Annual Report: Fostering Agricultural Markets Activity (FARMA) for the Period 31 August 2009 – 30 August 2010

The project has worked intensively with 331 agricultural producer-partner organizations, providing assistance to over 6,700 farmers throughout the country. Additionally, 329 producer organizations have been included in FARMA's activities to a lesser extent. Sales and exports of assisted producer-partner organizations in 2010 grew by 23% and 20% respectively compared to 2009. The project has also made significant progress in implementing its performance indicators, with 13 contract required performance indicators being tracked. The data for these indicators comes from information collected from beneficiaries, and the project will conduct a formal survey to further interpret and refine these estimates in the next year. The FARMA project has received significant funding, with sponsored grants totaling BAM 1.9 million or USD 1.3 million, representing 64% of the FARMA grant funds available. It is anticipated that by the end of the second project year, most, if not all, of the FARMA grant funds will be obligated. Additionally, USD 324,000 of the USD 500,000 available for competed sub-awards has been obligated, representing 65% of the total. The project has also made significant progress in implementing its activities, including the animal and dairy sector, medicinal and aromatic plants, fruits and vegetables, EU integration, standards, and access to finance. The project has worked with various partners, including the USAID, SIDA, and the Government of Bosnia and Herzegovina, to implement its activities and achieve its objectives. The FARMA project has also made significant progress in promoting good agricultural practices, with the establishment of 15 demonstration plots and the training of over 2,000 farmers in good agricultural practices. The project has also made significant progress in promoting access to finance, with the establishment of a microfinance institution and the provision of training to over 1,000 farmers on access to finance. Overall, the FARMA project has made significant progress in fostering agricultural markets in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and its activities have had a positive impact on the country's agricultural sector. The project's progress and achievements are a testament to the hard work and dedication of the project team and its partners. The project's activities have also had a positive impact on the country's economy, with the growth of sales and exports of assisted producer-partner organizations. The project's progress and achievements are a testament to the effectiveness of the project's approach and the commitment of its partners. The FARMA project has also made significant progress in promoting good governance and transparency, with the establishment of a project management unit and the implementation of a performance management plan. The project has also made significant progress in promoting access to information, with the establishment of a project website and the provision of regular updates to stakeholders.