Dorin Bob, an entrepreneur from Transylvania, Romania, has secured €4.6 million in European funding to expand and modernize a major hazelnut plantation. The project includes establishing new orchards in Satu Mare county and converting existing ones, alongside introducing advanced irrigation systems and agricultural technologies.
Managing 460 hectares in Necopoi, Bob has 211 hectares prepared for cultivation in Sâi. His objective is to cultivate over 1,000 hectares, cementing a major position among regional producers.
The investment encompasses acquiring advanced agricultural equipment: drones for precision spraying, a multispectral drone for plant health and soil moisture analysis, and GPS-guided machinery for mechanization and crop treatment. A multifunctional robot with a navigation system is also included. A high-performance fertigation system, featuring software-controlled substance distribution and other modern farming tools, is part of this upgrade.
Dorin Bob remarked, "Access to these European funds is a crucial opportunity for modernizing Romanian agriculture. Well-structured projects not only attract resources but also contribute to local development by creating jobs, building infrastructure, and offering opportunities for small entrepreneurs."
As climate change challenges traditional production, hazelnut farming is expanding in Romania, further boosted by international demand. Ferrero, a confectionery giant, provides technical support for "Pădurea cu Aluni," a project aiming to establish the largest hazelnut plantation in Romania, indicating potential for a local supply chain.
Source: Romania Insider
