Within the USAID Small Businesses Expansion Project conducted by Carana Corporation in cooperation with the Municipality of Demir Hisar and JP Makedonski Sumi, the Center for Development of Pelagonija Region from 15 to 17 November 2013 organized free trainings for collectors of mushrooms, aromatic and medicinal herbs and forest fruits in several villages in the municipality of Demir Hisar.
The purpose of these trainings was to provide concrete support to the stakeholders in this sector, to create new job opportunities for the population and to achieve additional and stable income by utilizing the potential of the region. The project included five one-day trainings in the villages of Smilevo, Strugovo, Sopotnica, Slepce and Sloestica, for collection of mushrooms, herbs and forest fruits, in which the collectors were further informed on proper selection and collection of certain herbs and fruits for their better identification, traceability and sustainability, plus the ability to achieve additional income. The training was conducted by PRO BIO consultancy for organic agriculture and rural development of Skopje. The collectors which attended these trainings will be awarded certificates for sustainable collection of medicinal and aromatic herbs, plants, lichens, mushrooms and forest fruits, which is recognized by the PE Macedonian Forests. Also, with the support of USAID Small Business Expansion Project, a guideline for the collection of mushrooms, forest fruits and herbs, specific for this region will be prepared.
