Since the beginning of 2021, Moldovan gardeners have received loans from the EIB under the Livada Moldovei program in the amount of more than 12.6 million euros.
This is stated in a newsletter issued by the European Investment Bank as part of the information campaign "Together for a Better Future". In 2021, Moldovan gardeners have invested heavily to increase operational efficiency, increase productivity and improve the quality of products supplied to the domestic and foreign markets. In particular, since the beginning of this year, 82 beneficiaries from all over the country have gained access to 84 loans worth 12.6 million euros under the Livada Moldovei program, supported by the European Union through the European Investment Bank. At the same time, the majority of loans - 40.4% - were provided to apple producers. Table grape producers received 22.6% of the total volume of loans issued this year, plum producers - 11.9%. The most important investments were made in the production, processing and storage of apples. For these purposes, 34 loans were issued for a total amount of 5 million 442 thousand 507 euros. Table grape producers received 19 loans for the amount of 2 million 014 thousand 244 euros. Herewith, loans for 1 million 172 thousand 513 euros were provided for 2 investment projects in beekeeping. Investments were made in all corners of the country. The record holder is the Briceni district with 9 investment projects, 8 of which are focused on apple orchards. This is followed by the Straseni district with 7 investment projects in the field of beekeeping, apple and plum orchards, as well as the production of table grapes. In the Ialoveni region, since the beginning of 2021, 6 loans have been received under the Livada Moldovei program, and in Anenii Noi, Causeni, Edinet and Ocnitsa regions - 5 loans each. Since hail poses a serious danger to horticulture, 20 investment projects included the purchase and installation of anti-hail systems. In order to avoid losses and extend the shelf life of vegetables and fruits, 16 beneficiaries received loans for the installation of cold storage rooms. Thanks to EU funding, 11 gardeners purchased irrigation systems, 7 invested in electric forklifts, another 7 in planting gardens and 4 in installing photovoltaic panels, which will reduce energy costs. Funding has also been invested in fruit and vegetable drying plants, raw material sorting and processing lines, and sewage treatment plants. Last year, through the Livada Moldovei credit line, 100 gardeners from all over the country financed projects worth 17.1 million euros. Meanwhile, € 6.6 million was invested in laboratories and horticultural education. Livada Moldovei (Garden of Moldova) is a € 120 million credit line that supports activities along the entire food value chain, from training farmers to harvesting and food production. The program is funded by the European Union through the European Investment Bank. The credit line offers loans from 5 thousand to 5 million euros, tax incentives, as well as advice on the development of an investment project.// 07.09.2021 — InfoMarket
