VIDEO // One decade of agricultural transformations: MAC-P concludes mission in Moldova with multiple development projects, support for farmers

The Agriculture and Food Industry Ministry, together with the Consolidated Unit for Implementing and Monitoring Agricultural Projects (UCIMPA) and the World Bank, today marked the completion of the Moldovan Agricultural Competitiveness Project (MAC-P).

The event titled, Agriculture in Transformation: 13 Years of Progress and Innovation, celebrated the results of the longest-running agricultural project financed by the World Bank in Moldova, which has strengthened food safety and the export capacity of local farmers.

Modernization and Strategic Infrastructure

Launched in 2012 and conducted over five rounds of funding, MAC-P contributed to the modernization of food safety infrastructure, facilitating producers’ market access and promoting sustainable agricultural practices. The project supported thousands of farmers in increasing competitiveness and adapting to climate and economic challenges.

"This is a project that has shaped the direction of our agriculture over 13 years, with impressive results. I thank the farmers who had the courage to adopt modern practices and collaborate on this project," said Minister of Agriculture and Food Industry Ludmila Catlabuga.

Key achievements include the modernization of the National Food Safety Agency (ANSA): renovating the central headquarters, equipping laboratories with advanced tools, and building five border inspection points at Criva, Giurgiulesti, Tudora, Leuseni, and Sculeni. These investments strengthen the control of animal and plant-based products and align Moldova with European Union’s standards.

The project also included the construction of the animal-derived by-products processing unit in Criuleni, which allows transforming animal waste into useful products, such as protein meal and biofuel, supporting exports of meat and eggs.





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Market Access and Producer Association

MAC-P stimulated farmers’ association through the creation of 64 producer groups, of which 47 received funding for post-harvest infrastructure. With total support of 13.56 million dollars, cold storage facilities with a capacity of 39,000 tons, sorting lines and dryers were built, facilitating the delivery of high-quality agricultural products to international markets.

Environmental and Resilience Components

The project rehabilitated over 3,000 hectares of protective forest strips, which shield agricultural lands from erosion and wind, contributing to the climate resilience of the sector.

"MAC-P was not just about grants or infrastructure, but about a strategic vision and people. Over 13 years, the project created sustainable transformation in institutions, infrastructure, and farmers' capacity," emphasized Olga Sainciuc, Executive Director of UCIMPA.

Continuing Efforts: The AGGRI Project

The event marked the launch of the successor Agriculture Governance, Growth and Resilience Investment Project (AGGRI), funded by the World Bank with a budget of 55 million euros. The project will continue the modernization of the agri-food sector, stimulating the processing of dairy and plants products, rehabilitating irrigation systems and strengthening the institutional capacities of Agency of Intervention and Payments for Agriculture (AIPA) and ANSA.

Implemented with the support of the World Bank during 2012-2025, MAC-P aimed to enhance the competitiveness of the agri-food sector, modernize the food safety management system, facilitate producers' market access and promote environmentally-friendly agricultural practices.