Agricultural sector in Moldova to further benefit from FAO support

Chisinau, 16 August /MOLDPRES/- Priorities for cooperation in agri-food sector in the next period were recently examined by Minister of Agriculture and Food Industry Viorel Gherciu, and Deputy Representative of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in Moldova Tudor Robu.

The Minister thanked for the continued assistance provided by FAO over the years, in several successful projects in the agricultural sector, and mentioned the intention to further implement reforms in agriculture and rural development. "FAO has a significant contribution in our country, as the aid provided covers a wide range of segments related to agriculture. We intend to further increase the effectiveness of aid provided by FAO, by implementing the Country Framework Program (2016-2022) which reflects the framework and priorities of cooperation between the Government of the Republic of Moldova and FAO ", said Gherciu.

"At the same time, we will be concerned to strengthen institutional capacities for the development and implementation of agricultural and rural development policies and the development of pilot projects for the development of local communities, with increased emphasis on the element of rural extension and improving the subsidy system in agriculture.  We rely on FAO assistance to overcome the challenges in the agricultural sector, as well as to implement policies related to the development, consolidation and sustainability of the agricultural sector ", the official said.

The sides discussed the preparation of a new project funded by FAO, worth 260 thousand dollars, aimed at supporting small farmers in the livestock sector, which will run for the next two years. "In recent years, FAO has provided support and assistance to the Republic of Moldova through 15 national projects worth about two million US dollars. Our country has also benefited from five other regional projects. In the coming period, FAO will have an open approach to collaboration, will provide technical assistance and will share good practices in managing rural development policies and projects, ”said Tudor Robu.

The Food and Agriculture Organization is a specialized UN agency that leads international efforts to overcome hunger and develop the agricultural sector. The FAO leads the secretariat of the International Plant Protection Convention and provides technical support to national supervisory authorities in implementing the provisions of the Convention at the national level.

Photo: FAO