PROJECT TITLE:

Optimising output utilisation

OVERALL OBJECTIVE:

The global objective of this grant scheme is to support improved access to and competitiveness on the national and international markets for Kosovo's agri-rural goods and services.

LOCATION:

Skenderaj, Srbica, Mitrovica

SECTOR:

Agriculture

DURATION:

24 months (02/01/2020 – 01/31/2022)

VALUE:

Total: 796,425€ ; EU contribution (50%):

BENEFICIARIES:

Target group: Qumeshtorja Drena owners, 50 current staff employed, 12 new women employed, five collection milk points (1 women), five current collection centres, construction companies etc. Final beneficiaries: consumer, milk producers, input suppliers

PROJECT PURPOSES:

Main aim of the company Qumeshtorja Drena is to improve market presence locally produced cheese and whey drink (new product).

ACTIVITIES:

-Distribute five new lacto freezers (1,000L) to newly contracted milk collection centres (vertical integration); -Purchase and install a cheese processing line; -Purchase and install a whey drink processing line; -Construction of a climate-control storage facilities 200sqm will be constructed with the larger building (no need for construction permit); -Prepare and implement hygiene and food safety standards HACCP and Halal Certification for two line for cheese and whey drink; -Install water purification system; -Design banding specifically for use in biodegradable packaging and marketing strategy for whey drink (substitution import and increased export to Macedonia and Albania); -Install solar panels 40 KW; -Stop discarding whey and start production of whey drink;

RESULTS:

-Increasing milk collection capacities (from 20,000 to 30,000L/per day), -Increasing cheese capacities for 50%: from 100 to 160 tons; -800 tons of whey drink or 3,000 L per day, -5 new collection milk centers and renewing contract with 5 existing collection milk centers; -1 collection center lead by women, -Securing a steady of supplying high quality of fresh milk; with involvement one women in the Value chain ensure economic viability and -Reduce impact of agriculture in environment through investment in the renewable energy and usage of whey, -12 new employees, -Extend contracts with 5 collection milk centers (vertical integration);