Hambar platform launches local product adoption program in Romania

The Hambar platform has introduced a new program designed to connect small local producers directly with consumers in Romania and other EU countries. Through the ‘Adopt a Sheep’ initiative, customers can pay in advance to adopt a sheep, a fruit tree, or a beehive. In exchange for their upfront payment, participants will receive periodic deliveries of products such as cheese, fruit, jams, or honey over several months.

The system aims to provide small-scale producers with early revenue before harvests or production cycles are complete. The platform functions as a marketplace where producers set their own prices and maintain control over their inventory. For example, a shepherd could list individual animals with photographs, allowing customers to select a specific sheep. Initial testing for the sheep adoption program is expected to begin by November 2026, with plans for expansion in the following year.

In a separate effort to strengthen local food systems, a workshop organized by WWF-Romania, the Brașov City Hall, and Transilvania University of Brașov addressed the challenges of connecting local producers with public institutions like schools, hospitals, and canteens. Discussions highlighted the need for legislative frameworks, better communication platforms, and adapted budgets to help local producers meet the consistent demands of institutional buyers.