In Moldova, 6 economic entities will receive grants for a total of $5 million within the framework of the WB-financed AGGRI project for the livestock and milk production sector
This was reported by the Ministry of Agriculture, noting that in total, 38 dossiers were submitted during the first 2 competitions for funding. After their evaluation, 15 projects were approved. At the same time, 6 economic entities have already signed funding agreements for a total of $5 million. At the moment, 5 beneficiaries have received part of the money - $2.88 million, and the 6th will soon receive funding. The third grant competition under the AGGRI project, intended for farms specializing in raising cattle, sheep and goats for milk, meat and mixed production, was launched on December 26, 2024. The deadline for submitting applications is April 4, 2025. The agricultural ministry reported that it held a seminar for livestock farmers on access to funding through the AGGRI program, in particular, grants intended for modernizing farms and bringing them into line with European standards. The event provided participants with important information about available funding opportunities and the conditions for receiving grants. During the seminar, State Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture Iurie Scripnic emphasized that farmers should use the available funds to modernize farms and introduce innovative technologies in animal husbandry and processing of livestock products. According to him, the success of the country's agriculture largely depends on the development of the livestock industry. “To ensure food security and competitiveness in the market, it is necessary to invest in farms equipped with high-performance technologies that meet international standards. Under the AGGRI program, we provide financial assistance and advice to farmers to modernize their businesses and increase productivity,” he emphasized. In general, the AGGRI project (Investments in Agricultural Governance, Growth and Resilience) with a total cost of $55 million is financed based on an agreement with the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, a member of the World Bank Group. The project is structured according to 4 important components for the development of the agricultural sector, one of which concerns the development of the livestock sector and provides for the allocation of $21 million for the creation of new livestock farms for breeding cattle, sheep and goats, as well as the modernization of existing farms. Farmers eligible for participation in the program must co-finance at least 50% of the investment cost and provide the necessary documentation, including a long-term business plan. The maximum grant amount can be up to $1 million, provided that the amount does not exceed 50% of the cost of eligible investments. The funds are intended to support investments in the development and modernization of the livestock sector. Thus, the money can be used to build and modernize livestock farms, equip them with high-performance machinery and technological equipment, as well as to develop the infrastructure for processing milk and meat. Investments in the necessary technological infrastructure, including energy and water supply systems, are also eligible. The main goals of the AGGRI project include the revival of the livestock sector. This is planned to be achieved through investments in the modernization of livestock farms, which will increase the production of milk and meat, thereby helping to meet domestic demand and increase the income of farmers in this sector. The AGGRI project encourages the construction or modernization of livestock complexes, equipping them with modern technologies and purchasing breeding animals. In addition, funding is provided to improve the energy efficiency of farms, including the introduction of technologies such as biogas stations and photovoltaic panels.// 05.02.2025 — InfoMarket
