Overall Goal

Objective I: Establishing a green non-wood processing unit and obtaining a certification of products

 

Objective II: Organizing different trainings on the advantages of capitalizing non-wood products and acknowledging the importance of applying a sustainable management respecting at the same time the principles for a healthy environment.

 

Objective III: Dissemination of project achievements

 

Output 1

Production facility operational, managed by qualified staff and producing.

 

Description

The processing unit for wild berries, mushrooms and herbs will be the main activity and investment of this project. The process ing unit will support the diversification of FAMD services provided to its members, capitalize the existent natural resources from the area under a green brand which will be initiated through the project. On this activity we have three sub-activities, such as the processing unit and the development of the products by a qualified staff.

 

Output 2

Knowledge on environmental friendly harvesting of forest products and green processing for small farmers.

 

Description

Bioforsk Norway will perform a research study on nutritional characteristics of forest products, determining the optimal harvesting period and methods with the purpose of ensuring an environmentally friendly harvest of the products. A best practices guide will be developed and farmers which will provide products to the processing unit will be trained accordingly.

 

Outcome

Realization of business opportunities of greening the European Economy.

 

Indicator 1

New environmental technologies success fully developed.

 

Description

The processing unit for wild berries, mushrooms and herbs will use green technology for functioning. This is involving mostly solar energy for producing electricity and warm water, and will be a model of green innovation for the whole area. Currently in the area the green energy is not used due to the lack of know how and investment capacity. The project will also raise awareness regarding environmental protection and sustainable preservation of the forests. Based on scientific studies realized by Bioforsk Norway, a best practices guideline on environmental forest berries harvesting and green processing will be developed and disseminated through the members.

 

Indicator 2

Green jobs created.

 

Description

The project will create green seasonal jobs for FAMD members of the farmer families. The unemployment rate in the area is high and those seasonal jobs related to harvesting forest berries, herbs and mushrooms will provide extra income for disadvantaged people. The best practices guide and

the training provided will support the environmental protection and sustainability of the activity for the future.

 

Indicator 3

Brand of green products created.

 

Description

The project aims to support the development of a green brand for the forest products, based on the following characteristics: natural ecological products, taste and flavor, traditionality. The training provided will support the environmental protection and sustainability of the activity for the future.