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Farmers professionalisation

Professionalising Small-scale farming

As part of our ongoing commitment to strengthening rural economies and local food systems, HCC initiated, wrote, and implemented a Local Action Group (LAG)–funded project aimed at enhancing the professional skills and competitiveness of small farmers in the Ținutul Bârsei region (Brașov County).


Role

  • Project Design and Funding Application: HCC conceived and authored the project proposal, securing LAG funding under the local development strategy. The project aligned with the priorities of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) by addressing knowledge gaps, supporting access to quality schemes, and fostering local value chains.

  • Implementation and Coordination: Between June 2023 and May 2024, HCC managed all stages of the project, from stakeholder mapping and farmer engagement to training, communication, and reporting. The project team coordinated with local authorities, the Agency for Mountain Areas (ANZM), and the Ținutul Bârsei LAG to deliver targeted interventions for small-scale producers.

  • Capacity Building and Training: HCC organised two rounds of training and information sessions across more than a dozen rural municipalities, reaching over 50 local producers and administrative representatives. The workshops covered:

    • Fiscal and administrative management of small farms
    • Marketing, communication, and branding of local products
    • Conditions for processing and food safety (DSV standards)
    • Short supply chains and producer cooperation
    • Certification and labelling under EU quality schemes, especially 'Mountain Product'

  • Advisory and Certification Support: Following the training sessions, HCC prepared three complete candidate dossiers for certification under the Mountain Product label, directly assisting local farmers in accessing added value and better market visibility.

  • Knowledge Tools and Materials: HCC developed and distributed practical materials including:

    • A Guide for Small Producers
    • An informative handbook on fiscal frameworks, marketing, and short supply chains
    • Survey instruments and producer profiles to map local needs and certification readiness

     

Expertise Demonstrated

  • Rural Development and Agricultural Policy Implementation: HCC demonstrated an in-depth understanding of CAP instruments, mountain product schemes, and LAG procedures, bridging European frameworks with local realities.

  • Farmer Engagement and Participatory Learning: The project reflected HCC’s strong capacity to animate and motivate small producers, translating complex regulatory and fiscal concepts into practical, easy-to-apply guidance.

  • Quality Schemes and Value Chain Development: By facilitating access to certification and short value chains, HCC contributed to improving the market positioning of local producers and to the promotion of sustainable, high-quality regional products.

  • Project Management and Reporting: HCC ensured full compliance with LAG and OJFIR (Regional Rural Development Office) procedures, delivering both interim and final reports with detailed activity documentation, impact evaluation, and financial accountability.

    Highclere Consulting designed and implemented a LAG-funded project in the Ținutul Bârsei region to professionalise small farmers and increase their competitiveness. Through targeted training sessions, advisory work, and certification support, HCC empowered local producers to access quality schemes such as Produs Montan, strengthen their business and marketing skills, and better connect to local and regional markets. Combining its expertise in rural facilitation, EU agricultural policy, and producer engagement, HCC played a key role in fostering a more resilient and professional small-scale farming community in Brașov County.