Agribusiness Development Project Advances Production Methods of Moldovan Farms

Three Moldovan agricultural enterprises, as pilot demonstration farms of high-value production systems, will benefit from increased sales and exports of quality fresh fruits and vegetables. This is possible due to over $140,000 in investments, a combination of grants and private investment, in new plantations and advanced production technologies. In addition to registering higher earnings, the farms will create at least 34 new work places in their communities, by expanding their existing operations. New plantations of apples, plums, black currant and high-yield varieties of vegetables will be established on 20 hectares of land, with advanced production systems, including drip irrigation, plastic tunnels, anti-frost covers and post-harvest handling facilities.

Innovative farm production methods are being demonstrated in Moldova with technical and grant assistance provided through the USAID-funded Agribusiness Development Project implemented by CNFA. The project’s main objective is to increase the competitiveness of Moldova’s high-value agricultural sector, by boosting its export potential and trade performance. CNFA provides grants and technical assistance by matching local entrepreneurs’ investments in expanding and improving production capacity. In the case of these first three demonstrational projects, CNFA granted over $60,000 to help the farms deliver more high-quality products to markets in Moldova and abroad. CNFA anticipates that once implemented, the modern production techniques and the expanded areas will result in increased sales of up to 100%, with export growth reaching 30%. Such interventions are crucial to Moldova’s agricultural economy in order to become competitive on the global arena.