Integrated Development Project in the Dobrich Region under the Special Preparatory Programme for Structural Funds in Bulgaria

Project Description

The Project targeted the practical testing of institutions and staff responsible for the implementation and management of SAPARD/Structural Funds at national, regional and local basis and the learning by doing the necessary skills for the Pilot Project contained one measure in order to improve dairy hygiene in accordance to the Directive 92/46 of the European Union. The beneficiaries of the Project under administrative strengthening were the Regional State Fund Agriculture, the National Agricultural Advisory Service, the Veterinary Service, the National Centre for Selection and Animal Reproduction, the Agency for Regional Development and Investment and the Municipalities of the Dobrich Region.

Up to the end of the project 47 applications of reimbursement were submitted by dairy farmers of the Dobrich Region. The resulting amount of investments contracted under the project is BGN 1,046,175. The Project successfully provided a large number of recommendations and lessons learnt for the practical implementation of Structural Funds in Bulgaria.

Services provided:

Preparation & Implementation of a Mini-Operational Programme
Production of an operational manual, brochures and application forms
Mobilization of large number of field staff (more than 15 advisers) for implementation of the programme
Administrative Capacity Building (by know how transfer and training)
Study tour to EU-member states
Public awareness campaign
Monitoring of the improvement of milk quality in dairy farms
Development of an extension service for dairy farms on the improvement of milk quality and the preparation of application in order to obtain EU structural funds.