Project ID:
Interreg IPA VI-A - HUSRB/23R/11/008

Project Acronym:
ARCRCHAD

Total project budget:
323.378,00 EUR (out of which EU contribution: 274.871,30 EUR)

Timeframe
24 months, start date: 1st June, 2024 – closing date: 31st May, 2026

Project summary
The ARCCHAD project tackles the challenges that climate change poses to the most vulnerable participants in agriculture. Small-scale farming, deeply rooted in historical knowledge and traditional horticultural practices, prevails on both sides of the border. Family-run farms play vital roles in sustaining rural areas. However, their traditional farming methods and marketing strategies are no longer effective, as they grapple with the adverse impacts of climate change. The lack of awareness about technological, social, and market advancements on both sides of the border underscores the need for cross-border initiatives. ARCCHAD proposes an innovative, multi-stakeholder approach.

Target Groups
The primary target groups experience similar issues in both countries, and the proposed solutions are equally applicable to them. The main target group comprises small-scale farmers, who are the direct beneficiaries of the project. Awareness-raising activities also target consumers/citizens in the border area. Other stakeholder organizations are also actively involved.

The project commences by selecting pilot farms—two in Hungary and two in Serbia—that are eager to adopt innovative technological, market, and social solutions. Initial workshops are followed by the identification of available agro-digital providers and solutions. The needs of small-scale farmers for agro-digital tools are evaluated, and the selected solutions undergo testing and evaluation. Results are documented in a handbook and demonstrated on pilot farms.

The consortium collaboratively conducts a study on local food systems in a cross-border region, shedding light on the current food chains and facilities. A study tour is organized for 20 Serbian and 20 Hungarian farmers to introduce them to innovative tools and additional farming activities based on Austrian best practices.

Partners work together to develop and deliver capacity-building training sessions for farmers and consumers. The innovative approaches include supplementary farming activities and solidarity-based food supply chains. Training sessions cover market and social innovations for climate resilience, as well as experimental farming techniques.

The project results are summarized in an animated time-lapse video. A web-based multifunctional platform, provided by the Lead Partner, showcases all project outcomes and results for sustainability purposes.

Outcomes
There are three main outcomes:
1) Pilot action - testing of agro-digital tools on two Hungarian and two Serbian pilot farms.
2) Innovative solutions - introduction of innovative value-chain methodologies for the alternative food system through jointly developed and implemented actions.
3) Upscaling knowledge from pilots to participants in the value chain.

Places
ARCCHAD activities take place in the towns of consortium members: Kiskőrös, Kecskemét, Senta and Novi Sad. The locations of pilot farms are determined during the implementation phase. The project has a 24-month implementation timeframe.

• Lead Beneficiary:
  • CDDA Central Danube Development Agency Nonprofit Ltd. (HU)
• Project Partners:
  • National Association of Interest Representations for Small-scale producers and service providers (HU)
  • Association of Gardeners Senta (SRB)
  • University Business Academy in Novi Sad (SRB)