RVO Idea Accelerator Project

Title: RVO Idea Accelerator
Funded by: Embassy of the Netherlands in Bucharest and the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO)
Duration: Oct , 2024 – March, 2025
Extended Abstract:
ALPA is raising regenerative agriculture in Romania to a new level. We have a bioregional approach which brings nature conservation practices and agroecology together in a concerted way on our farm lands.
We are thrilled that the Embassy of The Netherlands in Bucharest recognises our work and co-created a project with us!
Through the generous efforts of the Dutch Ministry of Agriculture, ALPA has become the beneficiary of what is called the “Idea Accelerator” project by the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO).
The main goal of the project is to support ALPA in setting up a pilot farm which will serve as a showcase model and incubating space for future farmers both here in this region and beyond. ALPA aims to develop and set up a market-viable agroecological farm within the local context of diversified and human scale ecological farming. With this pilot farm, we envision a well-functioning example intended to help future farms to emerge which can follow well-tested and proven principles [to bring agroecology and nature conservation practices together].
Key Objectives:
- Make steps towards establish a Pilot Farm: develop a market-viable agroecological farm as a showcase and incubation space for future farmers
- Promote Regenerative Agriculture: find ways to integrate nature conservation practices in local context, fostering biodiversity, sustainable landscapes and rural cultural heritage
- Support New Generation of Young Future Farmers: Provide a tested model and guidelines to make ecological farming more accessible and financially viable for young farmers.
- Develop Partnerships: Collaborate with international experts, organizations, and universities to combine knowledge and innovative practices.
- Enhance Community Engagement: Foster connections with local and international stakeholders to build momentum for the initiative.
Expected Outcomes:
- Develop and implement a strategic communication plan
- Develop specific communication tools:
- Design 5 infographics
- Website updates
- Printed and on-line materials:
- A report on Future Farmers of our Bioregion and Environmental Assessment
- Movie screenings and dissemination activities:
- 1 in the Netherlands
- 1 in Cluj Napoca
- 3-5 in villages of our region
- Hosting of a mission tour in our bioregion
- Local expertise for the development of a regenerative agriculture business model