Baza danych projektów PROW

This project is a typical example of the use of measure 121 (Modernisation of agricultural holdings) to improve product quality and the competitiveness of a family farm in Bulgaria

Ventsislav Kaymakanov has over 10 years experience as a potato grower in the mountainous region of south-west Bulgaria. He currently cultivates 15 ha of potatoes as part of a family business and sells all of his harvested output on the domestic market for fresh consumption. As much as possible Mr Kaymakanov aims to increase his market share using modern, high quality machinery and equipment, combined with improved product marketing.

The company grows all its potatoes in accordance with good agricultural practice, requirements on work safety, and environmental legislation, to ensure the quality and safety of the potatoes. The project goal is to mechanise the processes of sorting and preparing the potatoes for sale, closing the production cycle and therefore improving the final product.

The main activities of the project consist of purchasing and installing new equipment on the farm for the calibration and sorting of harvested potatoes. A new potato packing unit is also included.

Implementation of the project will: a) assist the owner in his efforts to add value to his product and to achieve a competitive position in the domestic market for fresh potatoes; b) significantly increase the efficiency of potato production on the farm; c) help improve product quality and achieve the 'look' of the product sought by wholesalers and final customers, and; d) play a key role in ensuring the success of the short- and medium-term strategy of the company.

Investment in new equipment and technologies is an important part of improving the competitiveness of staple agricultural products such as potatoes. In this case, the EAFRD funded project aims to fully mechanise the calibratation and sorting of the harvested potatoes in order to improve the 'look" of the final product demanded by wholesalers and consumers.

Samokov, Rila mountain, South-west Bulgaria

Sofia (stolitsa)

Bulgaria

109 863

Ventsislav Kaimakanov

vk.vk@abv.bg

+359 888 624705, fax +359 712 43012

Bulgarian