Local flavors, community work, and responsible use of funding
In recent weeks, we visited several locations across Harghita County where it became clearly tangible that preserving and passing on local values requires conscious effort, cooperation, and responsible thinking.
In Gyergyócsomafalva (Ciumani), we met the farm women of the Fenyőalja Association, who have been producing traditional vegetable and fruit products for nearly 15 years. The renovation of the community kitchen provided by the municipality has now been completed with the support of a grant from the Rural Development Association of the Harghita County Council. Seven women currently work in the renewed processing facility on a daily basis, ensuring consistent quality. Looking ahead, the goals go beyond production: plans include the creation of a visitable, educational kitchen that would pass on the values of Székely flavor, work, and quality to the younger generation—especially significant as Harghita County will be the European Region of Gastronomy in 2027.
When it comes to local products and development, the issue of conscious and responsible grant application plays a key role. During a live discussion with Lajos Ferenc, a beekeeper from Csíkpálfalva, it was emphasized that EU and national funding lead to real progress only when they are backed by clear objectives, realistic returns, and adequate resources. Funding is not a gift, but a responsibility that requires planning, perseverance, and long-term thinking.
In Kecset, at the Örös Beekeepers and Honey Knights Association, at the apiary of József Ádám (Mézike brand), the 2025 grant accounting event demonstrated in practice what transparent management and community cooperation mean. Over the past years, the association has built its activities consistently, regularly applying for and successfully securing support for beekeeping festivals and professional events. In 2025, for example, nearly half of the total costs of the Beekeepers’ Days in Odorheiu Secuiesc were covered through grant funding.
These examples convey a shared message: local values do not survive on their own. They require work, cooperation, responsible use of funding, and proper, transparent accounting.