Cluj-Napoca Office
Period
April 2022 – March 2024
Budget
180.000 $
Funder
Romanian-American Foundation
The project is a continuation of the FoodHub initiative, launched in 2017, a network consisting of 4 food hubs from different regions, established by four NGOs: Nod Verde (Civitas Foundation, Cluj-Napoca), Helyénvaló/Cumsecade (Civitas Foundation, Odorheiu Secuiesc), Roade și Merinde (Center for Mediation and Community Security, Iași), and Nord Natural (Open Fields, Câmpulung Moldovenesc).
This project proposes a new dimension for the Food Hub Program: a comprehensive training and advisory program designed to empower farmers involved in the network. The program addresses key needs identified over a three-year period of working with farmers.
The goal is to enhance the market competitiveness of farms and create stronger partnerships with food hubs.
The program will focus on three key areas: communication and promotion strategy, investment project development, and business planning. We believe that by addressing these needs, we can make a real difference in the lives of farmers and the success of the food hub network.
What will we do through the program?
Develop Consultancy & Advisory Services
Partnering organizations and the leader will create a set of services for producers of the three food hubs.
Training & Consultancy Package
We will develop and deliver training for farmers collaborating with the food hubs.
Monthly Newsletter
We will create and distribute a monthly newsletter with relevant information for farmers (funding, best practices).
Network Strengthening
We will facilitate annual meetings between food hubs and leading organizations.
Model Consolidation
We will document and promote the food hub model through a joint event with all partners.
Nod Verde, towards financial sustainability
Another objective of the project is the sustainable growth of the Nod Verde food hub, so that it becomes a viable alternative for local farmers. The food hub already collects local products from the Cluj area within a 150-kilometer radius and sells them directly to consumers, but it needs support to become financially sustainable.
In the Food Hub II program, we aim to increase the variety of local products, be more present in the market through participation in events, and create a community of Nod Verde customers who share the same set of consumption values (local, healthy food, supporting local producers).
To make Nod Verde more visible and bring local products closer to people, we will improve the food hub’s communication and create more contexts for interaction with customers to understand their buying habits and needs. At the same time, we will strive to offer a more user-friendly experience on the Nod Verde website. All these efforts will be directed towards bringing the food hub closer to financial sustainability.
The project is funded by the Romanian-American Foundation and coordinated by the Civitas Foundation for Civil Society Cluj.
