Romania – Agribusiness Development Project (RAD)

Strengthening Agribusiness Associations to Better Support Farmers and Agricultural Processors

In order to assist private Romanian agricultural enterprises struggling to transition from a planned economy to a free-market one, ACDI/VOCA launched the Romanian Agribusiness Development (RAD) in 1999, which focused on strengthening agribusiness associations. Under its program, ACDI/VOCA worked with agribusiness to develop institutional capacity so that they could in turn support farmers and agricultural processors.

As a result of ACDI/VOCA’s valuable technical assistance, associations developed coalitions, influences policy reform and helped their members become more competitive and successful. Technical assistance was largely provided in the form of advisory services from volunteer consultants from the United States. In addition, ACDI/VOCA offered training programs in the U.S. and in Romania. The project focused on three types agribusiness associations: livestock producers, grain production and processing and fledgling agribusiness sectors.

Livestock & Meat Processing: ACDI/VOCA worked closely with the Romanian Meat Association to strengthen the association, broaden the scope of its member services and expand opportunities for lobbying and advocacy in order to change industry-related policy and regulations. ACDI/VOCA also helped members gain access to credit and financing as well as and business opportunities with U.S. meat producers.

Grain Production & Processing: ACDI/VOCA worked with the Millers and Bakers Association and grain producers. ACDI/VOCA focused on Braila county area, where many private farms operate and numerous state-run farms were privatized.

New Agribusiness Sectors: In addition to meat and grain producers, ACDI/VOCA worked with apple and potato producers as well as organic farmers and those engaged in agrotourism to help develop much-needed associations.