Farmers leave Centre of Chisinau, government identifies another 200 million lei for subsidies in agricultural sector

Chisinau, 27 June /MOLDPRES/ - The authorities have identified additional resources worth 200 million lei (10 million euros) for the providing of subsidies in agriculture. Deputy Prime Minister, Agriculture and Food Industry Minister Vladimir Bolea today evening made statements to this effect, following discussions with farmers, who protested in the central of Moldovan capital on the last days. After the authorities’ announcement, the farmers left by their tractors the Great National Assembly Square (PMAN).       

„Today, following discussions with farmers, which have taken place for several days continuously, 200 million lei was identified at the Finance Ministry. This money will be distributed based on a schedule. The Association is to delegate its people to the Agriculture Ministry on 28 June, where we will create a working group, which is to quickly work out a regulation, based on which this money will be distributed,’’ Vladimir Bolea said.   

The head of the Farmers’ Force Association, Alexandr Slusari, said the authorities had identified some financial resources for backing the agricultural sector; yet, the sum is much lower than the one demanded by the farmers. ‘’The Association is in ‘’active offensive,’’ in the good sense of the word. The ultimatum is till 1 August. The farmers will not give up. Yet, some solutions have been found. Yes, there is something, but it is much less than enough,’’ Alexandr Slusari noted.      

One week ago, more farmers came to the centre of Chisinau to a protest action. They showed discontent with the situation in the agricultural sector and demanded additional support measures, the value of which is estimated by the authorities at 700 million lei. Meanwhile, representatives of the protesters have discussed with President Maia Sandu, Prime Minister Dorin Recean and Parliament Speaker Igor Grosu, as well as Deputy PM Vladimir Bolea. The officials said the authorities were looking for solutions.     

Among the immediate solutions announced by the authorities, there is the increase in the agriculture subsidization fund by 100 million lei, up to 1.6 billion lei, providing subsidies in accelerated procedure till late next July and the possibility of recovery by farmers of a sum of about 330 million lei from value added tax (VAT).