General information
RDP Priority
- P2. Competitiveness
RDP Focus Area
- 2B: Entry of skilled/younger farmers
RDP Measure
- M06: Farm & business development
Summary
After finishing his studies and working in a university, Charles Zara decided to return home and take over the family farm. Following a review of market opportunities, he used CAP co-finance to set up his own cut flower business. The young farmer invested in two greenhouses (one high-tech and one traditionally managed) and set up a website to enable direct sales to his customers.
Results
The beneficiary produces indoor- and outdoor-grown cut flowers across some 0,5 hectares of land.
Indoor production takes place in two greenhouses: the new one of 650 m2 and a pre-existing, traditional one of 850 m2.
Thanks to direct e-sales, the business’ profit margins turned out to be much higher (more than 200%) compared to flower sales via wholesalers.
The farm recovers and uses rainwater for irrigation, which covers 90% of its water needs.

Promoter
Charles Zara
Funding
Total budget 70 000 (EUR)
EAFRD 52 500 (EUR)
National/Regional 17 500 (EUR)
Keywords
Resources
Documents
enrd_a_young_farmers_niche_cut_flower_business_0.pdf
(PDF – 6.55 MB)
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