Agriculture minister in Istanbul: Moldova supports Zero Waste goal and investments in sustainable food systems

Minister of Agriculture and Food Industry Ludmila Catlabuga is in Istanbul to attend a high-level meeting - Preventing food and water waste – protecting our future, an international forum focused on finding solutions to reduce food loss and responsibly manage natural resources.

During the meeting, the minister stated that the Republic of Moldova is fully aligned with the objectives of the global Zero Waste initiative and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, emphasizing the country's commitment to strengthening resilient and efficient food systems.


"The Republic of Moldova is working to strengthen sustainable food systems, with a focus on reducing post-harvest losses. Agriculture remains a pillar for the national economy and rural community development, and in this regard, the Government is investing in modernized storage spaces, digital monitoring systems, and refrigeration infrastructure. These measures allow farmers to keep products in optimal conditions, reduce losses, and ensure the delivery of high-quality food to consumers," said Ludmila Catlabuga.


The official also remarked the importance of efficient water resource management, noting the modernization of irrigation systems, implementation of water-saving technologies, and advanced hydrological monitoring.


"The Republic of Moldova is updating national policies and regulations to support the transition to sustainable production and consumption models," the minister added, emphasizing the role of education and public awareness in reducing food waste.


During the event, Ludmila Catlabuga met with Ibrahim Yumaklı, Minister of Agriculture and Forestry from Turkey. Discussions focused on combating food waste, efficient water use, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices in line with current international objectives, as well as developing bilateral cooperation through experience exchange and joint projects.

The meeting in Istanbul represents an important moment for the Republic of Moldova in promoting agricultural sustainability policies and strengthening international partnerships geared towards protecting resources for future generations.

The global Zero Waste initiative is an essential concept in transitioning towards a sustainable economic model where resources are used efficiently and the amount of waste generated is significantly reduced. This approach seeks to keep produced and consumed materials in the economic cycle for as long as possible, preventing them from quickly becoming waste, thereby minimizing environmental impact. Zero Waste is based on several clear principles: waste prevention from the production stage, reusing and repairing goods before they are discarded, recycling materials to repurpose them, and composting organic waste so it becomes a resource again. The concept extends beyond waste management, requiring a mindset shift—from rapid and wasteful consumption to responsibility and efficiency.

The importance of this initiative becomes evident in a context marked by pressure on the environment and natural resources. Zero Waste helps reduce pollution, protect water, soil, and biodiversity, create a circular economy, and minimize food waste—a major global phenomenon. Besides its ecological impact, the initiative also has an economic dimension, stimulating sectors like recycling, green technologies, and the circular economy, generating jobs and new investments.

Zero Waste is closely linked to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, especially those regarding responsible consumption, environmental protection, food security, and water management. Thus, the initiative becomes a global benchmark in building a sustainable future where resources are treated not as inevitable waste but as values that can be preserved, reused, and passed on.