New agriculture minister of Moldova presents mandate's priorities

The creation of a predictable agricultural system resilient to climate change, the modernization of irrigation infrastructure, increased competitiveness of food products and the expansion of export markets are among the main priorities outlined by new Agriculture and Food Industry Minister Radu Musteata.

“We will focus on more priorities. At the center, the most important will be creating a predictable agricultural system that is resilient to climate change. Irrigation stays a pretty important priority for the Ministry of Agriculture, as it is a problem that can no longer be denied indefinitely. Of course, one of the priorities will be to enhance the competitiveness of food products. Moldova needs to open more markets for its products and the ministry will make every effort, so that both operators in the food sector and the authorities are strengthened and our capacity to export, especially to the European Union market, increases, including the diversity of food products,” said Radu Musteata after taking his oath of office.

Another priority announced by the new agriculture minister is the modernization of the livestock sector, increasing the number of animals on farms, including high-productivity animals.

“This can be achieved only by increasing competitiveness, which has been demonstrated, for example, with the opening of exports, particularly in the poultry sector, poultry meat and eggs to the European Union market. This sector has grown considerably in recent years,” Musteata said.

The ministry’s team will also focus on simplifying procedures, especially for household producers.

“I will focus quite efficiently on creating a clear, risk-based legal framework that will allow household producers of Moldova to sell their surplus food products. I will work on strengthening and simplifying procedures, especially for the HoReCa sector and for tourist guesthouses,” Radu Musteata emphasized.

At the same time, the capacities of the Agency for Intervention and Payments in Agriculture will be strengthened and efforts to implement the EU acquis will be consolidated, in order to be prepared to access pre-accession funds.

Radu Musteata is a manager with extensive experience in public administration and food safety management. Until now, he has held the position of Director General of the National Food Safety Agency.