ZAGUBEK - Center for Local Product Promotion
About this good practice
ZAGUBEK is a place where tourists can buy Podlaskie products and local producers can promote their offer. The building was built in the style of a noble manor house. It is adapted to the needs of the disabled, and in its surroundings there are established gardens (as a result of another project), in which flowers, herbs and vegetables characteristic of the Bug River area and old Podlaskie gardens are grown - about 90 species of plants. The area around the building has been very interestingly landscaped. Among other things, there is a relaxation zone. Inside it is a modern building with a spacious lobby. It houses an exhibition hall, a puzzle room, a kitchen where workshops are held and a store with local products. The store is open daily, and visitors can buy herbs, cheese, honey and other local products. Various culinary seminars and workshops, photo exhibitions or exhibitions by young artists are also held here. Participants also learn about world cuisines during weekly cooking lessons. The project was implemented by the Drohiczyn local government in cooperation with the cultural center and Local Action Groups with the support of the provincial government and EU funds. It is a local activity place with attractions for both tourists and locals. Promotion of local product supports local economic development and maintains close geographic and social ties.
Expert opinion
Resources needed
The Local Product Promotion Center was created as part of the project “Expansion of the City Market in Drohiczyn”, co-financed under the Rural Areas Program 2014-2020 project in the amount of PLN 1 million (about EUR 250 000) with a total construction cost of PLN 2 million (about EUR 500 000).
Evidence of success
Promotion of local product supports local economic development and maintains close geographic and social ties. ZAGUBEK functions as an intermediary in the short food supply chain and aims to shorten the path of agricultural products from producers (farmers) to consumers. It also promotes quality local products. It involves about 40 local producers and offers about 400 products. The center generates income for local self-government budget.
Potential for learning or transfer
Zagubek is a very good example of integration of the local community, improving quality of life in the rural area and activating local people. It is not just a store with local products like food and handicrafts. Zagubek educates as it offers cooking workshops and handicraft workshops. It serves groups of all age ranges, also organized tour groups. During the school year, culinary classes are held here as part of the Community Cultural Center's weekly activities. The center's main task is to promote local products from the area along the Bug River in Podlaskie. Tourists visiting the place have the opportunity to purchase high-quality local products like honey, oils, herbal products, dairy products, meat, etc. There is a large market square next to the center, the Community additionally offers other attractions such as a canoeing museum, an old motorcycle museum, and an environmental education center, all of which attract tourists to this picturesque part of Podlaskie province.
