RDP project database

24 year old Leonard-Alin Plesea decided to continue the vegetable farming tradition of his family. This project enabled the purchase of the equipment he needed to develop his farm and ensure its survival.

Leonard-Alin Plesea is a young farmer from the Jirlau Commune, famous across the country for its bountiful vegetable production. Eager to continue his family’s traditions, he attended a vegetable farming course and acquired practical experience at his family’s farm. In 2009 he leased 4 hectares of agricultural land from his grandmother to set up his own farm. Previously, Leonard was part of the EU PHARE (Entrepreneurship and employment in rural areas) project target group and thus learnt about funding opportunities available through the National Rural Development Programme (NRDP).

The main objective of this project was to facilitate Leonard-Alin Plesea’s ambitions of setting up his own vegetable farm, helping him to generate income and to make the farm competitive in the market.

In order to achieve the objective, the main activities of the project consisted of the acquisition of new machinery to maximise the potential of the farm. A modern tractor with a cutter and reversible plough was bought and a sprinkler system was installed. The horticultural crops grown were also diversified, to include peppers, cabbage, bell peppers, red capia peppers and cauliflower.

The project was a success as Leonard has been able to develop and diversify his farm's production. In addition, the project has had a positive impact on the local community with the creation of a number of seasonal jobs.

Some of the younger generation do want to continue family traditions. This example has shown that, although establishing a farm is expensive, even a relatively small amount of monetary support can make 'all the difference'. This support can ensure the survival of the new farm and provide benefits to the local community through job creation and - it is hoped - reducing the likelihood of young people leaving the region.

Jirlau Commune, Braila County.

Sud-Est

Romania

16 000

12 800

3 200

Leonard Alin Plesea

+40 726040705

English, Romanian