STRENGTHENING THE CAPACITY OF MILK PRODUCERS AND PROCESSORS

As a result of a thorough analysis of the situation in milk producing and processing sector and its demands, the project strategy for improvement of the situation and maximizing economic benefit for the local communities focuses on providing the farmers and dairy producers with customized training based on their specific needs as well as establishing and promoting traditional cross-border events such as production fairs, scientific conferences, good practice exchanges, and awareness campaigns. The project also envisages carrying out a well-focused awareness campaign for stimulation ecological milk production, establishment of small dairies for organic production of milk and cheese and its certification and establishment of cross-border cluster/association for organic dairy production and rural tourism.

The project envisioned and achieved the following results: - The capacity of the milk producers and milk processors in the cross-border area for profitable, modern and high quality dairy production was strengthened by means of modern education, practical training and exchange of good practices – 78 milk producers and processors were trained. For the purposes of training a special hall was repaired and furnished in the premises of Tran municipality; - The dairy production of the cross-border area as a healthy organic food was promoted. A training manual was developed, promotional materials were produced and distributed and project website was developed: http://ecomilk-208.org/ - The promotion of the establishment of successful and long-lasting cooperation/partnership models among milk producers and milk processors in the cross-border area with the involvement of the scientific sector was supported. Two scientific conferences accompanied the main crossborder events; - Joint traditional cross-border events for promotion dairy production were carried out and pronounced traditional - Milk Fest and Cheese Fair, which contributed to promoting of the region as tourist destination; - First two steps for establishment of a cross-border dairy cluster were undertaken; - Traditional cuisine and crafts were promoted and the revival of unique customs, celebrations & cultural exchange stimulated. The project was successfully completed in January 2014.