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Saaremaa Local Food

Saaremaa Local Food. West-Estonian Islands Partnership LAG (NGO) Sulvi Munk and Karen Allas. Area is 2,673 km² Population of region 35,000 inhabitants Population of Kuressaare ( c apital city ) 15,000. Saaremaa Facts. Saaremaa Economy.

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Saaremaa Local Food

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  1. Saaremaa LocalFood West-EstonianIslandsPartnership LAG (NGO) Sulvi Munk and Karen Allas

  2. Areais2,673 km² Populationofregion 35,000 inhabitants Populationof Kuressaare (capitalcity) 15,000 Saaremaa Facts

  3. Saaremaa Economy Inthepast, themainindustriesofthe Saaremaa economyhavebeen agricultural and naturalresourcebasedproduction, suchasforestry, fishing and foodprocessing. Todaythemostimportantindustries are tourism and craft-basedproduction. Saare Countyemployedpersonsfrom 2007´-2009

  4. Background info about local food 20 years ago, the initial years of a re-independent Republic of Estonia. • citizens re-gain the right to raise farm animals and to slaughter them for meat production; • small family farms can market their fresh milk; • It becomes common for schools and daycare centres to collect preserves, juice and root vegetables from their families and from small, local farms.

  5. Background info about local food 10 years ago. • On February 25th, 1999 the Estonian government passed new food legislation which began theso called "Kitchen sink" period. The new legislation was based on EU laws which made nodifference between large corporations and small businesses; • Schools and daycare centres could no longer use homemade preserves, juices or root vegetables; • Small-scale food production on farms (meat and dairy) began to disappear because of the need for large capitalexpeditures; • Non-agricultural, Small businesses develop slowly because of large capital investment; • The emergence of large supermarket chains with imported, mass produced processed foods greatly influences shoppers habits and preferences.

  6. Background info about local food 5 years ago. • In 2004 Estonia becomes a European Union member state. • Starting from January 1st, 2006, EU workplace hygiene regulations apply to Estonian businesses. • Attention is given to the differences between small and large businesses in relation to food safety proceeduresrequired for lower risk small businesses. • EU structural fund subsidies encourage development of small-scale businesses based inrural areas.

  7. The strategy for building value of local products. The aims of the LEADER program for the West-Estonian Islands Partnership LAG (NGO):. • give access to financial subsidies that encourage investment in concerns that serve to broaden the appeal local food products; • to intitiate or work in partnership with interested parties to promote cooperative work and joint activities; • according to LEADER criteria, to support initiatives that use collaborative methods to improve market access for small producers.

  8. Examples of supported projects for rural enterprises • Support for traditional and nature-based businesses which promote the development of geographic specific features - such as long autumns and mild winters which benefit apple growing on the island. • The building of an apple juice production facility and the development of model apple orchards throughout Saaremaa. Total project cost is 410,770 eur, of which 200,597 eur is covered by EU subsidies.

  9. Examples of training for small-scale producers • for the purpose of providing knowledge and encouraging companies to develop products.

  10. Supporting Networks Saaremaa Leader has supported cooperation between small entrepreneurs and has funded: • local food tasting events • farmers market days • excursions outside of Saaremaa to learn and share experiences

  11. Supporting Networks

  12. "Good Practice" as a LEADER theme. Innovation and co-production for small producers • Community Kitchens - investment subsidiesto create 7 cooperative kitchens in rural village facilities. • The goal of creating favorable conditions for small businesses and for the development of small-scale food processing. • These kitchens are to be well equipped and certified to enable producers to market products that conform to all regulations. Total project cost is 146,157 eur, of which 122,958 eur is covered by EU subsidies.

  13. Support of rural business Support of an organic grains product development centre which serves to increase and promote theprocessing of cereal grains through good product development practices. Total project cost is 48,269 eur, of which 43,442 eur is covered by EU subsidies.

  14. Emerging issues / lessons learned Many issues and difficulties have arose. • Are there enough products to satisfy the demand? What is the image that we need for marketing ourselves? • Conforming to European Union regulations is very difficult for a small producer, especially for meat & dairy products. • Often there is a lack of knowledge and confidence amongst producers and itis difficult to findgood partners. • Local food needs to be used more in schools, daycare centresand in care facilities. This would be good improving rural employment opportunities.

  15. The Saaremaa Brand The brand was created in 2010, with an easily recognizable symbol that has been used to market products, services and the region.

  16. Saaremaa LocalFood Thankyouforlistening!

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