The development of Moldova’s agro-food industry and European integration will be among the main priorities of Eugeniu Osmochescu in his new role as Minister of Agriculture. He made the statement after taking the oath of office and being formally appointed to the position.
Osmochescu said he intends to rethink the agricultural sector and introduce scientific innovations to help it adapt to climate change. Among the priorities he mentioned are irrigation systems and smart agriculture.
“We are living through years of drought. We are living through years when we need to rethink how we approach agriculture. It is about irrigation, it is about smart agriculture, but it is also about changing our common approach, together with farmers and all the stakeholders in the agricultural sector, regarding what we do next,” Eugeniu Osmochescu told journalists.
Focus on Farmers and the Value Chain
Asked how he plans to support farmers and address their problems, including issues related to VAT and outstanding subsidy payments, the new minister said the situation needs to be improved across the entire agricultural value chain.
According to Osmochescu, the issues will be discussed at government level together with officials from several ministries.
“There are many positive premises. Of course, international volatility and what is happening around us also play a role, but we are coordinating this with the work of the Ministry of Energy, the Ministry of Economy and others,” the minister said.
From Economy to Agriculture
Eugeniu Osmochescu moved from the position of Economy Minister to head the Ministry of Agriculture this week.
His previous position as Deputy Prime Minister was taken over by Claudiu Nasui, who was appointed Minister of Economic Development and Digitalization.