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KORENIKA SOCIAL FARM
Published on 27 March 2019

Slovenia
Vzhodna Slovenija
AssistantProjectManager
About this good practice
In 2006 first idea for possibility of Eko social farm started because Association Mozaik and local community Šalovci found joint interest in developing the centre for work rehabilitation and employment of disabled people and other vulnerable groups. Local community Šalovci provided over 20ha of land including farm buildings. Association Mozaik founded association Korenika in 2008. The main goal was to provide work rehabilitation and employment of disabled people and other vulnerable groups. At the farm they renovated buildings and started with production of eco crops (vegetable, fruits) and products (from crops and wild plants). They have their own market label and they produce and sell tea, oil, fruits, vegetables, and their products, herbs. Also on-line. Based on experiences of the rehabilitation and employment program (concession from the state) they registered a social enterprise, which provided further inclusion and work of vulnerable groups. They provide diverse trainings and visit programs (including meals) for different groups. They hold workshops at their estate, where vulnerable groups produce different products, which are part of their trademark and are sold at the estate and other local and regional markets in Slovenia. Additionally they are quite skilled in obtaining different public sources (e.g. structural funds, public calls) and they have significant income also coming from selling products produced at Korenika.
Resources needed
400.000 EUR per year / 18 regular employees + 5 public workers
Evidence of success
Association Korenika is successful because they:
- decided for slow growth (understanding, knowing their limitations)
- have specific program and line of work (farm crops and products)
- have specific expertise regarding work with vulnerable groups and they understand their needs
- care about the quality of the services
- gradually built their business and new activities beneficial to users (vulnerable groups) and wider public (programs for visitors, children)
- have steady financial flow
- decided for slow growth (understanding, knowing their limitations)
- have specific program and line of work (farm crops and products)
- have specific expertise regarding work with vulnerable groups and they understand their needs
- care about the quality of the services
- gradually built their business and new activities beneficial to users (vulnerable groups) and wider public (programs for visitors, children)
- have steady financial flow
Potential for learning or transfer
The Association Korenika has long years of experiences in implementing the programs for protected employment on the farm. Based on these experiences they started the social enterprise. They provide successful model of social innovation, they have successful business model (content and financial wise). They have good network – having in mind also their marketing approach (internet shop, selling the products on nearby local and regional markets in Slovenia).
It is clear that Association Korenika has an innovative business model, which has proved its viability through years. Since they combine protected employment (concession from the state) and social enterprise activities and they have realistic innovative business model, they will sustain their activities. Their good results, especially regarding the successful programs on the farm and successful selling of their products from the farm and expertise regarding long-term sustainable business model can also be used in other regions.
It is clear that Association Korenika has an innovative business model, which has proved its viability through years. Since they combine protected employment (concession from the state) and social enterprise activities and they have realistic innovative business model, they will sustain their activities. Their good results, especially regarding the successful programs on the farm and successful selling of their products from the farm and expertise regarding long-term sustainable business model can also be used in other regions.
Further information
Website
Good practice owner
Organisation
Korenika eco-social farm

Slovenia
Vzhodna Slovenija
Contact
AssistantProjectManager