PHOTO // Moldovan PM on Farmer's Day says agricultural sector priority, government to continue to invest in its development

The development of the agricultural sector is a priority for the government and the authorities will continue to invest in this field and support farmers through concrete actions and projects. Prime Minister Alexandru Munteanu has made statements to this effect, who today participated in the event dedicated to the National Day of Agricultural and Processing Industry Employees. The PM conveyed a message of appreciation and gratitude for the work of all those active in this sector.

Prime Minister Alexandru Munteanu said that the Moldovan farmers had made people proud with their products both domestically and abroad.

“Our brave and innovative farmers make us proud with their products both at home and far beyond our country's borders. I thank you for your hard work. I know it is not easy. (...) Any business requires professionalism, courage, perseverance, innovation, but in your case, it also requires a love for the land and the products offered by our fertile soil. And I thank you for all the dedication and for the work you do,” Alexandru Munteanu said.

The prime minister stressed that, in recent years, about 8 billion lei had been allocated for the development of the agricultural sector of Moldova, and the National Fund for Agricultural and Rural Development had been increased by 70 percent.

“In the last two mandates, 8 billion lei has been allocated. This is a huge amount for Moldova. Eight thousand farmers have been helped, a third of whom are young farmers and women farmers. Half of those supported by the state manage small and very small businesses, while we also invest in larger projects, such as grants of up to one million dollars in the livestock sector. The National Fund for Agricultural and Rural Development has increased by 70% in the last four years,” emphasized the prime minister.

The official assured that investments in the agricultural sector would continue, as it is the foundation of the country's development.

“The agricultural sector is a priority. We have invested and will continue to invest in the agricultural sector, as it is the basis for all the other things we do,” concluded Alexandru Munteanu.

At the event, Minister of Agriculture and Food Industry Ludmila Catlabuga said that the performance achieved by Moldova in the agricultural field was due to the hundreds and thousands of farmers who work daily to provide consumers with quality products.

“Today, I want to talk about you - the people who keep Moldova fed, strong and good through your daily work. With much gratitude, I want to say just one simple thing - thank you for everything you do. The merit of what we have in agriculture cannot be fully encompassed by a ceremony or a list of awards. The merit belongs to the hundreds and thousands of farmers who work quietly, without applause, without cameras, without festivities. Through the today’s event, we just want to highlight a small part of your work. It is a gesture of respect, a sign that we see the effort, sacrifice, patience and resilience of each of you. And it's important to say that out loud. Thank you for being with us,” said Ludmila Catlabuga.

The minister outlined the main future priorities and assured that the state would always be there for the farmers, through concrete support actions.

“Moldova's agriculture requires much strength, determination, courage, dedication, sacrifice. And you show daily that the combination of these words, in fact, gives you the power to do great things for our country. Looking to the future, we clearly know what we have to do: more irrigation, more processing in villages, correct policies, support for youth, women, small and large farms, equal rules, stable markets and less bureaucracy. May you have health, abundance and the strength to move forward, and we as a state to be always near both your joys and your concerns. Happy Farmer's Day,” said Ludmila Catlabuga.

At the same time, the agriculture minister sent a message of unity, noting that “we can truly change things only together.”

“These priorities mean nothing without the unity among farmers. I urge you to remain united, firm in your positions, in solidarity, not to let yourselves be divided. Because as difficult as it may be, sometimes, we can truly change things only together. (...) Happy Farmer’s Day, may you have health, abundance, strength and harvests and much peace, health. And we, as a state, will always be near both your joys and your concerns,” concluded Ludmila Catlabuga.

Deputy Prime Minister Vladimir Bolea, who held the position of Minister of Agriculture on 2022-2024, said that Moldova's agriculture had undergone deep transformations and a comprehensive modernization process in recent years, leading to tangible results.

“When I took over the Ministry of Agriculture, there were 5,100 milking cows in Moldova’s farms, and today we have over 18,000 cows and a doubling of milk production. In 2024, we had an economic growth of over 15 per cent in this segment of livestock and milk production. (...) If we talk about poultry farming, I believe that, over the next five years, this area will be one of great performance. In 2024, for the first time, Moldova started to construct new poultry farms from the scratch. Why did this happen? Because we have exports. Because we have the European Union. Because they have confidence in the future,” said Vladimir Bolea.

At the event dedicated to the National Day of Agricultural and Processing Industry Employees, more farmers were awarded diplomas for their outstanding results in their work.

The National Day of Agricultural and Processing Industry Employees is annually marked on the fourth Sunday of November. It is dedicated to recognizing the work of farmers and employees in the agro-food sector and has become an opportunity to celebrate their contribution to the national economy.