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WV Romania bridges information gap to secure livelihoods of rural farmers

29 Oct 2007 08:41:38 GMT
Source: World Vision Middle East/Eastern Europe office (MEERO)

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A Romanian family stands proudly in their new greenhouse. With help from World Vision, they are confident they will have the necessary knowledge and tools to grow their agricultural business.
World Vision MEERO, http://meero.worldvision.org

Some 250 farmers in Romania's rural communities are gaining the essential information they need to maintain their livelihoods by complying with European Union (EU) regulations. World Vision is bridging the information gap, enabling farmers to market their agricultural products in Romania and other EU countries, and avoid suffering a penalty or having their farms closed as a result of violating EU regulations.

'Selling my products is a matter of survival - my family depends on it. So, it is very important to comply with EU regulations. World Vision's agricultural report has helped me to do this and continue my business successfully,' said Mihai Scheuleac, a farmer from Cobadin community.

'By providing farmers with the necessary information, World Vision has become the connection between the government and the farmers, helping farmers to continue and prosper in their businesses,' said Loredana Giuglea, manager of World Vision Romania's Constanta Area Development Program.

A significant percentage of Romanians earn their livings as farmers, as almost half the country's population lives in rural areas. It is essential that these farmers receive information on how to comply with EU regulations to ensure they can continue to earn a living as agriculturalists. In rural Romania, countless families depend on their agriculture to survive.

World Vision is providing farmers with a report that includes information on a variety of EU regulations, such as hygiene where agricultural products are stored, and transportation and freshness of vegetables.

The report also includes information to protect and develop farmers' businesses, such as material on insuring crops, securing a loan, and prices of agricultural equipment.

World Vision compiled the report in partnership with consultancy firm Nicos & Co S.R.L. after interviewing farmers in the rural communities of Cobadin, Corbu and Cumpana, some 200 – 250 km outside of Bucharest.

The interviews revealed that 61 percent of farmers were unaware that the EU had farming regulations.

'Speaking with people from rural communities, we realized that they did not hear about the EU regulations concerning agricultural technology and equipment,' said Veronica Carmocan, a World Vision Romania marketing specialist.

'We also learned they lack information regarding agricultural activities such as cropping, animal breeding, bee-keeping, and maintaining a vineyard,' she said.

'I don't know how to insure my crop and how to get a loan for improving my business. As farmers from the small community of Cobadin, we don't have access to a bank. We need some advice, but we cannot afford professional guidance,' said Stefan Tudorache.

While many farmers are interested in obtaining the information they need to improve their agriculture, less than nine percent can afford the services of a consultant. Most farmers rely on information from media, neighbors, friends and the Town Hall engineer, though some City Halls do not have updated information on EU legislation.

Still, farmers are optimistic about the future of their agricultural businesses as a result of Romania recently joining the EU, and are eager to comply with EU regulations.

Romania became a member state of the EU in January 2007.

[ Any views expressed in this article are those of the writer and not of Reuters. ]

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Last updated:Mon Oct 29 20:03:33 2007