Thirty agricultural crops selected in Moldova to receive quality certification through programme Global GAP

Chisinau, 02 March /MOLDPRES/ – A number of 30 agricultural crops in Moldova were selected to receive quality certificates through Global GAP (Good Agricultural Practices) programme. The first programme stage was attended by 15 producers, initiated by Kaufland in partnership with International Financial Corporation (IFC), part of the World Bank Group.

The fruit and vegetable producers, selected into programme, were trained for three days by specialized consultants, in a first stage. The second stage will start in mid – March and include individual consultations for each fruit and vegetable producer enrolled within programme. Similarly, there will be carried out: pre – certification stage, actual work on each farm, soil and water analysis activities and set of personalised action plans.

The 15 producers entered the programme with different crops: potatoes, tomatoes, carrots, and vegetables, as well as fruits: apples, plums, grapes. These goods have the chance to obtain the most internationally recognized quality certification.

"We launched the Global GAP programme in Moldova to support development of fruit and vegetable producers. The requirements of programme beneficiaries are geared towards gaining valuable knowledge so that they have ability to expand their sales market both locally and internationally. At this stage, obtaining most prestigious quality certification in the world keeps desire of each manufacturer if he wants to continue and apply the Global GAP standards," said Ionut Parfente, fruit and vegetable purchaser, Kaufland Romania.

Among the advantages offered by farmers in global agricultural good practice programme are: more stable income, high – quality products meeting food safety standards, improving management of natural and financial resources, including workers’ safety, health and well – being and development of sustainable business.

The products to be certified will be available on shelves of Kaufland stores in Moldova.

The Global GAP programme, launched by Kaufland in Moldova, in partnership with IFC, the World Bank Investment Division, covers all costs of training, water analysis, soil, other lab analysis, including individual consultancy. All producers’ participation costs are fully covered by Kaufland.

Worldwide, over 160,000 farms in 124 countries hold Global GAP certification, and 60 per cent of all of them come from Europe.

(Reporter V. Bercu, editor L. Alcaza)