Baza danych projektów PROW
Production of wood chips
Summary
The Latvian RDP allowed the Bogdani farm to diversify its source of income by supporting the purchase of a wood chip shredder. This new activity also helped to recuperate arable land by removing an excess of bushes on the farm territory.
Background
The Bogdani farm grows grain crops and rape on some 122 ha of agricultural land and it also manages 58 ha of forest. Some areas of the land, and in the region at large, have been taken over by bushes. The up-side of this is that the farm had an opportunity to meet the increasing demand from local boiler houses for wood chips. So the Bogdani farm launched the production of wood chips as an alternative source of income to supplement its non-agricultural business activities in the rural area.
Objective
The project aimed to diversify the farm’s business through the purchase and use of a chip shredder. This would develop non-agricultural entrepreneurship and generate an alternative source of income for the farm.
Main activities
The main activity undertaken included the purchase of a chip shredder for making wood chips.
Results & Benefits
The business has generated an alternative income and increased overall sales. Local people benefit from a local source of fuel with cheaper and more flexible supplies, which facilitate energy production during winter.
Lessons learnt
Diversification means better risk management as the company benefits from various sources of income. And, as a spin-off of the business activity, the surface of arable land available has increased.
Project location and other information
Mārtiņi, Vecumnieki municipality, Zemgale, Latvia
Region
Zemgale
RDP Territory
Latvia
Total project cost (€)
17 544
EAFRD contribution (€)
5 947
Private contribution (€)
11 597
Contact name
Zigmunts Alekšūns
Telephone
+371 29 330 743
Languages for contact
Latvian
At a glance
Country
Latvia
Final beneficiary type
Individual farmers, Other
Budget range
< €20 000
Start date:
10/08/2009
End Date:
10/10/2009
Theme / Measure:
Rural Quality of Life & Economic Diversification
Rural economic diversification
311. Diversification into non-agricultural activities
Keywords:
Business planning, Wood, Farm diversification, Wood product
Last update
02/03/2012