Sterile purity reigns in the Gerzovica Dairy. Production of dairy products that are soon to reach the eager buyers goes on. It is a bit surprising that only men work here. Access to outsiders is strictly prohibited. They are stopped not only because of hygienic requirements but because the dairy is part of the prison premises near the mountain town of Smolyan. Director Hristo Solakov welcomes us with a friendly smile. He took the position in 2009 when he said he would turn the prison into a friendlier place for living. He kept his promise and the law that reads prisoners should have the opportunity to work started to be applied. "We should not just look at prisoners as hopeless criminals but as people who can change and be useful to society when they receive their freedom," says Mr. Solakov and told us about the development of the prison dairy.
"When I was appointed head of the prison, the farm had 18 cows and 100 sheep and only raw milk was produced. We explored the opportunities and consulted other dairies, before the idea to create a diary ourselves emerged. Market economy does not allow the development of unprofitable businesses as ours used to be. By creating a diary we reached a good economic effect. It is particularly valuable that we managed to include prisoners in an actual production process. This creates new opportunities for them when they become free.”
Today "Gerzovica" has 130 sheep, 40 cows and 35 goats. The milk passes through all necessary tests and then yogurt and various types of cheese are produced. Just two people work in the dairy, while the others pass training."The level of production of dairy products has changed a lot with the appointment of Stanko Gadjev as technologist. He has a university degree and 20 years of experience. He controls the entire production process. We pay great attention to the quality of our products and use only milk produced by us,” says Mr. Solakov about the winning formula that contributes to the growing popularity of the dairy.
The Gerzovica dairy products are 100% natural. No milk powder, starch, preservatives and stabilizers are added and the products are characterized by great taste.
"One of the reasons behind the great quality of our milk is the fact that we are situated in a clean area - in the beautiful Rhodopes.”
Many of the prisoners dream of working in the dairy but workers need to pass through a special selection. Preference is given to those with experience in farming and milk production. But most come from very different professional fields. These are educated people who are in prison for the first time. The work gives them a sense of responsibility, and makes them proud of the fact that the products they create enjoy high demand. The inmates who work in the dairy receive 75-80 euros a month and home leave from time to time. Two working days are considered three days of served punishment. Prisoners who perform well are offered for early release. It is very important that they acquire skills they can use when they return to freedom.English: Alexander Markov
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