Forta Fermierilor (Farmers' Power) Association is ready to hold mass protests if the authorities liquidate the Agency for the Development and Modernization of Agriculture (ADMA)
This is stated in a letter from the Association sent to the parliament, the government, and the administration of the President of Moldova. The letter notes that micro, small, and medium-sized farmers will find themselves in an even worse position than they are now if the government's initiative to abolish the Agency for the Development and Modernization of Agriculture (ADMA) is approved in its final reading. Forta Fermierilor believes that the government is silently continuing its plan to destroy the national agri-industrial sector, as confirmed by data from the National Bureau of Statistics, which points to the decline of agriculture for several years in a row. Even more alarming is that trade balance data for the first quarter of 2025 show that Moldova already imports more agricultural products than it exports. At a meeting on May 14, the government adopted a draft law on state institutions, which, among other things, provides for the liquidation of the Agency for the Development and Modernization of Agriculture (ADMA) and its transformation into a commercial microfinance institution. Forta Fermierilor Association believes that under the pretext of complying with European legislation, the Moldovan authorities are seeking to destroy farmers, even though EU legislation allows for the existence of such agencies. A striking example is the Romanian Agency for Financing Rural Investments (AFIR), an institution similar to ADMA. Farmers emphasize that ADMA plays a crucial role in the Moldovan agricultural sector, as it is the only financial institution offering the most accessible financing programs for farmers and agro-industrial processors. As noted, the importance of this institution for small and medium-sized farmers who do not have access to traditional bank loans is reflected in the following criteria: unique preferential terms – 0% VAT, no additional collateral, minimal financing costs; its role as a pioneer in innovation – digitalization of agriculture, renewable energy, advanced technologies from developed countries; support for economic stability – preservation of production capacity during the crisis; reduction of production costs and ensuring the continuity of agricultural activities. In addition, it is the only source of state financing (leasing) and the driving force behind the structural transformation of Moldovan agriculture. Forta Fermierilor points out that the relevant parliamentary committee will consider opinions on this bill, which has already been passed in its first reading. "If the law is not amended to allow ADMA to continue its activities, small and medium-sized entrepreneurs in the agricultural sector will be demonstratively eliminated in accordance with the plan of this incompetent government. If parliament votes to eliminate ADMA, Forta Fermierilor Association reserves the right to hold mass protests across the country," the Association said in a letter to the authorities. // 02.07.2025 – InfoMarket.
