Horticulture 2000 Programme

We developed our programme by drawing on the experience of previous years, supporting Roma families who met the basic requirements for intensive agricultural production (sufficient ownership or lease of arable land; basic technical knowledge and experience; willingness to participate in the programme).

The two-year support programme helped the participating families to become independent commercial producers: participants practised open-field farming, sold their surplus produce, and reinvested half of their income into the following year’s production.

The programme provided a comprehensive package of financial resources, expert advice and training. Local training sessions strengthened the farmers’ practical agricultural knowledge, whilst project leaders acquired management and marketing skills. In addition, study visits helped them to familiarise themselves with modern technologies.

Under this programme, we provided funding totalling 18.7 million forints to 18 organisations in 2000. In 2001, nine organisations continued their activities, to which we contributed a total of 11.5 million forints.

The methods tested – in particular the training and support model – served as the basis for subsequent development programmes.