A new project of assistance for the agriculture sector, supported by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), was launched on February 22. The High Value Agriculture Activity Project is designed to help Moldovan agricultural producers and entrepreneurs to become more competitive and flexible to the necessities of consumers so as to make use of the opportunities of the local, regional and international markets.

Attending the launch, Prime Minister Pavel Filip said the launched project is important for an important sector that ensures the population’s food security and employs a large number of people. He thanked the U.S. for the constant support provided to Moldova during the 25 years of the establishment of bilateral cooperation relations, which exceeded US$1.4 billion. The Premier reiterated that Moldova follows the path of European integration and aims to implement the values shared in the EU.

U.S. Ambassador to Moldova James Pettit voiced hope that this project will become a catalyst for developing Moldova’s agriculture and the economy in general. The USAID project aims to help the producers penetrate new markets as the bans imposed on the export to Russia had a negative effect not only on agriculture, but also on Moldova’s economy in general, stated the diplomat. “We are glad that exports to the EU represent 64%, while the Moldovan apples are sold in 20 countries. We hope the exports of other products, like honey and berries for example, will also be increased,” stated James Pettit.

The financing within the project is intended for producers of apples and other fruit, vegetables, table grapes, crops cultivated in greenhouses and other protected areas.

Vitalie Gorincioi, chairman of the Association “Moldova-Fruct”, approved of this project, saying it will contribute to promoting the Moldovan agricultural products on the domestic and foreign markets.

The US$21m project will be implemented by Chemonics International during a five-year period.