Specific Objectives:

• To advise a number of 80 small producers and farmers in Dealurile Târnavelor LAG area in order for them to adhere to an associative form;

• To establish at least one associative form as a legal entity (agricultural cooperative enterprise/ agricultural cooperative/ group of producers) in the Dealurile Târnavelor area and to develop it by elaborating a business/ marketing plan.

General description of the project:

ADEPT Transilvania Foundation aims to implement an integrated project to establish and develop a functional associative form of farmers and small producers and/or local processors, including those who besides primary production or processing, are involved in tourism activities.

The need for such a project became obvious as the results of the diagnostic analysis and other studies undertaken in the Târnava Mare area indicated that the priority development areas are agriculture, tourism and forestry. This conclusion was reinforced by the fact that many local farmers of the targeted area are part of associative forms but have no direct involvement in its functioning, do not produce or market their products through it. They become members of such associative forms mearely to have access to the direct surface payments or to get extra points in various projects financed through The National Rural Development Plan. No other associative forms were established or are not functional as the regulations are not clear to those interested.

Another aspect encountered in the Dealurile Târnavelor LAG area, but also on a wider scale, on a national level, is the mutual distrust of farmers, local producers or tourism agents. These aspects are consequences of the communism and the slow transition period that followed, so people are reluctant to undertaking group activities, projects or joint actions. The power of example is the only solution that can generate ideas and empower people. Therefore, with the support, involvement and expertise of some outside specialists, together with good practices exchange visits, the project will increase the cooperation and association chances between local actors. By promoting the cooperation at the local level, the development of networks and various associative forms, we will have a direct impact on the local economy on a long term.

Given the globalisation phenomena, where compatition is extremly high, there is a need to support the establishment and functioning of associative structures as marketing of common products and negotiation of better prices for producers is a desiderate, including access the EU and Romanian quality schemes and creation of a common brand for agricultural and food products, which, once established, can consolidate the market position of small, local producers and farmers through associative forms. The hereby project creates this opportunity through: establishment and support of an associative form by designing a Business Plan, Marketing studies and offering support for those willing to grow.

Concerning the tourism in the Dealurile Tarnavelor LAG teritorry, its quality is directly dependent by the manner in which the local resources are capitalised. Thus, all the prioritary local development areas identified in the project area are proven to be complementary and can support each other. Therefore, the collaborative approach between the small operators of each of the three areas (agriculture, forestry, tourism) is vital for the development of each individual sector and for the economic development of the area as a whole. The project, through the associative form to be created, will generate new networks that will develop and promote the activities that bring value to the agro part of the rural guesthouses or new activities that add value in a sustainable manner to the biodiversity of the area.

The local producers need advisory services that lead to an increased quality of the whole production, processing, selling and marketing of local products, development of cooperation and innovation, farm development, adaptivity to the market standards and demands, market orientation, creation of associative forms, promoting of entrepreneurship and diversification of the farm activities and innovation.