Saaremaa Local Food West-Estonian Islands Partnership LAG (NGO) Sulvi Munk and Karen Allas

Saaremaa Facts   Area is 2,673 km²   Population of region 35,000 inhabitants   Population of Kuressaare (capital city) 15,000

Saaremaa Economy In the past, the main industries of the Saaremaa economy have been agricultural and natural resource based production, such as forestry, fishing and food processing. Today the most important industries are tourism and craft- based production. Saare County employed persons from 2007´-2009

Background info about local food  citizens re-gain the right to raise farm animals and to slaughter them for meat production;  small family farms can market their fresh milk;  It becomes common for schools and daycare centres to collect preserves, juice and root vegetables from their families and from small, local farms. 20 years ago, the initial years of a re-independent Republic of Estonia.

Background info about local food  On February 25th, 1999 the Estonian government passed new food legislation which began the so called "Kitchen sink" period. The new legislation was based on EU laws which made no difference between large corporations and small businesses;  Schools and daycare centres could no longer use homemade preserves, juices or root vegetables;  Small-scale food production on farms (meat and dairy) began to disappear because of the need for large capital expeditures;  Non-agricultural, Small businesses develop slowly because of large capital investment;  The emergence of large supermarket chains with imported, mass produced processed foods greatly influences shoppers habits and preferences. 10 years ago.

Background info about local food  In 2004 Estonia becomes a European Union member state.  Starting from January 1st, 2006, EU workplace hygiene regulations apply to Estonian businesses.  Attention is given to the differences between small and large businesses in relation to food safety proceedures required for lower risk small businesses.  EU structural fund subsidies encourage development of small-scale businesses based in rural areas. 5 years ago.

The strategy for building value of local products.  give access to financial subsidies that encourage investment in concerns that serve to broaden the appeal local food products;  to intitiate or work in partnership with interested parties to promote cooperative work and joint activities;  according to LEADER criteria, to support initiatives that use collaborative methods to improve market access for small producers. The aims of the LEADER program for the West- Estonian Islands Partnership LAG (NGO):.

Examples of supported projects for rural enterprises  Support for traditional and nature-based businesses which promote the development of geographic specific features - such as long autumns and mild winters which benefit apple growing on the island.  The building of an apple juice production facility and the development of model apple orchards throughout Saaremaa. Total project cost is 410,770 eur, of which 200,597 eur is covered by EU subsidies.

Examples of training for small-scale producers  for the purpose of providing knowledge and encouraging companies to develop products.

Community Kitchens  The kitchens in 7 community centers located in various parts of Saaremaa were renovated, equipped and certified for food processing.  The kitchens are meant for new entrepreneurs, who want to test products on the market before investing in their own kitchens and for those who need to use a certified kitchen seasonally.  The kitchens can be rented by the day or week, to make jams, breads, pickles and other products.

Supporting Networks  local food tasting events  farmers market days  excursions outside of Saaremaa to learn and share experiences Saaremaa Leader has supported cooperation between small entrepreneurs and has funded:

Supporting Networks

"Good Practice" as a LEADER theme. Innovation and co-production for small producers   Community Kitchens - investment subsidies to create 7 cooperative kitchens in rural village facilities.   The goal of creating favorable conditions for small businesses and for the development of small-scale food processing. Total project cost is 146,157 eur, of which 122,958 eur is covered by EU subsidies.  These kitchens are to be well equipped and certified to enable producers to market products that conform to all regulations.

Support of rural business Support of an organic grains product development centre which serves to increase and promote the processing of cereal grains through good product development practices. Total project cost is 48,269 eur, of which 43,442 eur is covered by EU subsidies.

Emerging issues / lessons learned Many issues and difficulties have arose.   Are there enough products to satisfy the demand? What is the image that we need for marketing ourselves?   Conforming to European Union regulations is very difficult for a small producer, especially for meat & dairy products.   Often there is a lack of knowledge and confidence amongst producers and itis difficult to find good partners.   Local food needs to be used more in schools, daycare centres and in care facilities. This would be good improving rural employment opportunities.

The Saaremaa Brand The brand was created in 2010, with an easily recognizable symbol that has been used to market products, services and the region.

Saaremaa Local Food Thank you for listening!