The Ministry of Agriculture proposes to organize 10 regional chambers of agriculture.
This is provided for by the bill developed by the department on the organization and functioning of chambers of agriculture (CA). It will set out the rules for the creation, organization and functioning of chambers of agriculture (CA), the principles and features of their activities, functions and responsibilities, conditions for promoting the interests of members of the CA, and the procedure for financing. The Chamber of Agriculture is a non-profit, apolitical association with legal entity status, created by farmers to represent and protect their interests in dialogue with the authorities in the decision-making process regarding agricultural and rural development policies, as well as in order to enhance intersectoral cooperation. It is proposed to create two levels of CA: regional - organized within territories defined by settlements from rural areas, geographically contiguous and cohesive in terms of agricultural activities carried out in these territories, as well as the National Chamber of Agriculture, which will include regional CA. The project involves the creation of 10 regional CAs. For example, the regional CA of Chisinau will cover farmers from Chisinau, Ialoveni, Straseni, Criuleni, Anenii Noi, Dubasari districts, and the Cahul CA will unite farmers from the Cahul, Taraclia, Cantemir and Vulcanesti districts, etc. Regional CAs will represent the interests and rights of their members at the level of national authorities and international organizations; will increase the potential of farmers, increase their knowledge and competencies; provide farmers with access to necessary resources, including financial ones; provide information support and advice, etc. All farmers who are engaged in agricultural activities will be able to be members of the CA in accordance with the Law on Subsidies in Agriculture and Rural Areas. The governing bodies of the regional CAs will be the general meeting, the council and the executive director. The national CA will coordinate the activities of regional CAs, it will represent and promote the interests and initiatives of regional CAs, develop projects and programs to support farmers, create conditions for the activities of regional CA, etc. The joint venture will be financed through membership fees, consulting services, government subsidies, donations and sponsorship. The amount of membership fees will be set when the CA is created, but in accordance with the calculation procedure to be approved by the government. When calculating the amount of contributions, the form of organization, turnover and type of crop or animal species, as well as the size of farmland, must be taken into account. CAs must undergo an external audit. It is expected that the creation of a CA will allow farmers to unite in order to increase the productivity of agricultural crops, resist climate change, ensure a decent standard of living in villages, etc. It is worth noting that this initiative is not supported by some business associations. For example, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Moldova and the “Power of Farmers” association spoke out against this project. At the same time, many business representatives support the project, but subject to improvement.// 06.11.2023 — InfoMarket
