The Ministry of Agriculture announced the first measures to support farmers affected by drought and other natural disasters in 2024, farmers consider them insufficient
Within the framework of the meeting of the Supervisory Committee of the Agency for Development and Modernization of Agriculture (ADMA), the head of the Ministry of Agriculture Vladimir Bolea presented the first package of financial measures aimed at supporting farmers affected by drought and other natural disasters in 2024. These measures are aimed at facilitating farmers' access to the necessary resources to continue agricultural activities and maintain economic stability in the sector. Specifically proposed is the elimination of late payment penalties for farmers who have delayed loan payments in 2024 due to natural disasters. ADMA will waive 100% of the penalties provided that a certificate confirming the existence of force majeure circumstances issued by the Moldovan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI) is submitted. Also, a 6-month grace period will be granted for interim payments expiring between September 2 and December 31, 2024. Farmers can submit a written application with the appropriate certificate of force majeure. And third, the last payment for 2024 will be suspended for the same period (September 2 - December 31, 2024) if the same conditions are met and the appropriate application and certificate from the CCI are submitted. Additionally, it was decided to reduce the initial payment under the Small Scale Irrigation System Development Program from 40% to 20% to facilitate farmers' access to necessary irrigation equipment, which is important for sustainable agriculture. As emphasized by the Ministry of Agriculture, these measures are aimed at supporting farmers facing serious difficulties due to unfavorable climatic conditions and providing them with the necessary assistance to continue working and maintaining stability in the agricultural sector. In turn, former head of Forta Fermierilor (Farmers' Power) Association Alexandru Slusari specified that the abolition of fines, deferral of payments and restructuring of the last payments for farmers affected by the drought concern only those farmers who purchased agricultural machinery in installments through ADMA. He said, “The impression was created that by the decision of the Ministry of Agriculture all the debts of farmers were deferred, which is a mistake and misleading the public. The main part of farmers' debts is related to banks and suppliers, which do not fall under this decision of the Agriculture Ministry,” Alexandru Slusari emphasized. He also added that in Romania, from September 1, 2024, it is planned to suspend all bank payments until the end of 2025, facilitating access to loans guaranteed by the state and providing compensation for farmers affected by drought. And these, he said, “are more realistic and effective measures to support agriculture.” // 29.08.2024 – InfoMarket
