Rousse-area farmers are receiving instruction in agroecology and organic farming practices during the week of November 3 2008, as part of the World Wildlife Federation's (WWF) project "Making the Network Reality: Natura 2000 and Lower Danube Green Corridor", WWF wrote in a press statement on November 6.

Bulgaria and Romania are working together on the project, which is financed by the BBI Matra programme of the government of The Netherlands. In Bulgaria, it focuses on the Natura 2000 protected zone Lomovete, where sustainable economic practices are receiving encouragement.

The agroecology course is required for every farmer who has applied for or who has already been approved under the Bulgarian Government's measure Agroecological Payment and Concession of Free-of-Charge Financial Assistance for Developing Agricultural Activities with the Goal of Preserving the Environment. Farmers will be instructed in principles and practices of agroecological policies in Bulgaria and the European Union under the Programme to Develop Rural Regions 2007/2013, along with overall farm planning and management, WWF wrote in the statement.

Instruction in organic farming techniques will also be offered. At the end of the course, farmers are to be clear on the norms of organic production, basic principles and methods of organic agriculture, crop rotation, organic plant protection, organic animal husbandry, the organisation of and work in am organic farm, the market for organic products and opportunities to receive support.

The foundation Bioselena is leading the training, which is being held at the Regional Forests Directorate - Rousse. In the past, WWF has held similar training sessions in the Pleven region and at Strandja Nature Park.

According to the WWF's website, the Lower Danube Green Corridor Agreement contributes to the realisation of the European Union Habitats and Wild Birds Directives in Romania and Bulgaria.