Grants represent half of sum provided by foreign donors for agricultural projects

A sum of €110 million of the €1.9 billion worth of financial assistance promised by the donors at the Consultative Group Meeting in Brussels on March 24 will be invested in projects in the agricultural sector, Minister of Agriculture and Food Industry Valeriu Cosarciuc told a news conference on April 1, Info-Prim Neo reports. According to the minister, the agricultural projects presented require €165 million, but a part of them will be examined over time. He said the money obtained from the donors will be invested in obtaining high value-added products. “There will be financed projects to created market infrastructure, including packing houses, open regional agricultural markets, develop the certification and control systems,” Cosarciuc said. He also said that the foreign donors support the Moldovan Government's efforts aimed at facilitating access to loans. “The agricultural producers will be able to obtain loans to modernize the equipment,” Valeriu Cosarciuc said. “Four Moldovan specialists will get practical experience in fund accessing as part of internships at European organizations.” A part of the €110 million will be used this year. The grants represent half of this sum. The other part of the money will be provided as loans at advantageous conditions. The financed projects include agriculture subsidization programs that will yield additional revenues to the state budget, Valeriu Cosarciuc said. In addition, the Government of Japan agreed to examine a project to finance the extension of multiannual plantations to the value of about $200 million.