Ten years ago, the Bratus started a gastronomic business in the village of Slobozia Mare, Cahul district. They are producers of kavarma - a traditional salami made from sheep's meat in its own juices, with red and hot paprika. The sausage-making process takes seven hours and involves complex processing.

"Kavarma for our family is a natural salami, which we have at every holiday table. First, it is our family's most beloved salami. We gladly prepare and serve it. Even our children love kavarma," says Marcela.

Marcela Bratu has received equipment in value of €4500 in the framework of the "EU4Moldova: Focal Regions" programme, funded by the European Union and implemented by UNDP and UNICEF. The equipment was offered through the Local Action Group "Lunca Prutului de Jos".

If before the salami was prepared in home conditions, now the process takes place in a separate room, equipped with modern devices.

"The equipment is indeed useful. The most efficient of them, that helps me to carry out my work, is both the stapler and the kavarma-filling machine. Without them, I wouldn't be able to spend any more time with my children than I would spend here in the kavarma-making workshop," says Marcela.

Thanks to the support, the productivity of the business has increased and the demand has grown. The Bratus prepare dozens of kilograms of kavarma every month and manage to sell most of them at fairs around the country.

"We want and have the strength to expand our small sheep farm to raise sheep efficiently," says Marcela.

The Bratus farm has more than 200 sheep and in addition to kavarma, they also produce homemade cheese, cottage cheese and ricotta cheese.