The Republic of Moldova will benefit from a financing of 150 million euros from the European Investment Bank for the modernization of the agricultural and agri-food sector, through the “Livada Moldovei II” program. The financing agreement was signed on Friday, during an event attended by representatives of the Government, the EIB and the European Union, reports IPN.
According to the Delegation of the European Union in Chisinau, the funds will be used for the acquisition of modern equipment, the development of storage and processing capacities, as well as for improving the logistics infrastructure. The program will support investments at all stages of the agricultural value chain, from farms and orchards to processing units and distribution networks.
The funding will allow businesses in the field to expand their activities, improve the quality of their products, and develop a range of products with higher added value. At the same time, a portion of the resources will be allocated to public investments in agricultural education, research, and the necessary infrastructure for ensuring food safety.
The program also aims at creating new jobs and facilitating the access of Moldovan producers to the European Union market. The funding is guaranteed by the EU and is part of the European Union’s Growth Plan for the Republic of Moldova, with a total value of 1.9 billion euros.
The EU Ambassador in the Republic of Moldova, Iwona Piórko, stated at the event that the investment will facilitate rural entrepreneurs’ access to the necessary financing for modernization and business development. At the same time, this will contribute to bringing the Moldovan economy closer to the European one.
In turn, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Industry, Eugeniu Osmochescu, emphasized the importance of long-term investments for capitalizing on the potential of local producers and strengthening their competitiveness in European markets.
The first stage of the “Orchard of Moldova” program supported, until 2025, over 500 investment projects in the agricultural sector of the Republic of Moldova.
