Moldova accelerates agricultural integration into European Union: major progress in legislative harmonization and modernization of key sectors

The Republic of Moldova is steadily advancing in the process of legislative harmonization and European integration in the fields of agriculture, rural development, and food safety. According to the report presented today by acting Minister of Agriculture and Food Industry (MAIA) Ludmila Catlabuga, our country has made significant progress in alignment with the European Union's acquis, managing three of the most complex negotiation chapters.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industry recently completed bilateral screening sessions with the European Commission, evaluating Moldova's readiness for accession. As a result, authorities have accelerated the transposition of European legislation by implementing structural and economic reforms in strategic sectors.


"Moldovan agriculture is closer to European standards than ever. We have strengthened the regulatory framework, liberalized markets, and created real conditions for the development of modern, sustainable, and competitive agriculture," stated Ludmila Catlabuga.


According to the head of MAIA, normative acts have been adopted to strengthen animal health, agro-food product safety, and official control of the food chain, ensuring the sector's sustainability and competitiveness. Moreover, the activity of small producers and agrotourism pensions has been simplified, facilitating their market access and reducing administrative burdens.

With the support of development partners, significant investments have been made, such as the construction of the first animal by-product processing plant to reduce environmental impact; the creation of the Veterinary Medical Center at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine in Chisinau; and the inauguration of seven modern laboratories at the Technical University of Moldova.

The updated legislative framework supports the development of sustainable horticulture, the growth of safe domestic production, and the expansion of exports. Regulations in the field of phytosanitary products and fertilizers ensure fair competition, public health protection, and the sustainable use of treatment substances.


"By adopting regulations on organic production, a clear system of certification and labeling has been created, excluding the use of genetically modified organisms. These measures increase Moldovan producers' access to foreign markets and strengthen the country's reputation as a supplier of safe and eco-friendly products," states the acting minister.


Additionally, with the adoption of the new Land Code, the Republic of Moldova has modernized the land record system and clearly regulated the management of pastures, meadows, and irrigation systems. Conditions for financing land improvement projects and the development of protective forest belts have been created.

With the support of international partners – IFAD, EIB, the World Bank, together with the Moldsilva Agency – programs have been implemented for soil conservation, the expansion of irrigation, and the restoration of degraded lands.


"Legislative harmonization actions in the agricultural, livestock, phytosanitary, and land fields strengthen Moldova's position as an active and determined candidate state to reach European Union standards. All these efforts have a common goal – creating modern, sustainable, and European agriculture that benefits farmers, consumers, and the national economy," summarized Ludmila Catlabuga.