• Objective 2

    structure and enable collaboration and mutual learning between Pact members
Description

The Danube Local Food Hub aims to strengthen the resilience and competitiveness of small-scale farmers and rural areas in the Danube region. It will achieve that by creating a cross-border short food supply chain that connects local producers with consumers, restaurants, and local markets while increasing the value of regional products. 

The action will establish collection and distribution hubs in Alexandria (Romania) and Pleven (Bulgaria), develop a shared regional brand (‘Danube Natural’), provide training for farmers in food safety, packaging, branding, and direct sales. It will also pilot a coordinated weekly distribution system, and foster cooperation between Romanian and Bulgarian producers through joint promotion and exchange activities. 

By supporting sustainable local food systems, strengthening local value chains, reducing food transport distances, and enhancing cross-border cooperation and territorial cohesion, the initiative contributes to more resilient, competitive, and attractive rural areas in line with the long-term vision for rural areas.

Themes
  • Smart and start-up villages
  • Access to services
  • Agriculture and food
    • Stakeholder beneficiary(ies)
    • Citizen
    • Local Action Group
    • National Rural Network
    • Non-governmental / civil society organisation
    • Private Business
    Activities
    • Events & networking
    • Local Projects
    Expected Outcomes

    Within 12 months (June 2026-June 2027), the project will establish a fully operational Romania-Bulgaria cross-border food hub that strengthens rural economies through closer cooperation between farmers, local authorities, and market actors. The initiative will establish a viable short food supply chain connecting at least 20 small farmers to local markets and restaurants. This will build on new collection and distribution points, a shared regional brand, and strengthened farmer capacities in food safety, packaging, branding and direct sales.

    By increasing local value creation, improving market access for small producers, encouraging cross-border cooperation, and reducing dependence on long supply chains, the project will provide a scalable model for sustainable rural development across the Danube region.

    Organisation/Company information

    Community Development Initiatives Workshop (CDIW) / Atelierul de Initiative pentru Dezvoltare Comunitara (AIDC)

    Non-governmental / civil society organisation
    • 1-10
    • Regional
    TOPICS OF INTEREST
    Education and training, Climate, Agriculture and food
    Status
    Ongoing
    Funding
    Action's fund
    EU funds, Private funding
    EU Fund
    EAFRD & EAGF, Interreg
    Budget
    Estimated budget
    EUR 190 000.00
    Planned additional investment
    Human resources, IT/media support, logistical support adapted food delivery.
    Further details
    Scope of action
    Regional
    Beneficiary country
    Romania, Bulgaria
    Type of territories
    Rural area, Remote rural area

    Results

    Key results

    • Number of people
      200
    • Number of jobs
      6
    • Number of projects
      2

    Final results

    By improving market access and reducing dependence on intermediaries, the initiative is expected to increase farmers' incomes through direct sales, fairer pricing and more efficient logistics. It will strengthen local value chains and enhance the visibility and competitiveness of rural products through the ‘Danube Natural’ regional brand. 

    The project will establish the first operational Romania-Bulgaria rural food network, strengthening cross-border cooperation and territorial cohesion while providing a replicable model for sustainable local food systems that can be scaled through LEADER, Interreg and CAP funding.