a region famous at blacksmith Ioan Barani said when he this trade…Not everybody likes it, national level for the trades kept until also told us that he learnt this trade and if you do not do it with love, you present day. from his father when he was only nine will not remember it, you will not years old, but, unfortunately, he has know what to do and you do not Unfortunately, while the time passed no one to teach. Barani is 60 years learn fast. The trade is stolen, but it and the life modernized, the trades old, and, although he has seven is also learnt, when you like it! If I became less and less sought and, brothers and three sisters, any of only had such boy, I would help him ”, therefore, less and less practiced even them does not have this passion. All said Ioan Barani. in the villages from Maramures. If his brothers learnt from their father four decades ago, the ethnological the techniques of the trade of Everything he is requested to do is studies included 250 authentic blacksmith, and he knew them from custom-made: he can make any iron artisans, currently, various sources his father, who was taught by his product a client needs. In the past, he talk only about approximately 50 grandfather and so on back in ancient made carts or horseshoes. Now, he artisans in various fields: wood and times… But the other brothers chose works for the people from his village, stone carving, weaving, sewing, other trades: they are welders, but also from the adjacent communes decorating, endowments, egg locksmiths, milling machine and for the clients from Sighetu- decoration, glass icons, hats, cloche operators, and one is a folklore singer. Marmatiei, at 20 km from Sapanta. If hats, sheepskin coats, ceramics, people look for him and request tailoring etc. Because he does not have sons, but certain tools or objects, he is happy to only daughters, Ioan Barani says that make them. Sometimes, it takes a few With regard to the number of he has no one to teach the secrets of hours and other times, for a larger blacksmiths from Sapanta, it is very this trade which he loves very much, work, for example forged iron fence, a small – only two men make iron even though it says that it is a very few weeks are necessary.

34 “People from the village no longer tower – one was even eight meters The artisan from Maramures does not have many animals like before, tall. Those who want to make forged participate in popular fairs, although many horses and buffalos; they sold iron fences contact the artisan, but, he was invited several times, because their animals and bought tractors. unfortunately, many of them change he must have a mobile forging But I also make hinges for churches, their minds and give up when they machine, which to take with him and axes, ploughs, harrows, iron fences, hear the price and they choose wood show the visitors what he can do. But, rails, canopies for terraces, in return. being very passionate about his everything people need ”, explained “The material is very expensive. So, lifetime occupation, Ioan Barani the artisan. they think that they better make the invites tourists to visit him. “ To those gates of wood. Here, in the north of who come to us I can show here, in It is not always busy. Now, at the end the country, people is focused more my shop, what I work and how I of February, he begins the work in the on wood exploitation, but now, since work. Last year, in the summer, I field: the forest radar was implemented, it showed tourists and journalists and “I shoe the horses with vidia, not with is harder …”, said him smiling. to all those who came at the Festival grips like we used to. It was harder from Sapanta how I do my job. ” And back then, much harder than In order to have an idea about the considering that he lives just across nowadays .” During summer or when prices, we asked him how much Stan Ioan Patras Museum (the home he does not have many orders, the would cost a forged iron fence. Raw of the creator of the crosses from the artisan also does other works in the iron is purchased from the Happy Cemetery), which is often village in order to earn some money, enterprises, and a two square meter visited by those who come to Sapanta, because “ work is not something to be fence panel of approximately 125 kg of the artisan hopes that the tourists will ashamed of ”. iron is approximately 150-180 Euro not avoid him and that they will with the manual labour included. But discover a trade at the risk of Ioan Barani made hinges for such orders are very rare, because extinction. churches, which are special artisanal people do not afford such fences, said works, but also crosses for the church Barani.

35 Rural Romania – No. 17

For childhood taste lovers, a family of entrepreneurs from Odorheiu Secuiesc makes gingerbread decorated by hand collaboration. So they signed contracts with several stores from Bucharest (including with a book- shop chain), Brasov, Cluj, Targu- Mures, Miercurea Ciuc, Sibiu and many store chains from Székely Land.

In the area there are the so-called Góbé products, a brand which reunites local products created under a local alliance, in order to provide producers and traders from Székely Land an alternative to globalization and multinational enterprises. “Merjur store chain has created this brand for the local producers – the name Góbé means clever and resilient, and it described a portrait of the people who live in Székely Land. People buy these products – bread, meat, cheese, gingerbread, chocolate, noodles – and we must maintain their high quality, because, for the clients, these name equals food safety, and for us it means job safety ”, explained Zsuzsanna Varga. She added that each category of products has a certain label, of a certain colour, on which the word Góbé is written, and the explanations are bilingual (both Romanian and Hungarian). Besides the gingerbread firm from Odorhei, there is another gingerbread and homemade chocolate producer from Remetea under Góbé brand, but competition is beneficial, because this way, the Ten years ago, Zsuzsanna and Giza Zsuzsanna at an artisans’ fair. Only quality of the products increases. Due Varga from Odorheiu Secuiesc, after she told her family and friends to the fact that this concept, established a firm in the field of her desire to put the idea into implemented four years ago, works traditional products. Since then, they practice, she found out from her very well, Merkur (a store who also have been working in a shop in which brother that their great-grandmother sells other products) has succeeded to they prepare gingerbread, being also made (coincidence!) gingerbread, become a successful store chain: in helped by three employees. which she sold it in various fairs, Odorheiu Secuiesc, Miercurea Ciuc, Zsuzsanna says that she has especially in Brasov. Gheorghieni or Sf. Gheorghe, previously worked in another field, explained Mrs Varga. taking care of the accounting books, After starting to participate in various and his husband was passionate fairs at Bucharest, but also in The tasty gingerbread is sold in food about making wood toys and gifts. Transylvania, they met many people, stores and sweetshops, but, on The idea of entering the market of they offered business cards and demand, orders for wedding or gingerbread products belonged to succeeded to find various contacts for christening parties can be taken.

36 Gingerbread is decorated by hand with great scrupulosity, and it is made based on traditional aromatized (cinnamon, vanilla, chocolate, chocolate and coconut, simple) gingerbread recipes. There are several models, according to the preferences of each gingerbread fan. Gingerbread figurines are sold for the 1st of March, but also gingerbread hearts, houses, birds, ladybugs, tulips, sheep are sold for the winter holidays.

Even though she does not invest money in advertising, because, she says it is too expensive if you want it to be efficient, Zsuzsanna Varga is happy that people still eat gingerbread and not any kind of gingerbread, but natural gingerbread with honey and without preservatives.

Mrs Varga revealed a few secrets of making gingerbread. Two days are necessary: on the first day, the dough is prepared with natural ingredients, without preservatives or additives, but only with flour, eggs, honey, cinnamon, cloves and sugar. It rests for 24 hours, and, afterwards, it is put into the mixer and spread, cut with cookie cutters (made of plastic or metal, larger or smaller – hearts, horses, chicken, roosters etc.), and then bake into the firewood oven. “In this way, the tradition is continued, but also a special taste is given to the gingerbread”, said Zsuzsanna Varga, explaining that, in the end, the industrial scale, and often, the fee for of the products which are offered to gingerbread is decorated by hand participating in these events is huge the customers. with a mixture of egg white, glazing (1,000 Lei for three days), plus sugar and starch, which is poured in transportation and accommodation About gingerbread a simple bag cut at one end. It is expenses. The Romanian Peasant necessary for the decorated Museum from Bucharest is an Gingerbread is a desert very liked by gingerbread to sit for three-four exception, the fee is low – 50 Lei for children, but not only by them. The hours. Finally, it is packed: the three days. first information on this desert are decorated gingerbread is packed from the 10th century. In the individually, and the gingerbread Mrs Varga complains that the small beginning, gingerbread was baked with chocolate, cinnamon, vanilla, producers are not supported and that especially with the shape of heart, the chocolate and coconut flavour are in such manifestations also symbol of love, or of angel, the symbol packed in 180 gram bags (each piece participate traders or intermediaries of kindness. If the ingredients used of the eight pieces from one bag is which are not producers, but buy the initially were breadcrumbs, grinded separately weighted in order not to merchandise from stores and come walnuts sugar and ginger, the English have weight problems). Enjoy your and sell it at a profit as it was theirs. people replaced the breadcrumbs gingerbread! She thinks this happens because there with wheat flour and added are no rules or restrictions and the cinnamon, nutmeg and vanilla sugar. Zsuszanna Varga says that, organizers of the fairs do not verify From the 19th century, gingerbread unfortunately, within the last three- them. In her opinion, a distinction became the Christmas sweet, a four years, she rarely participated in should be made between the two decoration in the Christmas tree, but traditional fairs, because she must categories of sellers by implementing also a symbol of winter holidays. deal with the competition of some relevant regulations, which would firms which manufacture products at determine the increase of the quality

37 Rural Romania – No. 17

Experiences

My farm: OAT Farm – a social business established by FARA Foundation and supported by Prince Charles

Starting from the realities from the patron of foundation, Prince Charles of Foundation. remote rural areas from the north-east Great Britain. The scope was to create of Suceava County, where the economic apprenticeship opportunities for the Currently, the farm has 25 hectares. It opportunities are limited, FARA non- beneficiaries in the field of agriculture, has a small number of milk bovines, governmental organization has intended carpentry, zootechnics and gastronomy. fowls and an orchard with fruit trees. from its establishment in the ‘90s to In 2003, a land was bought in the north- There are also vegetable gardens, increase the chances of the children and east side of Romania in order to greenhouses and an industrial kitchen, young people and to support their establish organic farms and a training where the products procured from the integration into the community and centre for the young vulnerable people. farm are used to prepare daily warm getting out of poverty. Prince Charles was the one who put the meals for approximately 150 foundation stone for the construction of disfavoured children from the In addition to the programme for the organic farm called OAT (Organic, surrounding villages (within the prevention of the school abandonment Agriculture, Training) Farm. programme for school abandonment by educational and family support for prevention). Therefore, the first tens of children, the rural development OAT FARM from Spataresti, Suceava consumers are the beneficiaries of the programme of the foundation also County, began its activity in 2005. “We projects of the foundation, and the includes the recovery, training and have considered that organic agriculture production from the farm covers part of social and economic integration of the it is a niche still insufficiently exploited the food requirement for these projects. young people from Suceava County, in Romania, despite the existing Ilfov County and Satu-Mare County potential. The location of the farm was Currently, two persons are hired at the aged between 18 and 25, who came out chosen depending on the area of farm on management positions (chief of of the institutionalized system. The idea execution of our projects and on the soil farm and coordinator) and other three of establishing a social business in the potential”, said Veronica Lacureanu, persons are hired on execution field of agriculture came from the royal Communication Specialist of FARA positions. The latter are from the local

38 community. The beneficiaries of the village received these young people the increase of the living standard from foundation, the young people who are with kindness. On Sundays, they go to rural area. Until now, 30 young people apprentices at the farm, have various the church from the village. Sometimes, learnt and practice agricultural handicap degrees, from serious to they help the neighbours or they are activities, carpentry or gastronomy ”, medium. supported by the neighbours in various said Veronica Lacureanu. activities around the house. The houses „A success for us was a collaboration of the foundations are in rural The young people who leave the with a chain of supermarkets from localities, therefore, the young people recovery centres make the next step Bacau, where, last autumn, we have are part of the community. We try to towards a more independent and more sold 200 kilograms of tomatoes and turn to good account their social role active life in the community and society. peppers from our biological farm, on and to encourage them to interact with The young semi-independent people can weekly basis. The collaboration will the people from the village. The help take care of themselves under remote also continue this year, immediately provided to their neighbours is surveillance. Currently, within the after the vegetables from the punctual, for example, corn harvesting, projects for young disabled people greenhouses of the farm are ripened ”, without exception, always carried out in Suceava County there are said Veronica Lacureanu. recompensed .” four young persons from this organization who have a job at Falticeni, The project has triggered the interest of FARA Foundation inaugurated its go there by themselves, administrate donors who contribute to some project in the localities where they found their money and have a salary. operational expenses, and it allowed the availability in the local authorities. “ We purchase of transport vehicles for the closely collaborate with the city-halls Future plans: new social vegetables from the farm. The from the localities in which we carry businesses involvement of the local community is out programmes for children and very important for the execution of the young people .” “On long term, we intend to establish a programme. new social business based on At the organic farm, the young people handmade products: gift boxes, cards, “All the projects of FARA Foundation, develop their skills and confidence, they 1st of March trinkets, Christmas dedicated to young people from prepare for a future job in agriculture, decorations, origami and quilling Suceava County, are located in rural horticulture, animal raising, carpentry, products. The young people, who are area, therefore, the support and agricultural equipment, gastronomy and under our supervision, use these openness of the community are workmanship. The apprenticeship techniques as occupational therapy, essential for the success of our centres from the farm provide and we discovered that part of them are programmes. Young people from three carpentry, catering, zootechnics and very talented. Therefore, it is an social homes of the foundation come to agriculture classes. opportunity to establish a shop, and the work at the organic farm: «Sf. Mihail» products which we will sell will give Home, from Spataresti and «Sf. “Due to the knowledge acquired here, them more courage to see that their Maria» and «Sf. Iosif» Homes, from the young people have a real chance to work is appreciated ”, said Veronic Fantana Mare. The people from the find a job and to actively contribute to Lacureanu.

39 Rural Romania – No. 17

My business: Young entrepreneurs - a chance for the development of the Romanian village

In the rural development strategy for example of entrepreneurial spirit by University from Craiova, he took 2014-2020 it is shown that Romania inspired capitalisation of the advantage of the opportunity to faces enormous challenges in meeting knowledge and skills acquired at the acquire experience abroad, having as its economic and social potential in university in which he studied, and mentor the manager of a modern agri-food and forestry sector and also identification of opportunities and farm of 100 hectares, a strawberry at the level of rural areas. One of the solutions for the actual needs of the plantation from the south of England. identified challenges is the “poorly economic sector. It was there where he saw how a 70 developed entrepreneurial spirit of ton strawberry production can be economic activities.” Mircea Alexandru Sanda from obtained from a single hectare of Mateesti Commune, Valcea County, greenhouses. From fit-ups and The development of the human considers that “ the entrepreneurial equipment to the way in which the capital becomes within the new spirit among the young people from technological and distribution flow period a transversal theme for the Romania is at a very low level. The are organized, the entire acquire approach of the needs related to entrepreneurial training must begin experience made him decide to competitiveness. The priority is to very early; only this way you can multiply this example at home, in its better correlate education and learn how to get involve and be native village from Romania. He was vocational training with the needs of successful in a business .” impressed by the openness of the agriculture and rural development. farm manager from England, who The story of a young graduate of the At the age of 22, recent graduate of offered to support him. Every year, Romanian higher education is an the Faculty of Agronomy at the Mircea spends one or two months at

40 the farm from England permanently presence of local producers is learning new things and developing recommended in the large store his business from the country based chains, the attitude of their managers on these acquisitions. For example, has changed. “ There are many young this year, he will implement a new people with other mentality, more type of suspended strawberry culture open and with initiative. I have based on the model from abroad. succeeded to conclude a contract with such chain, which shall take “This type of help, the transfer of over 700 kg/day in the season (May- knowledge and experience from June and August-September). The specialists to young entrepreneurs level of demand is high. 3-4 tons per should be also provided in Romania. day would be necessary. For the time The specialists and managers with being, the distribution of experience should be more involved strawberries from my plantation is in supporting the initiatives of young made on 50 km radius. We also people ”, said Mircea Sanda. deliver directly, based on the order from clients. ” The young man established the farm called “3 Strawberries” with his and He is aware of the value of his work his parents’ savings, the parents and the impact on those around, supporting him in developing the beyond the commercial aspect of the business. Information, market business. “ I do not know if my impact research, decision, planning, on the community is significant, but experiencing, development are the we pay fees and taxes and this is why stages which a true entrepreneur we consider that we help the must cover. economy and the country to comply with the European level. We create 7- “I am in this field for four years, The 8 jobs per season and we have two entire business started from a simple permanent jobs. We collaborate with idea and from a market niche, given many entrepreneurs from Cluj, that 80% of the national fresh Suceava, Arad, who use our strawberry requirement is covered strawberry stems, and we provide by import. The initial investment was consultancy. Our relations are of 10,000 Lei, afterwards, we consistent, we pay mutual visits and extended every year .” Mircea started we share experiences .” with a pilot plantation on 120 square meters, currently reaching one He is permanently interested in hectare. From the obtained income, finding new things and introducing the family invested in buying innovations. Besides the “suspended” technology so that the small farm now culture, he began to also apply the has an irrigation system and other ecological culture which he considers equipment similar to that seen in reliable for the future. This year he England. will build two solariums of 1000 square meters in order to reduce the He concluded a contract with an risks, and he will introduce a new important store chain, which species of strawberries, which yields demonstrates that if they have fruits the whole year, from May until initiative and quality merchandise, December. the small producers can penetrate on the market and deal with the “In the future, we want to become the competition. largest strawberry producer from the county and the entire culture to As a result of the specific directives of be planted in solariums, secured the European Union by which the against bad weather .”

41 Rural Romania – No. 17

My community: S.C. Vlad Agro Zahar S.R.L., the farm with the largest quantity of sugar beet delivered to Bod Sugar Factory

the company which deposited the largest quantity of sugar beet at the factory from Bod within the last years. Due to the fact that we have increased the cultivated area, we continue to maintain an ascendant trend ”, said Sorin Nastase, the manager of the company, who is agronomy engineer. Actually, the company from Brasov is a family business, Soring Nastase being supported by his son, Vlad, and his wife, Simona, who are also agronomy engineers.

In the field of sugar beet cultivation, the hectare costs – including the lease of the land, the workforce, the mechanization part and the entire specific technology – account for 6,500 Lei. If we consider an average production of 40-50 tons per hectare, with a price of 175 Lei/ton and adding the subvention by direct national payment on the area and the subvention based on the separate payment scheme Statistics show that Romania has Brasov County, established in 2006, has for sugar, the obtained optimal profit scored, at the level of 2014, the best cultivated in 2014 on 620 hectares, would range between 3,500 – 4,000 Lei sugar beet yield from the last two being, from this perspective, in the top per hectare. Unfortunately, it can decades. In fact, for approximately three-four producers in the field at the actually go down towards 1,500 Lei/ha, three years, the trend is ascending. This level of the entire country. For the considering that not all sugar beet takes place after drastic decrease of the company from Bod, the culture of sugar production is within the share imposed areas cultivated with this technical beet accounts for one third of the area by the European Union. Thus, for the plant in 200-2004 and after the of rotation cultures. The farm has been far, of Sorin Nastase, a similar situation implementation of the policy for the continuously extending from its for all producers in the field, 80% of the restructuration of the sugar sector establishment when it cultivated sugar production is outside the share, and the imposed together with the accession of beet on only 250 hectares. sale price decreased to 110 Lei/ton. It is Romania to the European Union, a paradox, but, although the weather which, initially, affected this sector. Last year, the net production per conditions from last year allowed a Currently, in our country, sugar beet is hectare was of approximately 50 tons, record yield, sugar beet cultivators cultivated on approximately 30,000 with 7-10 tons more than in the scored losses. This was especially hectares, the production being previous years. The same as every year, because the four factories from the processed in four factories: at Bod, the entire quantity was delivered to the country lowered the sugar price, which Oradea, Roman and Ludus. S.C. Vlad Sugar Factory from Bod. “ Statistically was beneficial for consumers, but Agro Zahăr S.R.L., from Colonia Bod, speaking, S.C. Vlad Agro Zahăr SRL is detrimental for producers. The price of

42 sugar decreased not only because of the the granted subsidies, and also the fact at the farm from Colonia Bod. On the generous beet offer, but also because that there is a fixed price paid to the field and into the silo of S.C. Vlad Agro Romania has assigned by the European farmers and the guarantee that they can Zahăr S.R.L. (the largest silo from Union a low production share of sell the entire production. Brasov County, with a capacity of 109,164 tons of beet sugar, and the cane 16,000 tons), 24 employees are sugar imported to supplement the Although it seems that sometimes the constantly working. The manager of the market requirement has a very low taste of sugar is bitter sweet, the company has great plans for the future: price. Moreover, although the European farmers are determined to constantly “We would like to submit a European Commission had initially proposed the increase the areas cultivated with sugar financing project for farm elimination of these shares after beet, in this way also maintaining sugar modernization. Reengineering, September 30th, 2015, the final factories afloat, which are currently very renewal of the car fleet and decision was to keep them until 2017. few: four as compared to 33 before modernization of silo capacity are Another issue faced by the sugar beet 1989. necessary. Also, we want to extend our producers are the costs of inputs – activity in zootechnical sector ”, said fertilizers, herbicides, diesel fuel – costs Besides sugar beet, corn for grains, Sorin Nastase. which increase on annual basis. And wheat for bread making, trefoil and still, there are also positive aspects, like: other cultures for fodders are cultivated

43 Rural Romania – No. 17

Updated Leader

Valea Buzaului Local Action Group: Almost half of the projects contracted until February, 2015, were under Measure 322

Valea Buzaului Local Action Group dissemination; contracted. Most of the submitted Association consists in 32 members, - Measure 112 – Settlement of young projects focused on the settlement of representing 14 private companies, farmers; young apiarists, also being farmers three NGOs, four authorized natural - Measure 313 – Encouragement of who have submitted projects to take persons, 10 city-halls and one public tourist activities; over zootechnical farms. institution. This association covers a - Measure 322 – Village renovation territory consisting in nine localities and development, improvement of Measure 322, accessed by the local located in the north-west of Buzau the basic services for rural economy administrations, represented the County and a locality from Prahova and population and valorisation of chance of financing 13 projects, and it County. These localities are cultural legacy. is one of the successful measures in Patarlagele and Cislau, Viperesti, the area of Valea Buzaului LAG. These Calvini, Catina, Panatau, Colti, Siriu, During these selection calls, 29 projects are focused on the renovation Gura Teghii (from Buzau County) and financing contracts were concluded, of community centres, agri-food Lapos – the latter being in Prahova representing over 2,100,000 Euro. markets, modernization of communal County. The association was The first signed contract was with a roads, procurement of four established in order to support local beneficiary from Siriu, who submitted specialized equipment for emergency development in the occupied a project for financing an agri-tourist situations. “Financing our projects territory, according to a Local pension under Measure 313. through Valea Buzaului LAG Development Plan (PDL). Valea represented the chance of community Buzaului LAG has the amount of Even though very many projects were development in relation to the needs 2,280,000 Euro assigned for the submitted under Measure 111, very of our localities, even though the implementation of projects on its few were contracted, and five projects amounts are relatively small. For territory during 2012-2015 period. are currently implemented. Over 200 example, on Buzau Valley, only two beneficiaries have attended training projects were financed under measure Until February, 2015, 10 selection courses on farm management, farm 322”, said the mayor of Cislau, Mr calls were made. The most applied for accounting, quality of agricultural Mitroiu Dumitru. were: production, labour hygiene and - Measure 111 – Vocational training, safety. Under Measure 112, of over 30 Measure 421 had as beneficiary Valea information and knowledge submitted projects, nine were Buzaului LAG, the coordinator of a

44 cooperation project at the level of are intended for an exchange of good „With the activity carried out by Buzau County. practices, but especially for making Valea Buzaului LAG, we consider business connections, commercial that we are a good example to follow, “In this project called «Cooperation connections and production especially for LAGs to be of LAG from Buzau – premises of connections between different established ”, said the coordinator of local development» we are partners agricultural producers, promotion of Valea Buzaului LAG, Mr Dragomir with other three LAGs: Ecoul traditional products in the territories Eusebiu Florin. Campiei Buzaului LAG, Drumul of partner LAGs, participation in Vinului LAG and Colinele Buzaului mutual fairs for marketing Contact data of Valea Buzaului LAG: LAG. A second cooperation project agricultural products, establishing a Dragomir Eusebiu Florin we implement with two LAGs from favourable framework for the Mobile: 0784 286202 Cluj County – Campia Transilvaniei conclusion of collaboration E-mail: [email protected] and Somesul Transilvan, the project agreements» ”, said the project Website: www.galvaleabuzaului.ro called «The joy of fruits and manager, Mr Mircica Constantin. vegetables. The cooperation projects

45 Rural Romania – No. 17

„Microregiunea Dambovita Sud-Vest” Local Action Group: most of the available funds were assigned for the settlement of the young farmers

„Microregiunea Dambovita Sud- Within 2013-2015 period, amount 94,210 Euro; Vest” is an entity which represents Microregiunea Dambovita Sud-Vest • Measure 413.322 „ Village a public-private partnership and LAG has organized six sessions for renovation and development, includes 11 communes and one city the submittal of projects for the improvement of the basic services from Dambovita County and one measures contained in the local for rural economy and population commune from Teleorman County, development strategy. The sixth and valorisation of cultural legacy” having a total of 69,837 inhabitants. session concluded on January 23rd, – assigned amount 561,247 Euro; The administrative-territorial units 2015, the submitted projects being • Measure 421 „Implementation of are: Gaesti, Dragodana, Gura Sutii, in the process of evaluation. cooperation projects” – assigned Lucieni, Matasaru, Mogosani, amount 5,000 Euro. Nucet, Persinari, Petresti, The measures launched until now Produlesti, UNliesti and Vacaresti and their afferent allocations are: As a result of the first five sessions, from Dambovita County and • Measure 411.112 „Settlement of 46 projects were contracted, the Sarbeni from Teleorman County. young farmers” – assigned amount highest number being scored under 1,198,000 Euro; the measure dedicated to the Based on the Local Development • Measure 413.312 „Support for the settlement of young farmers (32 Plan, Microregiunea Dambovita establishment and development of projects). The following were also Sud-Vest LAG has available microenterprises” – assigned considered: a project – measure 2,572,600 Euro, until now, projects amount 414,143 Euro; 413.313, four projects measure in amount of 2,217,490 Euro being • Measure 413.313 „Encouragement 413.312 and opt projects measure contracted. of tourist activities” – assigned 413,322. All contracted projects are

46 still in the implementation phase.

LAG also evaluates three projects for the settlement of the young farmers, these projects being subject to selection.

For the implementation of the strategy, LAG has organized numerous territory promotion and population events, presenting the current support possibilities, and it has scored a high degree of interest among participants.

Motto: “Constant effort of those who have the power to decide, a long term strategy and especially involvement and the will to change in better the life of the inhabitants from the region are necessary for the development of a region .”

The promotion and support of traditional culture and local customs from the territory of Microregiunea Dambovita Sud-Vest LAG are also the general objective of inter-territorial cooperation project submitted under Measure 421 (currently in evaluation process at AFIR). Some of the methods of meeting the aforementioned general objective are:

• Identification of cultural patrimony elements from the partner LAG territories (Dealurile Sultanului Local Action Group Impressions of beneficiaries of the seemed to be very open and willing Association, Rascaieti-Visina-Selaru measure dedicated to the settlement to help the people from the area .” Local Action Group Association, of young farmers: Dobra-Baleni Local Action Group • Necula Liviu, Sarbeni, Teleorman Association and Microregiunea Lazar Florin, from Petresti: “ LAG County: „ I am very happy that I Dambovita Sud-Vest Local Action team is 24/7 at our disposal and it had the opportunity to meet these Group Association); helped us a lot to submit the people and that this Local Action • Creation of an exhibition network projects and solve various Group also cover the commune in of cultural itinerary type, which to problems which we had to face. I which I live. Due to these facilities, reflect the local identity in each of was invited and participated in the I have succeeded in accessing the partner LAG territories; meetings organized by European funds, which, at first, • Development of an common Microregiunea Dambovita Sud- scared me and made me lose informational application, on Vest LAG during which possibilities confidence. I thank everybody! ” mobile telephone and internet, of support, issues faced by other about the local patrimony in each of beneficiaries like us and also Contact data of Microregiunea the partner LAG territories; solutions for the issues were Dambovita Sud-Vest LAG: • Participation in a festival with the presented .” 88 Vladimir Streinu Street, Gaesti, folkloric ensembles from the areas Dambovita County represented by the partner LAG; • Dragnea Mihaela, Gaesti: „ I found Tel: 0245/710236 • Dissemination of information with out about this Local Action Group E-mail: regard to the local identity elements from the information campaigns [email protected] through a local common periodical. organized by LAG employees. They www.galdbsv.ro

47 Rural Romania – No. 17

News from the MARD

The New Common Agricultural Policy discussed at Brussels A delegation of the Ministry of Programme (PNDR). quantities which benefit of support to Agriculture and Rural Development be marketed on third markets and not headed by the Minister Daniel Another subject of interest was the 1st on the European market. Constantin has participated on Pillar – direct payments, and the January 26th, at Brussels, at a discussions also considered the Also, another important meeting Reunion of the Council of the effects of the embargo imposed by attended by the president of the European Union for Agriculture and Russia with regard to the imports of National Sanitary-Veterinary and Fishing. The delegation of the agri-food products on the community Food Safety Authority (ANSVSA) was Ministry of Agriculture and Rural market, the Romanian delegation that in which the delegation of the Development met with Phil Hogan, underlining the difficulties faced by Ministry of Agriculture and Rural the European Commissioner for the pork and dairy product sectors. Development discussed with Vytenis Agriculture and Rural Development, The officials of the Ministry of Andriukaitis, the European and the theme of the discussions was Agriculture and Rural Development Commissioner for Health and Food the new Common Agricultural Policy supported the implementation of an Safety, with regard to the relevant (PAC) with emphasis on the approval aid scheme for the storage of aspects from plant protection and by the Commission of the new merchandise which did not reach the sanitary-veterinary fields. National Rural Development market of the Russian Federation, the MARD has borrowed money for the payment of the national transitory aids for the vegetal sector Upon the request of APIA (Agency for Ministry of Agriculture and Rural December 30th, 2015, from the funds Payments in Agriculture), the amount of Development until the end of 2015 shall reimbursed by the European Commission 3,700,000 thousand Lei shall be be used to pay the difference per area based on the provided cost statements. transferred to the Ministry of Agriculture (SAPS), afferent to 2014 campaign, to the and Rural Development by the Minister of beneficiaries of this scheme. Also, until the end of January, 2015, a Public Finances, according to a regulatory act shall be promoted in order Government Decision adopted on the 7th The level of the national transitory aids for to regulate the award of the national of January, as a loan from privatisation the vegetal sector was approved under the transition aid (TNA) for zootechnical income. The money which shall be Government Decision of December 30th, sector, for bovines, ovine and goats, and it transferred into the accounts of the 2014. The amount shall be returned until shall be paid during February, 2015.

48 Calendar of thematic meetings The Thematic Working Groups of tourism in rural area): February 9th- development of family farms, rural National Rural Development Network 10th – Bucharest; February 12th-13th – entrepreneurship, young people in rural had several meetings during February in Brasov; February 19th-20th – Piatra area): February 12th-13th – Bucharest, different areas of the country as follows: Neamt; February 16th-17th – Iasi, February - TWG 1 (Cooperation, innovation and - TWG 4 (Market of agri-food products, 24th-25th – Timisoara, February 26th- transfer of knowledge in the new quality, promotion, marketing and 27th – Craiova; programming period of the National communication): February 2nd-3rd – - TWG 7 (Mountain area, environment Rural Development Programme): Iasi, February 11th-12th – Focsani, and climate): February 16th-17th – February 2nd-3rd – Craiova, February February 16th-17th – Craiova, February Piatra Neamt, February 19th-20th – 9th-10th – Timisoara, February 16th- 18th-19th – Timisoara; Focsani, February 23rd-24th – Horezu, 17th – Galati; February 23rd-24th – Iasi; - TWG 5 (Support for the February 26th-27th – Deva; - TWG 2 (Association, cooperation and encouragement and development of - TWG 8 (Immaterial cultural patrimony agricultural chambers): February 4th – ecological agriculture – good practices): and etnocultural identity of Romanian Iasi, February 5th-6th – Focsani, February 2nd-3rd – Craiova, February people): February 11th-12th – Focșani, February 24th-25th – Timisoara, 9th-10th – Timisoara, February 16th- February 17th-18th – Iasi, February February 26th-27th – Craiova; 17th – Galati, February 23rd-24th – Iasi; 24th-25th – Bucharest; February 26th- - TWG (Promotion of sustainable - TWG 6 (Encouragement and 27th – Targu-Jiu;

Modifications in the methodology of contracting funds under Measure 141

In order to avoid possible delays in manual to this measure. Investments (OJFIR), where it shall the analysis of the payment be analysed by the experts. applications and the necessity to In accordance with the new comply with the procedural terms for regulations, the beneficiaries of Measure 141 is focused on the the submittal of the payment Measure 141 – “Support provided to increase of the volume of production applications specific to Measure 141, subsistence agricultural farms” shall intended to be marketed, having as the Agency for Financing Rural submit the Notification with regard to objective the economic viability of Investments (AFIR) has modified and the modification of the business plan subsistence farms and also the consolidated the methodology together with the File of the Payment diversification of production. specific to contracting European Application at the headquarters of the funds by adapting the contracting County Office for Financing Rural

RNDR training sessions The National Rural Development The 2nd Module of the training session, management abilities” took place. Network has organized in February, the North-Easter region, with the theme There was discussed about the 2015, several sessions of training for the “Evaluation and monitoring” took place importance and essence of the Local Action Groups. Thus, from at the headquarters of the University of leadership, the portrait of a leader was February 9th until February 13th, the Agronomic Sciences and Veterinary sketched and it was attempted to 1st Module of the Training Session, the Medicine from Iasi. What are describe future leaders. Southern region of Muntenia, with the monitoring and evaluation, why and theme “Drawing up and developing when do I need them, by whom and for With regard to the 5th Module of the local development strategies”, took how long they are carried out, were few training session, the South-Eastern place at Targoviste. The structure of this of the questions for which the best region, it took place from February 9th module has three main sections answers were searched. until February 13th, at Sarata regarding the territory, the partnership Monteoru, its theme being “Public and the strategy, sections which Within the same period, at the procurements” with what this complex integrate and support each other. Thus, headquarters of the University of product implies from the viewpoint of there was discussed the definition of Agronomic Sciences and Veterinary the contracting authorities and of the LEADER territory at national level, Medicine from Cluj, the 4th Module of economic operators or of the control creation of local partnerships and the training session, the North-Western and regulation authorities. development of efficient strategies. region, with the theme “Leadership and

49 Rural Romania – No. 17

Introduction of the National Rural Development Network members

“V ASILE ADAMACHI ” A GRICULTURE AND FOOD INDUSTRY COLLEGE – A REFERENCE AGRICULTURAL SCHOOL

A place of convergence of accomplishments, spiritual in 2014 by winning the project “Trades for Romania” beauty, harmony and collegiality … this school from in amount of 97,000 Lei, cafeteria, dormitories, club Dealul Copoului from Iasi, “Vasile Adamachi” for educative and extracurricular activities, laundry Agriculture and Food Industry College, is a significant room, two locksmith’s shops, one Dacia Logan car part of vocational and personality experiences and used by students to obtain the driving license, transformations for all the students, teachers and category B, modern video monitoring system, two personnel who serve with professionalism and tractors etc. dedication. The specializations obtained by the students are: Our institution provides vocational education and -ecological agriculture technician; training services to students and adults for the -ecological and environment protection technician; purpose of training capable technicians on how to use -economic activity technician; advanced technologies in their fields of activity, by -banqueting technician; stimulating the development of social and -food product test technician; professional skills and career, development of -mechanic; creativity and entrepreneurial spirit, the capacity to -horticulturist; undertake responsibilities and also the flexibility and -baker – farinaceous product maker; capacity to communicate and adapt to social -agri-food product quality control technician. conditions necessary to integrate on the labour market. “Vasile Adamachi” Agriculture and Food Industry College is a place from heaven where in spring you We were awarded the title of “European School” in feel that you reborn together with nature, in summer 2009. We are the promoters of five European projects you admire the freshly reaped grass, in autumn you within 2007-2014 period. We have a prestige at are enticed by the sweetness of the grapes and in community level. winter you are overwhelmed by the first snowflakes which quietly are laying down on the trees of life from The modern equipment complies with the the alleys. This is the place where, year after year, requirements for meeting the personal needs of the generations of students are transformed into true young people and adults from the occupational area people. of Iasi, providing training at the level of the quality We are waiting for you at our school! standards. We are the landlords of 9.59 ha of land of “Vasile Adamachi” Agriculture and Food Industry which 4155.67m² are constructions and the rest is the College didactical agricultural farm of the school (with apple trees, vine, ecological boxthorn, vegetable garden, „VASILE ADAMACHI” AGRICULTURE AND FOOD arboretum etc.). INDUSTRY COLLEGE FROM IASI, 41 Mihail Sadoveanu Street. The current material base of the school includes 27 Tel/Fax: 0332402577 classrooms located in four buildings, three computer Email: [email protected] networks, SMART board, phonetics laboratory, food Web-site: http://www.colegiuladamachi.ro industry laboratory equipped at European standards

50 “T ARA BARSEI ” A GRICULTURE AND FOOD INDUSTRY COLLEGE

“Tara Barsei” Agriculture and Food Industry College amended and supplemented /2005 is located in Prejmer Commune, at 17 km from -field of agriculture – mountain agri-tourism activity Brasov, providing training to young people from the technician – OMECTS 4904/2012 locality and the neighbourhood. -field of food industry – agri-food product quality control technician – OMEC 5770/2006 The vocational training offer is adapted to the structural changes primarily marked by the industry The school is authorized as vocational training in the process of restructuration, in parallel with the provider for adults. increase of the share of services, food industry and agriculture. The qualifications for which our school Material resources provides training are in fields in which the coverage is insufficient as compared to the needs of the The material base of the school consists in six community. The education plan includes all the buildings with 12 classrooms, seven laboratories, training levels through technological high-school, three cabinets, gymnasium, library, small didactical full-time and part-time courses, vocational school farm, cafeteria, kitchen, laundry room, 12 bedrooms, and post-secondary school. thermal power stations. Modernization of material base, the equipment of laboratories and practical Technological high-school training shops is provided under PHARE financing obtained by the school based on the modernization High-school and vocational – accredited under the programme financed by MECT and on funds from the Government Emergency Ordinance no. 75/2005, Local Council of Prejmer. Rehabilitation works were approved with supplementations and amendments executed for the school buildings and the buildings under the Law no. 87/2006, as subsequently from the didactical farm – namely, the veterinary amended and supplemented. pathology laboratories and horticulture and artisanal shops. The school has an informatics cabinet, a Department of natural resources and environment multimedia cabinet and CDI connected to the protection: internet and computers, laptops and video projectors - field: agriculture – level 3 – veterinary technician used in the study process and by the secretary, - field: agriculture – level 3 – agri-tourism technician administration and accounting services. - field: agriculture – level 2 – agri-tourism worker - field: food industry – level 3 – food product test The school plays an active role in the local technician community, being permanently involved in its - field: food industry – level 3 – food industry development by concluding partnerships for technician vocational training of the adults, identifying new - field: food industry – level 2– meat and fish product fields of activity related to agriculture and training of maker the workforce for these fields.

Department of services: A constant preoccupation of the school is to develop - field: commerce - level 3 – commerce activity partnerships by implementing FSE, Leonardo da Vici, technician Erasmus+ projects. - field: commerce - level 2 – seller Contact data: Technical department: “Tara Barsei” Agriculture and Food Industry College - field: mechanics – level 2 – agricultural mechanics 160A Brasovului Street, Prejmer, Brasov County Post-secondary education - accredited under the Tel.0268362480 Government Emergency Ordinance no. 75/2005, E-mail: [email protected] approved with supplementations and amendments Web: http://www.freewebs.com/colegiultarabarsei under the Law no. 87/2006, as subsequently

51 52 We invite you to participate in the Elaboration of the Magazine

Do you want to share from your rural development experiences for a possible publication in the magazine?

Photos and images Participation • The images must illustrate an experience. Guide

These indications are for orientation, for • The images will be sent as separate electronic files (high resolu - the homogenization of the contributions. tion >300 dpi and > 850 KB). The authors understand that the editorial staff may amend the received text, for better comprehension. • All the files containing images will be sent in.JPEG format.

• Author : He/she must be identified by • We are asking you to include a short title for each sent photo surname, first name and current occupa - tion. /image, as well as the photographer’s /author’s name.

• Introduction : A short introduction must be included to reveal the relevance of the presented topic. Letters to the Editorial Staff

• Article length: 400 – 800 words • The letters must be related to a rural development theme and not exceed 200 • Correct information : Present only words. information that you are 100% sure of and that you can support. Mention the source • The editors may intervene on the text, in of the information when you present data order to adjust it to the necessary style, coming from other institutions or organi - length, clarity and accuracy and does not zations. guarantee that all the letters will be pub- • Style : Speaking of a magazine article, it lished. is desirable for the text not to resemble a • When space is insufficient, the letters report. That is why, the following are indicated: which are not published in the magazine » Simple expression. can be published on the website of NRDN. » Relevant data to support the main idea of the article, and not all the details of the project. » Avoidance of the excess of acronyms. » The full denomination, followed by the acronym, must be inserted when it We invite you to send us your experiences, appears in the text for the first time. » Avoidance of comments and external photos, letters and articles at the e-mail references which may be controversial or misunderstood. address: [email protected] OPEN TO THE FUTURE

Roots of an European country

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

is publication was created by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development of Romania, within the project entitled “Establishment and Support of the National Rural Development Network”. Project co-€nanced by FEADR by Measure 511 within the 2007 – 2013 National Rural Development Programme.

February 2015 e content of this material does not necessarily represent the ocial position of the European Union. It is distributed free of charge.