MOLDPRES REPORT// Moldova's agriculture closer to Europe; Commissioner Christophe Hansen: "EU needs Moldova and wants it in the family soon"

The first day of autumn this year not only brought students back to their desks, but was also marked by a European visit with significant impact for farmers of Moldova. The country hosted European Commissioner for Agriculture and Food, Christophe Hansen, who started his working visit in southeastern Moldova at a horticultural enterprise in the Stefan Voda district, also participating in a meeting with members of the Moldova Fruct Association.

Later, the official visited the Maria Biesu District Community Centre, where he met students of the institution and the Local Action Group LEADER "Kizil's Road," focusing on exchanging best practices and initiatives in rural development. The day concluded with a visit to the Farm with Origins company, discussing attracting investments in processing and developing the livestock sector of Moldova.

The visit was also marked by a surprise, as the commissioner was accompanied by the newly appointed European Union Ambassador to Moldova Iwona Piorko.

Together with officials from the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industry (MAIA), the European Union representatives first visited a horticultural business in the Olanesti village.

"The European Union Needs Moldova"

Christophe Hansen followed the harvesting process, discussing with the entrepreneur about varieties, yields, and the challenges of a continuously evolving sector. The visit continued in the cold storage – the space where the farmers' work is carefully preserved for its long journey to the European market.

The official also held a meeting with members of the Moldova Fruct Association, discussing the prospects of national horticulture and the role of cooperation. The sides stressed that the association of producers and the creation of functional cooperatives represented key for market access, pricing negotiation and consolidation of the competitiveness for long term.

Moldovan producers were particularly interested in the European Commission's vision on the future of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) post-2027, essential aspects for ensuring the sustainability of the fruits sector, the EC's recommendations for overcoming challenges related to limited water resources, the role of inter-professional organizations in the EU, and what prospects exist for creating such structures in Moldova, how access to phytosanitary products will evolve within the process of Moldova's accession to the European Union and what the Commission's position is on the regime of Uniform Products of Manufacture (PFM), how the access of products from third countries will be regulated in relation to European standards on acceptable residue limits, among other things.

"The event reconfirms that Moldova's European path is determined by the sustainable development of agriculture. Fruit producers need sustainable policies, access to resources and modern tools, in order to stay competitive on the single European market. It is important to be an active part of the transition process, in order to prepare Moldova's fruit sector for the standards and requirements of the community market," said Vitalie Gorincioi, president of the Moldova Fruct Association.

In the context, Christophe Hansen conveyed a firm message: "The European Union needs Moldova and wants it in the large family as soon as possible."

The tone was not one of mere diplomatic formalities, but direct, with concrete examples and historical comparisons. Hansen reminded that accession is merit-based, and Moldova is moving "faster and better than other candidate states." He even made a comparison with his own country, Luxembourg, which, although small and poor after the war, managed to prosper through European solidarity.

"For small countries, it makes a lot of sense to have this unity. Thus, the power is greater in the end," the European official said.

Hansen also addressed one of the key topics discussed with farmers, which concerned water availability.

"You can't produce good apples without water. You can't produce anything in agriculture without water," he said, reminding that in preparation for the new multiannual financial framework, Brussels had provided additional funds for candidate countries, and Moldova will be able to benefit from new financing opportunities.

Presently, the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industry is preparing for an important new stage in the integration process: during September 8-18, the ministry's team will be in Brussels for the screening exercise related to Chapter 11,  Agriculture and Rural Development and Chapter 12 Food Safety, Veterinary and Phytosanitary Policy.

Present in Stefan Voda, Adrian Digolean, state secretary at MAIA, said that the competent authorities were making putting all efforts to ensure the pace of progress in the EU accession path, alignment with European standards, and creation of strong associative structures that ensure fair competition and equal opportunities for all farmers.

Moldovan farmers at the center of discussions: "Your apples are quite tasty"

The visit to Stefan Voda was not formal. Christophe Hansen visited orchards, spoke with farmers, and tasted the fruits of their labor. "Your apples are very tasty," he exclaimed after tasting a few, emphasizing that they have real chances to conquer the European market.

But for these products to reach the shelves in Paris, Berlin, or Brussels, more than just quality is needed.

"Farmers need stability and predictability. Good prices and security to invest in modernization. The European Union is the partner that can provide that," Hansen stressed.

Currently, 65 per cent of Moldova's exports are already going to the EU, and Brussels aims to expand these opportunities. The commissioner even visited an irrigation facility set to be modernized with European support, highlighting the major challenges Moldovan farmers face: funding, marketing and a new agricultural policy.

Brussels is working on a new financial framework that will include additional funds for candidate countries and Moldova will benefit from investments dedicated to agriculture, infrastructure and product marketing.

Hansen explained that the EU wants to especially support small farms, youth, and rural women, as well as organic farming, a sector rapidly expanding in Europe.

"The demand for organic food is constantly rising. Moldova has an advantage here and must be supported to capitalize on it," the commissioner noted.

Stefan Voda district: An open road to Europe

The visit of the European Commissioner for Agriculture and Food to Stefan Voda district underscores the importance of the local agricultural sector and opens new opportunities for cooperation and development in the context of European integration.

Contacted by MOLDPRES, Olga Luchian, head of the Stefan Voda district, highlighted that "the visit of Mr. Christophe Hansen, along with the Delegation of the EU in Chisinau and the Ministry of Agriculture teams, represents a moment of trust and openness for our district."

"Stefan Voda is a district with strong agricultural traditions and industrious people, and the fact that European officials choose to understand our work and challenges directly is proof that the voice of our farmers matters. The European Union has been and remains a supportive partner for local development, whether it's about modernizing infrastructure, investing in agriculture, or supporting entrepreneurs. We need the continuation of these projects and the expansion of export opportunities for our producers, so that their work is appreciated not only in domestic markets but also abroad," Olga Luchian stated.

Luchian expressed confidence that the dialogue would open new perspectives for the Stefan Voda district and would encourage farmers to believe in Moldova's European future.

"The support of the European Union is not only financial or technical, but also moral – encouragement to move forward, to become more competitive and united," emphasized the head of the Stefan Voda district.

A Strong European Signal of Trust and Concrete Support

Christophe Hansen's message from Stefan Voda was more than just a diplomatic encouragement. It was a signal of trust and concrete support. Moldova is already economically and agriculturally connected to the European market and Brussels awaits it "sooner rather than later."

In an apple orchard in Stefan Voda, Europe seemed closer than ever today. And for Moldovan farmers, this is the beginning of a safer and more prosperous path – into the large European family.

The message was also supported by the newly appointed EU ambassador to Moldova Iwona Piorko, who, although not officially in office yet, has already shown herself to be a good friend of the country, noting Moldova's beauties and possibilities on the path to development and prosperity.

Correspondent: Lilia Grubii