Smart agriculture in Slobozia: How family transformed digitalization and passion for land into prosperous business

In a quiet corner of Ștefan Vodă district, in the village of Slobozia, Veronica and Veniamin Bondarenco show that the agriculture of the future can take root even in the villages of Moldova. With perseverance, courage and openness to innovation, the family managed to transform a family business into a model of smart agriculture, based on technology, efficiency and European thinking.

From 20 to 350 hectares – a business grown with work and vision

Their story began a few years ago when they decided to stay home and invest in their native land instead of going abroad. The first step was purchasing 20 hectares of land, but ambition and passion for agriculture made them expand quickly. Today Bondarenco family manages over 350 hectares of crops and 12 hectares of plum orchard.


"We moved to the village to be close to the activity. It was hard at first, but we learned to build step by step and adapt," says Veronica Bondarenco.


Technology – the new field partner

In 2024, the family made a decisive leap towards modernization. With the support of EU4Moldova: Local Communities program, funded by the European Union and locally implemented by the Local Action Group "Drumul Kizilului", Veronica and Veniamin benefited from a grant for digitizing agricultural processes.

The project included acquiring a high-performance weather station, developing a multifunctional digital platform for crop monitoring, and launching a modern website that facilitates communication with customers.


"We have a modern, very simple and useful website. Our customers know exactly what we do and offer. When they call us, they are informed and ready to order," says Veniamin Bondarenco.


The weather station and digital platform – agriculture at a click away

With the help of new technologies, the family can now monitor soil, humidity, temperature, and wind speed in real-time. The weather station, connected to satellites and smart sensors, automatically transmits data to the digital platform, which helps in planning agricultural work.


"Now we can see everything from home – from soil condition to the optimal time for sowing or harvesting. Before, we had to go to the field daily to check the situation," explains Veronica.


The system is also useful for coordinating the team, as workers receive real-time data about working conditions and can start activities at the right time.

Harvest with European destination

Bondarenco business includes wheat, corn, sunflower, rapeseed, and pea crops. Part of the production is sold on the local market, while the rest is exported to the European Union.

The technologies have allowed them to reduce expenses, avoid losses caused by weather conditions, and react quickly to market demands. At the same time, transparency and professionalism have consolidated their reputation in the community.

The future: irrigation, expansion and jobs

The next step for Bondarenco family is installing an irrigation system and expanding the business, including creating new jobs in the village.


"Every step taken towards digitalization has been an investment not only in our business but also in our village. We believe that the future of Moldovan agriculture is here, at home – smart, efficient, and sustainable," says Veronica proudly.


Model of rural modernization

The story of Veronica and Veniamin Bondarenco shows how innovation can transform traditional agriculture into a modern, competitive, and environmentally friendly business. With the support of the European Union and the active involvement of Local Action Groups, more and more communities in the Republic of Moldova are discovering that digitalization is not a luxury but a necessity.

In Slobozia, this process has not only meant new technologies but also a change in mentality – proof that even in Moldovan villages a modern future with deep roots in the homeland can be built.

Local Action Group "Drumul Kizilului", a rural development association

The Local Action Group "Drumul Kizilului" is a rural development association that brings together several localities in the southeast of the Republic of Moldova, aiming to stimulate cooperation between public authorities, entrepreneurs, and community organizations for the sustainable development of the region.

The LAG operates in Ștefan Vodă district and aims to harness the economic, agricultural, tourist, and cultural potential of the area. The name "Drumul Kizilului" comes from local history, referring to the traditions and identity of the region related to the corn culture, specific to southern Moldova.

The association operates according to the European LEADER model, which emphasizes the direct involvement of communities in planning and implementing local projects. Through the LAG, partner localities access grants and technical assistance for modernizing rural infrastructure; supporting small businesses and farmers; promoting rural tourism and local heritage; digitalization and innovation in agriculture; creating jobs and reducing migration from villages.

In recent years, LAG "Drumul Kizilului" has successfully implemented several projects under the "EU4Moldova: Local Communities" program, funded by the European Union through the EU4Business initiative. Among the beneficiaries are farmers, entrepreneurs, and community organizations that have received support for investments in modern technologies, economic development, and local services.

Through its activity, LAG "Drumul Kizilului" has become an example of effective partnership between the state, the private sector, and civil society, contributing to the modernization of villages and bringing Moldova closer to European rural development standards.