RDP project database

This training project, implemented in 6 out of the 28 Bulgarian regional districts, contributed to enhancing the knowledge and increasing the capacity of berry farmers in terms of implementation of good and sustainable agricultural practices.

The NGO “ICAR”, experienced in organising and delivering trainings, informative seminars and conferences for small agricultural producers, planned and implemented a training programme to improve the capacities of berry farmers to implement good and sustainable agricultural practices, respectful of the environment. The training also included practices envisaged in the agri-environmental measures, such as organic and integrated agriculture.

The scope of the project was to organise training activities for small berry producers to improve their capacity to respect good and sustainable agricultural practices. Main topics targeted were: EU agri-environment standards and requirements; requirements for sustainable use of natural resources; technological specifications and requirements for organic production of berries; organic legislation in Bulgaria; good practices and technology for the organic production of berries.

The main activities implemented by the project promoter were: definition of the training programme based on the needs expressed by berry producers; organising and implementing an information campaign about the training opportunities offered; organising and delivering the training sessions based on the use of interactive methodology; preparation and dissemination of informative material to participants of the training sessions.

Four main training sessions were organised for a total of 73 participants, including farmers and agricultural workers. Particularly useful elements of the training included: current trends in the fields of growing and marketing berries; implementation of agri-environment measure; sustainable use of natural resources. The interactive methodology used for delivering the training was particularly appreciated by participants, because it enabled them to be actively involved in the learning process.

The outcomes of the training showed that the active involvement of participants in the learning process is a particularly useful element of delivering effective training. The training was an important occasion for participants to share experiences, discuss issues and possible solutions related to the cultivation of berries. Finally, the selection of the training topics based on the real needs of farmers was an important factor of the success of the programme.

Farmers in the regions Lovech, Pleven, Vratza, Ruse, Razgrad and Sofia were the target group of the project.

Lovech

Bulgaria

6 932

5 546

1 386

Sneza Karamisheva

ikar.lovech@yahoo.de

+359 68586286

German, Bulgarian