RDP project database
Improving the Productivity of Small Farms through the Provision of Agricultural Machinery
Summary
Through the purchase and use of high-performance machinery, the company Agro Ramian has become a supplier of agricultural services in the local area. Thus filling a gap in the market and improving the productivity of a significant number of farms.
Background
The business is owned by a family which has been involved in cereal cultivation since 1996. Their income prior to the implementation of the project came exclusively from crop production and grants. The son of the family, who is an alumnus of the Agronomic Institute of Bucharest, had the idea to diversify the family's agricultural activities by supplying agricultural services. As a result, the company Agro Ramian was established in 2009 to supply agricultural mechanization services in the Daia Commune and in the neighbouring areas.
Objective
The objective of the project was to support the creation and development of a micro-enterprise, which would specialise in the provision of agricultural services to local producers.
Main activities
With the funds granted through the RDP, the main activity was the purchase of agricultural machinery. This included: a cropper, a rape harvesting adapter, a plough, a tractor, a disc harrow and a front charger. An additional activity was the training of the company’s employees. The training course was a mechanical operators course organised by the County Office for Agricultural Consultancy.
Results & Benefits
As a result of the equipment purchased and the enhanced skills of the farm’s workers, agricultural services are supplied to other farms. The family’s income has increased by approximately 35%. Agricultural services have been delivered more efficiently, at a lower price and of a higher quality than that of any direct competition. Eight new jobs have been created. An additional benefit has been the use of the machinery on behalf of the community for snow removal during the winter months.
Lessons learnt
This project demonstrates that modern technology is not incompatible with small scale farming. It can have a major, positive impact on many farms in a local area, though in order to afford it funding needs to be supplied. A successful project is also motivation for further initiatives. In this case the director of the company and initiator of the project has said, “In the future, we wish to diversify our activity and continue to invest in modern technology".
Project location and other information
Daia Commune, Giurgiu County.
Region
Sud Muntenia
RDP Territory
Romania
Total project cost (€)
340 000
EAFRD contribution (€)
159 394
National contribution (€)
39 848
Private contribution (€)
140 758
Project website
Contact name
Anghel Florian Pavel
Telephone
+40 732553588; +40 724313003; +40 768427008
Languages for contact
English, Romanian
At a glance
Country
Romania
Final beneficiary type
Other
Budget range
€100 000 - €500 000
Start date:
01/07/2010
End Date:
31/12/2012
Theme / Measure:
Rural Quality of Life & Economic Diversification
Rural economic diversification
312. Support for business creation and development
Keywords:
Agricultural method, Cereals, Machinery, Modernisation, Farm diversification
Last update
19/06/2014