Situation in agricultural sector discussed at meeting with Moldovan farmers, competent associations at government

The situation in the agricultural sector in the aftermath of April's frosts, the ongoing swine fever crisis and the measures through which the government supports farmers were discussed at the government today. Attending the meeting was Prime Minister Dorin Recean, Minister of Agriculture and Food Industry Ludmila Catlabuga and representatives of the country's largest agricultural.

“The agricultural sector is facing several challenges - April's frosts, the anticipation of a dry and hot summer, African swine fever, and increasing uncertainty in weather conditions,” said Prime Minister Dorin Recean at the beginning of the meeting.

The frosts in early April significantly affected orchards and vineyards, which were in full bloom. The worst hit plantations are apricots, cherries and peaches. Also, wheat, rapeseed and sugar beet crops suffered due to the frosts.

Presently, the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industry collects reports for loss assessment, and the final damage estimation will be made within 10-30 days. Prime Minister Dorin Recean stressed the need of efficiently applying the damage evaluation mechanism, noting that the government would continue backing the farmers.

The PM referred to such measures as subsidizing agricultural insurance policies, providing financial support for expanding irrigated areas, areas protected from rain and hail and modernizing farms.

In the first months of this year, the government has already disbursed subsidies exceeding one billion lei to farmers, from a total of 1.7 billion allocated for this year. Through the Budget +Plus project, the fund of the Agency for Intervention and Payments in Agriculture was supplemented with 200 million lei, and gradually, the value added tax will be returned. At the same time, advantageous crediting tools are available for small and medium-sized farmers.

Prime Minister Dorin Recean emphasized that the Economic Growth Plan, funded by the European Union, allocated 300 million euros for investments in agriculture, confirming the priority the state places on the agricultural sector, peasant farms  and farmers across the country.

As for the African swine fever, there are currently two active outbreaks in the Codru area of the country: one involving wild boar carcasses found in Lozova, Straseni district, and another in a non-commercial farm in Radenii Vechi, Ungheni district, with all necessary actions being taken to remove the outbreaks.

According to information presented at the meeting by the National Food Safety Agency (ANSA), the volume of fresh meat required for consumption is fully assured.