Moldovan government announces new support mechanism for cereals producers

Chisinau, 16 February /MOLDPRES/ - The cabinet will put at the disposal a new support for the producers of cereals hit by the crises from the last years, the government’s communication department has reported.   

Thus, the producers will be able to borrow loans worth up to 500,000 lei, with 90-per cent guarantee on behalf of the state, in order to be able to start the agricultural season. At the first stage, the loan will be provided for a period of up to 18 months of initial providing and six months of grace period, with the covering of the interest of up to 7 per cent, which will be paid by the Agency of Intervention and Payments for  Agriculture (AIPA).  

The new mechanism was announced at a meeting of Prime Minister Dorin Recean and Deputy PM, Agriculture and Food Industry Minister Vladimir Bolea with more farmers. Following the discussions, the group of producers protesters informed that it would de-block the road of access to the Leuseni customs post till 20 February, when another meeting will take place, during which this mechanism will be given the final touches.  

At the same time, the cabinet of ministers stressed the importance of modernizing the businesses from the agricultural sector and of analyzing the opportunities of processing certain crops in certain regions of Moldova, in order to avoid the losses. ‘’I want to thank the farmers who work a lot, with diligence, manage to have profitable businesses and to pay taxes. We help the agricultural sector and we will continue to find even more resources,’’ PM Dorin Recean said.

At the meeting with the farmers, Prime Minister Dorin Recean also urged the farmers protesters not to block the access roads, as this infringes the rights of people to the free movement, jeopardizes the work of economic agents and endangers people lives. ‘’The blocking of customs offices and roads does not help you. On the contrary, you impose even a higher cost on the economic agents which pay taxes, from which the subsidies and assistance are paid, including in agriculture. The blocking of roads and customs will not bring more subsidies on behalf of the government for agriculture. The cabinet is obliged to take care of absolutely all categories. All of us go through a pretty difficult period. We must cope with it together,’’ the prime minister added.