Transnistrian farmers get corn and sunflower seeds from U.S. Government

The U.S. Government has donated 29 tonnes of corn and sunflower seeds to small-scale commercial farmers in the Transnistrian region affected by the 2007 drought. The humanitarian aid will be provided to more than 700 individual farmers who lost most of their 2007 harvest and will enable them to successfully complete the spring planting season, Info-Prim Neo reports, quoting a press release from the U.S. Embassy in Moldova. The distribution process is implemented by the USAID-sponsored Agribusiness Development Project in close collaboration with local authorities in Camenca, Ribnita, Grigoriopol, Dubasari, and Slobozia. The list of beneficiaries was elaborated with support from the Private Farmer’s Association in cooperation with village mayors and other local officials based on need. Extremely high temperatures and minimal rainfall during the 2007 summer led to widespread drought conditions in 90 percent of Moldova. According to the FAO/WFP assessment, 84 percent of Moldova’s arable land was affected by the drought. In September 2007, more than 1,600 drought-stricken farmers on the right bank received wheat and barley seeds for fall planting as part of immediate US assistance to alleviate the impact from the drought. With funding from the United States Government, USAID provides economic and humanitarian assistance in more than 100 countries to provide a better future for all. ADP is part of USAID’s efforts to support private enterprise growth, create jobs, and generate income in Moldova. ADP is a five-year program implemented by the U.S. company, CNFA Inc. Launched in June 2004, ADP provides business consulting services and technical assistance to farmers, local growers, and processors, to improve the export competitiveness of Moldova’s high-value agricultural sector and increase rural incomes and employment opportunities.