Press Release: Moldovan farmers boost profits by $1.8 million

Moldova, Chisinau, September 3, 2008 — After bringing in $4.5 million in new capital investments, increasing agricultural profits by $1.8 million, and creating over 200 new jobs in Moldova, the “Farmer-To-Farmer” (FtF) program is recognizing the contributions of the volunteers who have made these results possible. Implemented by Citizen’s Network for Foreign Affairs (CNFA,) more than 17,000 Moldovan farmers were assisted in establishing modern farms, which by working with FtF, are now better able to compete with foreign products. The FtF program is funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

To share the lessons they learned about working more efficiently and productively, the Moldovan farmers who worked with volunteer American consultants will be speaking at a conference that celebrates the successes of the FtF program. American volunteers, who include successful American farmers and cooperative business management specialists, will also be there. Media are invited to attend the conference, which will be held September 3, at 11:00 am in the Leogrand Convention Center, in Chisinau. Other attendees will include implementing partners, journalists, state officials, and representatives of the financing institutions.

Since 1999, Farmer-to-Farmer has recruited over 260 highly-qualified American consultants to come to Moldova as volunteers to help farmers modernize their farms and develop agribusinesses. The solutions and recommendations provided by these volunteers have resulted in the development of at least 85 new products and services, improved marketing plans, and a significant growth in business. Building on the technical knowledge and practical business skills brought by FtF, local farmers, growers, and processors have improved the competitiveness of Moldova’s agricultural sector, increased rural incomes and employment opportunities, and will continue to do so in the years to come.

The LeoGrand Convention Center is located on 77 Mitropolit Varlaam St., (the entrance from ULIM side), Nistru room. Journalists who are interested in participating in this event, or are interested in obtaining more information, can contact us by e-mailing nmocanu@moldova.cnfa.org, or by calling at: (+373 22) 57 79 39, 57 79 35, 57 79 30. The contact person is Nadejda Mocanu, “Farmer-to-Farmer” Program Country Representative.

###

With funding from the United States Government, USAID provides economic and humanitarian assistance in more than 100 countries to provide a better future for all.

CNFA is an American not-for-profit organization dedicated to stimulating economic growth around the world by nurturing entrepreneurship, private enterprise, and market linkages. It specializes in engaging private sector investment in training, new technology, and marketing as a means to increase overall competitiveness, expand exports, create jobs, and ultimately generate higher incomes for farmers, processors, and distributors.