BioCarpathia: sustainable development of the local agriculture in the mountain areas
About this good practice
BioCarpathia was founded as a response to the need of enhancing the cooperation between the actors in the agri food supply chain and to ensure access to healthy and organic food for the communities in the rural area of Brasov and Covasna county. Located in the picturesque heart of the Carpathians, BioCarpathia is an agricultural cooperative dedicated to the production and promotion of ecological agri-food products, an association of small farmers, livestock breeders, local producers and Horeca partners who share a common vision: to offer high quality organic food while respecting the environment and the local traditions. BioCarpathia is not only a simple initiative to promote organic food products, but also a movement, which embraces sustainability and environmental protection and supports the local communities. The Cooperative brings together 32 farmers dedicated to raising dairy cows and another 4 farmers specialized in meat animals, all of them practicing organic farming. Each partner brings resources, knowledge and experience that can strengthen the business and contribute to its success, the creation of synergies being the key to success. Partners with experience in the field of production, distribution and promotion of food products and organic cheese, particularly, bring valuable knowledge and contribute to the efficient supply chain management and bring new connections that accelerate business growth and expand the production and make it available for new customers.
Resources needed
The total value of the investments attracted or being implemented by the Cooperative, amounts to 2,520,000 Euro with an intensity of support between 90%-100%.
The value of the financing attracted by the Cooperative members exceeds 12,500,000 Euros, the non-refundable support being between 70%-90%.
Evidence of success
Between 2014-2024 the cooperative developed significantly:
- from 5 to 34 farmers,
- from 248 to 3073 ha of organically certified agricultural land,
- from 248 to 2451 organic milk cattle and 2091 organic sheep farming,
- from 1.2 to 6.7 million liters/milk per year.
Currently, they supply a wide range of organic dairy products: matured cheese, plain and salted cheese, organic butter and yogurt, milk. They entire production, processing and marketing activity is certified by Ecocert Romania.
Potential for learning or transfer
The cooperative is a good example of how to support the economic growth of an area by creating a strong partnership between the farmers and the local community. It has contributed to the sustainable development of agriculture in the mountain areas of Brasov and Covasna counties.Sustainable agriculture is the vision and the commitment that BioCarpathia shares with its members and partners. With a perfect balance between tradition and innovation, BioCarpathia redefines the concept of quality and responsibility. Benefits for the farmers: Sustainable Commitment: Organic certification represents the farmers' commitment to environmental protection and responsible agricultural practices. Quality control: Growing their own feed allows the farmers to carefully monitor the quality and traceability of products and guarantee the high quality of their products. Natural Food: Use of traditional grazing and organic fodder from mountain flora gives to the milk they produce a unique taste and aroma.
Further information
Website
Good practice owner
You can contact the good practice owner below for more detailed information.
