Dorin Bob is an Romanian businessman, has launched the project Padurea cu Aluni that will supply hazelnuts to the international brand Ferrero. A 460-hectare farm of hazelnuts is operating located in Homoroade, Satu Mare County, Bob recently expanded by purchasing an additional 211 acres in the same area. Bob’s entrepreneur argues for the viability of Romania to cultivate hazelnuts, and attributes it to the decrease in production in countries that are traditionally prosperous as a result of changes in the climate.

Ferrero supports the development of Romania’s hazelnut business by establishing local supply chain. The company’s annual turnover is about $320 million within Romania, Ferrero provides technical assistance and advice for Padurea cu Aluni. In 2006, Dorin Bob launched his hazelnut enterprise by renovating an old apple orchard to Homoroade. The farm is now home to top varieties of Italy as well as Serbia. The first harvest of Padurea cu Aluni is expected to be in 2026.

Bob imagines Padurea cu Aluni as a modern agricultural cooperative which supports the community at large farmers, small scale producers, as well as investors through a long-lasting revenue source. The goal of the cooperative is to provide technological, logistical and financial aid, with expert advice on setting up and managing hazelnut orchards. Hazelnuts provide a steady production for 30-50 years, and earning an annual average between $3,200 and $4,300 per hectare this project is likely to help boost the local economy as well as the agriculture sector.

Source: Romania-Insider