Moldova and Italy launch cooperation project to align national agricultural sector with European Union requirements

Moldovan-Italian cooperation for the modernization of agriculture and projects aimed at aligning with EU standards to strengthen cooperatives were the main topics discussed by Minister of Agriculture and Food Industry Ludmila Catlabuga during a meeting with Giuseppe Maria Perricone, Italy’s Ambassador to the Republic of Moldova, and Biagio Di Terlizzi, Director of the Mediterranean Agronomic Institute of Bari (CIHEAM Bari).

The discussions focused on launching a cooperation project designed to accelerate the integration of Moldova’s agricultural sector into the European Union market.

Priorities of the partnership: association and European compliance

The central topic of the dialogue concerned the implementation of mechanisms to support small and medium-sized farmers in their transition to functional and competitive economic models.

The main topics addressed include:

Alignment with EU requirements: The project will provide technical support to ensure that the national agri-food industry meets the EU’s strict quality and food safety standards.

Producer associations: A strategic objective is to encourage forms of cooperation between farmers, using European rules and best practices as the basic model.

Market diversification: Strengthening production and processing capacities will allow Moldovan products to access new and more stable markets.

Transfer of experience: the Italian cooperative model

Ludmila Catlabuga emphasized that Italy’s experience is essential for the Republic of Moldova, given the historical success of Italian cooperatives in maintaining the competitiveness of local producers.

“Association, applied knowledge and access to functional organizational models can help farmers strengthen their market position and better capitalize on the potential of local production,” the minister said.

Training and advisory services for farmers

The initiative places special emphasis on knowledge transfer, ensuring that information reaches the final beneficiaries directly through:

Training and advisory sessions: Farmers will receive practical guidance on the internal organization of cooperatives.

Modernization of production: Producers will learn new methods to improve production and food processing flows.

Safety standards: An important part of the discussions focused on compliance with food safety regulations, which are essential for exports.

The Italian side reaffirmed its full readiness to support the Republic of Moldova by sharing expertise in implementing European agricultural policies and promoting excellence in the agri-food sector.