Moldova and Baden-Württemberg boost cooperation in agriculture, innovation, rural development

Minister of Agriculture and Food Industry Ludmila Catlabuga held a bilateral meeting with Peter Hauk, Minister for Food, Rural Affairs and Consumer Protection of Baden-Württemberg, during Germany – Romania – Republic of Moldova Economic Forum, held in Stuttgart on 26-27 November 2025. The discussion aimed at strengthening sectoral dialogue and expanding partnerships in the agricultural and food industries.

The meeting reaffirmed cooperation relations and highlighted a shared interest in sustainable agriculture, emphasizing the similarities between the two agricultural systems. The officials analyzed the portfolio of ongoing projects and opportunities for modernizing the agri-food sector.


“A significant emphasis was placed on German experience in agricultural cooperatives, equipment sharing, and associative structures, where the Republic of Moldova relies on adopting best practices. Concrete areas for common development were also identified, including viticulture, horticulture, food processing, and the development of vegetable protein production,” estimated Ludmila Catlabuga.


Strengthening research, innovation, and agricultural education was another pillar of dialogue. The parties examined the possibility of participating in European programs such as Horizon Europe and developing a bilateral mobility and internship program for students and specialists in the field.

Technological cooperation in the context of climate change was also a priority theme. Solutions were discussed for developing organic agriculture, reducing waste, utilizing agricultural by-products and promoting bioeconomy, as well as joint measures to combat climate effects on agricultural production. The bilateral agenda included topics on agricultural digitalization, diversifying the rural economy, and support for young farmers, directions considered essential for increasing the sector's competitiveness.

The cooperation between the Republic of Moldova and Baden-Württemberg is regulated by the Memorandum of Understanding signed on 2 October 2024 in Chișinău, a document which establishes the platform for economic, technological and agricultural collaboration.

Ludmila Catlabuga was part of the Moldovan delegation led by Deputy Prime Minister Eugeniu Osmochescu, present at the trilateral Economic Forum, an event dedicated to harnessing investment opportunities, expanding trade exchanges and identifying cooperation projects in areas such as production, IT and sustainable energy.

The forum served as a catalyst for new partnerships, being an important step for strengthening Moldovan-German economic relations and accelerating the sustainable transformation of national agriculture.

Baden-Württemberg is one of Germany's strongest economic states, and deepening relations with the Republic of Moldova represents an important platform for technological development, innovation, and commercial growth. Germany currently ranks 6th among Moldova's commercial partners, and the authorities of both parties have expressed their intention to expand the cooperation on a sustainable and mutually beneficial basis.