Department of Agriculture and Rural Development of the Marshal Office of the Wielkopolska Region in Poznan (Poland) is interested in joining a consortium planning to submit a project dedicated to the agri-food sector in the framework of Interreg Europe Programme – priority axis 2 - Competitiveness of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises.

At the end of 2015 the Regional Assembly of Wielkopolska Region adopted the Programme for promotion of culinary heritage of Wielkopolska and high quality food for  2015-2020. The mission of the Programme  is to strengthen the economic potential of the region in the field of agricultural production and food processing based on high-quality food produced in the Region. One of the operational objectives is the development of the sales network of Wielkopolska traditional and regional products.

Moreover, Wielkopolska Region has a wide experience in developing EU funded projects, including many within previous editions of Interreg Europe programme (Interreg IIIC and IVC).

Small and medium-sized enterprises producing high-quality food (traditional, regional, environmental, signs EU or national legislation relating to the guaranteed quality, etc.) face different problems projecting their existence. Developing entrepreneurship in this sector is very difficult, also due to the fact that it offers niche products. It is addressed to a conscious and demanding customers. Supporting this type of business requires a special approach not to lose the regional specifics and culinary heritage of the region. Business potential to create new or use existing market opportunities depends on whether they have entrepreneurial skills. Business practice indicates that they are insufficient. Small businesses do not remain on the market or do not have the potential for further development. Therefore, regional policies have to actively promote the process of enterprise development and capacity building among the agri-food branch as the foundation for the creation of businesses and economic growth.

Thank you for forwarding this message to any potentially interested consortia.

Contact:

Wielkopolska Region Brussels Office
Joanna Kubiak
Joanna.kubiak@wielkopolska.eu

Ms Alicja Nowak
Department of Agriculture and Rural Development
Marshal Office of the Wielkopolska Region in Poznan
dr.sekretariat@umww.pl