Baza danych projektów PROW
Purchase of Agricultural Machinery for Sorting and Preparing Potatoes
Summary
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
Background
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.
Objective
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.
Main activities
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.
Results & Benefits
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.
Lessons learnt
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.
Project location and other information
Samokov, Rila mountain, South-west Bulgaria
Region
Sofia (stolitsa)
RDP Territory
Bulgaria
Total project cost (€)
109 863
Contact name
Ventsislav Kaimakanov
Telephone
+359 888 624705, fax +359 712 43012
Languages for contact
Bulgarian
At a glance
Country
Bulgaria
Final beneficiary type
Individual farmers
Budget range
€100 000 - €500 000
Start date:
01/11/2009
End Date:
30/11/2010
Theme / Measure:
Competitiveness of Agriculture & Forestry
Restructuring, developing physical potential, and promoting innovation
121. Modernisation of agricultural holdings
Keywords:
Agricultural product quality, Information technology, Machinery, Vegetable, Mountain area
Last update
12/02/2012