The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations reiterated its readiness to further support the development and sustainability of agriculture in the Republic of Moldova. In a meeting with Minister of Agriculture, Regional Development and Environment Vasile Batca, the representatives of FAO reiterated that the Republic of Moldova represents a priority in accordance with the Agreement between the Government of Moldova and the Food and Agriculture Organization on the constitution of a FAO Representative Office in Moldova, which was signed in April 2014, IPN reports.

According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Regional Development and Environment, during the past three years the Republic of Moldova benefitted from expertise and technical assistance from FAO to the value of about US$ 2 million for strengthening the sector, in particular for improving the legislation and food safety. “We are grateful for the provided support and are confident that we will have efficient cooperation in the future,” Vasile Batca said in the meeting with the FAO representatives.

In a move to prioritize the provided assistance, the Government of Moldova, in concert with FAO, worked out and approved a Country Framework Program for 2016-2019. The program centers on three key assistance areas, namely: enhancement of agricultural competitiveness; promotion of sustainable agriculture and rural development, and improvement of capacities in the sustainable management of natural resources and natural disaster management.