A meeting of EU agriculture ministers, investors and donors financing the agricultural sector of Moldova will be organized in autumn 2023 with the support of FAO.
According to the Ministry of Agriculture, this was announced during the first high-level meeting of development partners of the Sectoral Council for the Coordination of Foreign Aid in Agricultural and Rural Development, held in Chisinau. The event was organized with the support of the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Agriculture and Food Industry Vladimir Bolea said that the event was an important platform for exchanging ideas and strategic perspectives for the sustainable development of the Moldovan agro-food sector. At the same time, he expressed confidence that the strengthening of coordination and synergy among the development partners supporting the agri-food sector in our country is a sure way to advance in the development process of the agrarian sector and rural environment. He said the Ministry of Agriculture wants to inform development partners about the goals and priorities established in the National Agricultural and Rural Development Strategy 2023-2030. "In order to get support for the implementation of the priority actions outlined by the Ministry, as well as to support the urgent needs of the agricultural sector, we intend to strengthen the dialogue with international partners and hold broad consultations. In this way, we will be able to implement projects and programs of external assistance in an effective and optimal timeframe. The wishes proposed by the government and explicitly reflected in the main document of strategic planning can be achieved only with effective cooperation with all entities trained in this direction. Thus, with reliable and stable financing from the state, with the involvement of the private sector, development partners and the donor community, we will strengthen the agricultural sector, develop the food industry and diversify markets, as well as ensure the transfer of European standards in the national legislation and their implementation," said Vladimir Bolea. He said a meeting of EU ministers of agriculture, investors and donors, who finance Moldova's national agricultural sector, will be held this autumn with FAO support. FAO representative in Moldova Raimund Jehle said the approval of the National Agricultural and Rural Development Strategy for 2023-2030 is an important step in prioritizing donor interventions in agriculture, including the development of the FAO Framework Programme for the country for the next 4 years. He noted that FAO will continue to provide technical assistance for the implementation of the Strategy and will support the ministry in providing emergency assistance to agricultural producers through direct support and fundraising. According to representatives of donor agencies, as well as representatives of diplomatic missions accredited in our country, the Agriculture Ministry's efforts will be further supported in order to fully implement the reforms initiated to modernize Moldova's agricultural sector and meet the European standards. In this context, they have stated that they are ready to support the implementation of the Integrated Administration and Control System (IACS), the development of legislation regarding the organization and activity of agricultural chambers in the field, as well as the National Horticulture Bureau, according to the best practice model. At the same time, they will provide technical and financial assistance for the development of the horticultural sector, to facilitate the placement on the market of phytosanitary products and fertilizers, regulate the registration of plant varieties and the marketing of planting material. In the same way, development of organic farming will be stimulated, associations of water users for irrigation will be supported, including in relations with authorities. Other priorities declared by representatives of international structures are: rehabilitation of livestock sector, rehabilitation of primary and secondary irrigation infrastructure, strengthening of ANSA laboratories, facilitation of access of agricultural producers to international markets, stimulation of economic activities in rural areas, promotion of science, research and innovation in agriculture, etc. The National Agricultural and Rural Development Strategy for 2023-2030 was previously approved by the government. The main objectives of the document are the development of the agricultural sector, strengthening food security, ensuring the growth of welfare and improving living conditions in rural areas, as well as bringing national legislation into conformity with EU legislation. // 24.02.2023 – InfoMarket.
