The first laboratory for determining pesticide residues in plants, soil and non-animal products was set up in Moldova within a bilateral Romanian-Moldovan project, Info-Prim Neo reports. In a news conference on February 20, Nicanor Cernautan, director of the IS “Product Quarantine, Identification, Arbitration Examination and Disinfection Center”, said that owing to the financial support of €300,000 provided by the Government of Romania, the laboratory was equipped with modern German equipment. It will start work in September, but is to obtain accreditation for the examinations to be recognized. This process lasts for two to four years. Minister of Agriculture and Food Industry Vasile Bumacov said such a laboratory is very important for Moldova as it will ensure the quality of fruit and vegetables. The signing of the Association Agreement and the Free Trade Agreement between Moldova and the EU depends greatly on the quality of the national products because the European partners want to be sure that the products that will be exported to the EU will be of the highest quality. The minister also said that there is a shortage of specialists able to work with the modern equipment bought. In this connection, they asked designing special courses on the examination of food products in universities. Attending the event, Romanian Ambassador in Chisinau Marius Lazurca said that joint projects will continue to be implemented in other areas, in concert with the Moldovan partners, so that the Moldovans have access to products of the highest quality. Eleven specialists now work at the laboratory for determining pesticide residues in plants, soil and non-animal products.