The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industry (MAFI) is set to establish a Council comprising farmers, specialists, and consultants deeply rooted in the realities of Moldova and the region. This council will maintain constant communication and engage in discussions with producers from all areas, aiming to devise effective solutions for the sector. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Agriculture and Food Industry, Vladimir Bolea, announced this initiative during a press conference today, emphasizing that the council would convene for its inaugural meeting by the end of this week.
During the conference, Minister Bolea provided an overview of all state investment projects in the agro-industrial sector for 2023-2024, stressing that this assistance would be allocated strategically and with a targeted approach, focusing on the value chains.
“The state’s approach will be guided by the principle that no sector is more important than another. Agriculture is a multifaceted sector where every component holds value and significance,” remarked Bolea.
Addressing the concerns of cereal producers, many of whom have recently staged protests and blocked key roads across the country, Deputy Prime Minister Bolea acknowledged the complexities they face.
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“It is true that cereal producers for export are facing challenges, primarily due to the war in Ukraine, which led to plummeting prices. However, we also have varying situations here—farmers who achieved yields of 6 tons per hectare last year and others who barely managed 1-1.5 tons per hectare. This underscores the importance of targeted assistance, tailored to those facing the greatest difficulties,” explained Vladimir Bolea.
Responding to inquiries about recent protests by farmers blocking the road to the Leuseni Customs on February 12th, the deputy PM clarified that the Agriculture Ministry had not received any official grievances. “To provide commentary, I require an official approach and knowledge of their demands,” emphasized Bolea.
“Agriculture is not merely an economic sector; it requires a consistent approach driven by economic interests and the pursuit of prosperous business ventures, underpinned by research, scientific inquiry, and practical application,” highlighted Deputy PM Vladimir Bolea. “Furthermore, taking into account regional dynamics is paramount for achieving a profitable and advanced agricultural sector.”
In January 2024, the Agency of Investments and Payments for Agriculture (AIPA) disbursed subsidies totaling 252 million lei (12.6 million euros) to farmers’ accounts—an impressive increase compared to the same period last year when disbursements amounted to 92 million lei. The subsidy fund for agriculture and rural development stands at 1.6 billion lei, with farmers eligible to submit applications for additional measures starting from February 1st. Moreover, the government approved the allocation of 50 million lei from the intervention fund to support farmers who suffered losses due to last summer’s calamities, as per a decision ratified last week.