RDP project database
Adding Value to Whey Products in Poland
Summary
This project helped a rural dairy business in Poland develop the capacity for converting a by-product (whey) into a commercial product, and in doing so has improved the business competitiveness plus reduced waste management demands.
Background
The EU’s dairy sector is experiencing transitional pressures following the sector’s shift in approach to milk quota support. Dairy businesses can assist this transition by using RDP support available for improving productivity, diversifying into alternative ventures including introducing new products or adding value to existing dairy produce.
Objective
This project aimed to help a Polish rural business develop its capacity for converting a by-product of dairy processing (whey) into a commercial product. The overall objective focused on improving the competitiveness of the business which would have positive knock-on benefits for the rural economy.
Main activities
The project co-financed the purchase, installation and running of new equipment to produce whey of a quality that meets EU standards. The new equipment and processing facilities use a membrane thickening system which has a capacity of 15m3/hour. It also includes apparatus for reverse osmosis water purification plus a two-track station for chemical cleaning of whey.
Results & Benefits
The project established and safeguards hygiene and sanitary conditions for the whey production process. The quality whey provides a new income source for the rural businesses and saves waste management costs associated with the previous practice of discarding the low quality whey. These factors contribute to improving the competitiveness of this business, the local dairy sector and rural economy. This reuse of a by-product in turn also creates environmental benefits.
Lessons learnt
RDPs can help rural businesses and communities identify and implement actions for converting waste management problems into added value economic development opportunities.
Project location and other information
Mazowieckie voivodship, Sokołow county, municipality of Kosów Lacki
Region
Mazowieckie
RDP Territory
Poland
Total project cost (€)
570 145
EAFRD contribution (€)
87 624
National contribution (€)
29 208
Project website
Contact name
OSM Kosów Lacki, 2 Parkowa Street 08-330 Kosów Lacki
Telephone
+48257879088
Languages for contact
Polish
At a glance
Country
Poland
Final beneficiary type
Individual farmers, Producer groups, Public/local authorities, Other
Budget range
> €500 000
Start date:
01/01/2010
Theme / Measure:
Competitiveness of Agriculture & Forestry
Promoting knowledge and improving human potential
111. Vocational training and information actions
Keywords:
Added-value, Innovation, Dairy sector, Modernisation, Environmental management
Last update
07/06/2011