Moldova adopts North Carolina’s agricultural extension model to support local farmers

The Agriculture and Food Industry Ministry (MAIA) today hosted an official meeting with the delegation from the U.S. state of North Carolina, led by Secretary of State Elaine F. Marshall. The discussions focused on modernizing the agricultural sector, by strengthening extension services and applied research, marking a new stage in the over 25-year partnership between the two states.

Technology transfer: from university directly to farmer

A central point of the dialogue was the American model of connecting the academic environment with agricultural production. Representatives of the North Carolina delegation explained how constant collaboration between universities, authorities and agricultural communities supports the rapid transfer of knowledge from laboratories directly into practice.

This system provides farmers with technical recommendations based on concrete data for resources’ management and for making the use of water, soil and fertilization processes more efficient, as well as productivity and safety, by increasing crop yields and preventing climate risks.

Alignment with EU standards through modernized advisory services

The MAIA leadership emphasized the need for Moldova to develop more accessible agricultural advisory services that are better connected to the academic environment, especially in the context of process of accession to the European Union. Regardless of farm’s size, from small households to large exporters, Moldovan farmers need clear information tailored to the requirements of the European market.

Innovation through the AKIS system

The participants in the meeting discussed the development of the AKIS information system, a platform that will integrate research, training and agricultural advisory services. In this process, the experience of specialists from North Carolina is considered essential for testing the system: extension centers will have an active role in verifying and completing data; practical use: directly connecting advisors with farmers through new information technologies.

The meeting concluded with both sides reaffirming their openness to continue cooperation, with the goal of generating practical and sustainable results for the entire agricultural sector of Moldova.