Moldova's membership in the EU is necessary to maintain and increase financial assistance to farmers and to develop the agricultural sector – the Agriculture Ministry
This opinion was expressed by the Minister of Agriculture and Food Industry Vladimir Bolea, who clarified the statements he made the previous day during a working meeting, which were condemned by Moldovan farmers who demanded his resignation. The Agriculture Ministry head stressed that "the future of our agriculture also depends on the decision that will be taken on October 20 at the referendum on the EU accession". Vladimir Bolea specified that subsidy payments per hectare are an important support for farmers in the EU and they are supported and promoted, among others, by the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industry. "For this measure to be effective, Moldova's agriculture needs about 350 million euros, and unfortunately, we do not have such money. I said this yesterday and I repeat it now, on October 20, we have the opportunity to vote for our future, to choose the path of EU integration," the Agriculture and Food Industry Minister said. According to him, even the governments of EU countries, with some exceptions, cannot provide direct subsidies per hectare without support from the EU budget. The head of the Moldovan Agriculture Ministry explained that the EU will also provide us with subsidies per hectare when we become EU members, money that will help farmers to radically transform our agricultural sector. These subsidies will help increase the production and improve the quality of the products, as well as create a competitive environment for the Moldovan farmers. Vladimir Bolea said that today, the Agriculture and Food Ministry has financial resources only from the state budget and, together with the relevant associations, works out efficient measures for development programs for all farmers, for all types of agricultural activities, paying special attention to the creation of conditions for the development of family farms, micro and small agricultural producers. "So, joining the European Union is not just an opportunity, but a necessity to provide financial support and resources necessary for the development of the agricultural sector, and we cannot miss this opportunity!" he emphasized in conclusion. // 01.08.2024 – InfoMarket
