SAC International

The overall aim of the ADEPT project is to preserve an area of cultural and natural heritage of international importance, i.e. the countryside of the Saxon villages on the Transylvanian plateau, by reviving the rural economy and making a link between economic prosperity and conservation.

Specific objectives for SAC’s contribution to this part of the project were:

1. To contribute to design of the ADEPT Research and Development Programme, specifically to design the organic farming research programme (Activity 2).

2. To design the mechanisms whereby the economic and biodiversity benefits of the ADEPT project could be extended to a wider range of stakeholders and a larger area (Activity 3).

Activity 2. SAC staff reviewed the existing research structures and physical resources of the area and, using their expertise in organic farming in UK and Europe, including existing knowledge of the organic sector in Romania, drew up a list of research priorities. Recommendations were made on the research institutional structure. Detailed plans were drawn up for the establishment of an Organic Farming Centre for demonstration, research and training purposes, at a specific site within the project area.

Activity 3. An analysis was carried out of the existing agricultural extension services, nationally and in the project area, and the local capability in organic farming was assessed at extension service level, farmer level and at corporate level. Recommendations were made on the support framework necessary to transfer organic farming technology to farmer level, particularly for the creation of links between ADEPT commercial activities and local farmer suppliers. Production guidelines for organic farming systems appropriate to the project area were provided.