MOLDPRES REPORT // Day in Moldova with Commissioner Christophe Hansen

The Republic of Moldova was host to a high-level visit for a day, bringing into focus the increasingly close relationship between rural communities and the European Union. Christophe Hansen, European Commissioner for Agriculture and Food visited Ștefan Vodă district and discovered the success stories of farmers, entrepreneurs, and people who are transforming European support into real development.


“Agriculture means not only food but also community, identity, and future. Moldova has huge potential, and the European Union is here to support you,” Hansen emphasized during the visit.


Moldovan Fruits for Global Markets

The first stop of the European Commissioner was at FARM PROD Ltd, an agricultural enterprise that has turned its story into a model of best practices. With the support of a favorable loan from the European Investment Bank, the company modernized production and managed to export 80% of its fruits to demanding markets in the EU and the Middle East.


“The fact that Moldovan apples and plums can be found in shops in Germany, Italy, or the United Arab Emirates shows how competitive your farmers are. This is a European success story,” Christophe Hansen said.


The company's leadership stated that the goal is to switch to new varieties, identical to those cultivated in EU countries, to meet consumer demands.

Wine and Culture – Moldova's Identity

Culture and tradition intertwined with economic development at Etcetera winery, one of the first wineries to promote wine tourism in the south of the country.

Here, the European Commissioner tasted wines produced by the Luchianov family and discussed the challenges and opportunities of rural tourism. With the support of the European Union – 363,000 lei, the winery constructed a modern wastewater treatment plant, an essential step for sustainable tourism.


“Moldovan wine has a unique taste, speaking of tradition and passion. I am impressed with how you have managed to turn this tradition into an international brand,” Hansen declared.


The visit continued with a stop at Maria Bieșu School of Arts in Ștefan Vodă, equipped with modern technology thanks to EU support. 


“These children are the future of Moldova. By investing in them, we invest in the European future of this country,” remarked the commissioner.


During the meeting with the Local Action Group “Drumul Kizilului,” the European official listened to the stories of those implementing projects with social, economic, and cultural impact. In the last two years alone, the LAG has accomplished 11 local projects.

Here, Hansen also participated in a master-class with children who were involved in a sculpture circle activity.


“Nothing can inspire you more deeply than a child, especially a creative child,” the official said.


Milk and Innovation at “Ferma cu Origini”

Another highlight was the visit to “Ferma cu Origini,” where, starting from 200 cattle, they reached over a thousand, with a diversified production including buffalo milk dairy products – a first for the Republic of Moldova.

The farm benefits from a grant of 1 million USD through the AGGRI Project, aimed at doubling production in the coming years.

Farmers Closer to Europe

The visit concluded with an extensive meeting with agricultural associations in Moldova, where discussions focused on drought, adaptation to EU standards, and modernizing agriculture.

The European Commissioner presented the opportunities offered by the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), emphasizing that the EU not only buys Moldovan products but also invests in people and communities.


“We want Moldovan farmers to feel part of a larger family – the European family. Our support does not stop at grants or loans but means partnership and solidarity,” Christophe Hansen emphasized.


The day spent in Moldova with Christophe Hansen was a lesson on how European investments are transformed into success stories. From modern orchards to wineries promoting culture, from art schools to innovative farms, the visit showed that Moldova’s path to the EU passes through local communities, through the work of people, and through the belief that the future can be better. The message was supported by the newly appointed EU ambassador to the Republic of Moldova, Iwona Piórko, who accompanied the commissioner on his visit throughout the country and, although she has not officially taken office yet, has already shown herself to be a good friend of our country, noting both the beauty and the possibilities of the Republic of Moldova on its path to development and prosperity.

European Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Christophe Hansen paid his first official visit to the Republic of Moldova. The official held several meetings with state authorities. Discussions focused on the transformation stages the agri-food sector is going through, the process of alignment with European Union standards, and the importance of strengthening national institutions responsible for implementing agricultural policies. Modernizing irrigation infrastructure and adapting agriculture to climate change were also discussed, topics considered essential for increasing competitiveness and ensuring food security. Additionally, topics regarding rural development, stimulating investment, increasing export capacity, and integrating Moldovan producers into the European market were addressed.

Reporter - Lilia Grubîi