INNOVATIVE FOCUS ON NATURAL MOUNTAIN HERBAL-FLAVORED CHEESE BY PROTECTING TRADITIONAL PRODUCTION METHODS

The project objects to discover, research and document the unique mountain flavored cheese production techniques and product information in order to disseminate the knowledge to the public so that the traditional knowledge can be preserved and transferred to the next generation. The project also focuses on examining and uncovering the best e-marketing practices of the young cheese producers across project partner countries. The new learnings will be compiled into a e-training program for wide range of stakeholders. Project has 7 partners, Ardahan University, the Institute of Entrepreneurship Development (iED), IMS Research & Development Centre, Elelmiszerklub Alapitvany (Food Club Foundation), Tetova University, Tunceli University and Provincial Directorate of Food Agriculture and Livestcok (Ardahan province). Three Univeristy will have general works in the area of protection, promotion and education of sustainable food, engages with local producers and consumers to organize local events and campaigns for production, processing, distribution and consumption of sustainable food. Provincial Directorate of Food Agriculture and Livestock of Ardahan (PDFAL) is the governmental authority in the region. The Institute of Entrepreneurship Development (iED), IMS Research & Development Centre, Elelmiszerklub Alapitvany (Food Club Foundation) will contribute to the project through assisting in the food matters, providing food and livestock experts, arrangement of meetings at villages. Also the training activities will be organized by Ardahan University which will contribute to other cheese project through its pool of experts from various backgrounds (i.e. pedagogue, training instructors, bio-food experts, IT specialists and Project Managers). The project is designed to deliver three intellectual outputs in course curriculum and guideline formats. The guidelines will be converted into training modules and published at self learning website platforms. The module will also be converted into a classroom training program and will be piloted in Turkey. The project activities will start with Current Nation Report to expose the current situation in the project regions, followed by joint staff trainings, and innovation meetings to discover new production methods and practical approaches to the chronic problems of the stakeholders. The IFCHEESE e-trading on marketing will open new focus and opportunities for young cheese producers. IFCHEESE regional outcomes will impact the national level not only to the project regions but to the producers facing similar challenges across the EU Countries. IFCHEESE project will take the first steps in terms of developing a common guideline and e-trade and e-marketing among EU countries for young cheese producers.