Reforms in Moldovan agriculture and sector's development directions discussed in Brussels

Minister of Agriculture and Food Industry (MAIA) Ludmila Catlabuga is on a working visit to Brussels, accompanied by Deputy Secretary General of the ministry Ina Butucel. The agenda includes high-level meetings with European Commission officials from DG AGRI (Agriculture and Rural Development), DG ENEST (Neighbourhood and Enlargement), and DG MARE (Maritime Affairs and Fisheries), as well as with representatives of the European Parliament. The purpose of the visit is to strengthen the partnership with the European Union in support of Moldovan farmers and to advance the necessary reforms for the European integration of the agri-food sector.

Ludmila Catlabuga presented the reforms already launched in the agri-food sector, noting that the ministry has undergone internal reorganization to ensure better institutional coordination.


'A new legislative framework on financing and managing agricultural policy has been promoted, which will allow for efficient use of funds,’ the Minister explained.


Another achievement is the finalization of the Strategic Program for Agricultural Policy 2025–2030, which will guide the development of agriculture in the coming years. The laws on Agricultural Chambers and the Farm Accountancy Data Network have been approved.


'The ministry has also initiated development of the Integrated Administration and Control System (IACS), a necessary mechanism for subsidy management, which will ensure the traceability of public interventions in agriculture, increase transparency in fund allocation, and facilitate farmers' access to financial support. The next objectives are related to the development of the AKIS system, aimed at enhancing the capacities of agricultural producers to access markets and necessary financing. An objective is aligning AIPA with European requirements, as well as expanding the functionality of the National Farmer Registry,’ the official pointed out.


The pilot stage of the Land Parcel Identification System is also underway, an instrument that will allow better management of agriculture resources and interventions.


'Rural development is another priority, with the objective of covering at least 70% of the national territory through LEADER strategies and supporting over 500 rural development projects annually through the National Fund for Agriculture and Rural Development. The reform agenda also includes the operationalization of four regional laboratories for official control and testing, as well as modernizing the logistics for sample transportation between border points and laboratories,’ MAIA head said.

 

 Catlabuga reiterated requests addressed to European partners. One of them is the inclusion of the Republic of Moldova in the EU School Program, which allows the distribution of fruits, vegetables and milk in educational institutions.


Another issue is related to Moldova's request to benefit from transition periods for the adaptation of the agricultural sector to European regulations.


'These periods would allow for a more balanced implementation of new requirements on food safety, support for farmers and quality standards. At the same time, we express the interest to access pre-accession funds, particularly through IPARD program, and request support in preparing the necessary framework for the absorption of these resources,’ the minister said.


Catlabuga expressed gratitude for the constant support provided to the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industry in preparation for bilateral screening on Chapters 11, 12 and 13, scheduled for June and September 2025.