Capacity building in governance, marketing and branding (2025-2026)

In November 2025, more than 30 cooperatives affiliated with the Romanian National Association of Cooperatives in the Vegetable Sector (UNCSV) visited the Netherlands as part of a two-year program. Inspired by the Dutch rich tradition of cooperative entrepreneurship, the delegation gained valuable new insights into strategic growth and long-term development. Most Romanian cooperatives in the arable farming sector are relatively recently established and are still working to strengthen their organizational foundations and market position.

To support its members in becoming more business-oriented and market-driven, UNCSV initiated this project through the European Erasmus+ programme. Representing HollandDoor, Jos Leeters prepared an intensive, week-long study visit for more than 40 chairpersons, board members and operational staff from these Romanian cooperatives. The programme included visits to leading Dutch cooperatives and the agenda covered key elements of successful cooperative management, governance, financial sustainability, strategies for attracting new members, as well as marketing, branding and improving domestic and international sales performance. The visit provided valuable lessons and inspiration to help the Romanian cooperatives strengthen their capabilities and accelerate their development.