Milkyway – Pannonian Super Food: Advancing Artisan Cheese Production with Innovative Technology

Milkyway – Pannonian Super Food project, is a cross-border initiative designed to enhance artisan cheese production by introducing innovative food processing technologies. The project, with a total value of €448,600, is funded within the Interreg VI-A IPA Croatia-Serbia 2021-2027 Programme.
The project brings together key partners, including Osijek-Baranja County and the Chamber of Commerce of Vojvodina, in a joint effort to address critical challenges faced by cheese producers in the regions of Vojvodina and Osijek-Baranja County.
In the first phase, a detailed analysis was conducted to assess the state of artisan cheese production in both regions. The findings revealed that most producers also operate dairy farms and are struggling with several significant challenges, including declining livestock numbers, the effects of two consecutive years of severe drought, and limited market access.
To support the sector, two producer associations have been formed. In the next phase of the project, these associations will receive targeted assistance, including educational programs and the introduction of innovative technologies aimed at improving production processes.
The overarching goal of the Milkyway project is to foster long-term collaboration among cheese producers and pilot the production of new, high-quality products. This initiative will not only elevate the quality of cheese production in the region but also open up new market opportunities.