The project aimed at fostering the development of agricultural economy in the area, by acting on the skills of the involved people, on the infrastructure of the region, and on the organisation and rationalisation of the production.

This has been achieved through the following tools:

• A technical assistance to the regional development agencies and to the producers that will be gathered in the cluster. The focus of the technical assistance was the promotion and certification of local products
• The investment in a small fruit processing plant, which is one of the infrastructures which are necessary on a region-wide level
• The creation of a cluster of fruit (apple) producers, with a recognisable commercial brand and the realization of a marketing plan to promote the initiative all over the target territory

The following activities were performed:

• management and organization, horizontal for all the project duration.
• Needs assessment and identification of instruments in order to identify the priorities and involve specific experts and partners.
• Technical assistance to increase the competences of local institutional actors, farmers and other stakeholders in the management of the economy, aimed at implementing the development and competitiveness of the local area.
• Institution of a small processing unit to provide a concrete support to agricultural production and Incentive for future farmers’ investments
• Institution of an agricultural cluster and commercial brand
• Dissemination of results

The following results were achieved:

• Acquisition of know- how in the procedures to get certification for local products and to constitute associations and joint- ventures; acquisition of skills in developing marketing strategies;
• Realization of a pilot action consisting in the establishment of a cluster in the agro food sector among local (Croatian) agricultural operators and the acquisition and promotion of a commercial brand;
• Creation of a network among the operators involved in the project and reinforcement of the existing networks

Type of service

Support for the technical assistance provided to local producers.

Organization and management of a study tour in Italy.

Support in project management and reporting.