Winery "Et Cetera" exemplifies sustainability through participation in ODA's Greening Program. Located in southeastern Moldova's "Stefan Voda" wine-growing region, the winery began as a family venture in 2002 and has since gained international recognition. Over the years, it has welcomed thousands of visitors from Moldova and abroad. 

Nestled in the picturesque village of Crocmaz in the Stefan Voda district, "Et Cetera" stands out for producing exceptional wines and winery's dedication to environmental protection. Founder Alexander Luchianov, a passionate entrepreneur committed to agritourism and sustainability, installed a modern wastewater treatment plant, showcasing the winery's commitment to green practices. 



"Et Cetera has operated as a family-run winery for 11 years. We have a restaurant, an intriguing hotel, and serene areas for relaxation and reconnection," said Alexander Luchianov. With a team of 40 year-round employees, the winery seamlessly combines high-quality wine production with agro-tourism growth. 

Luchianov secured a grant of 363,000 lei from the European Union under the "Greening Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises Program." He admitted that completing the project would have been difficult without this support. 

"We applied to ODA because the costs were significant, and we couldn't cover the project with our resources at the time," explained Luchianov. EU funding enabled the construction of the treatment plant, a critical investment for effectively managing wastewater from the winery's production and hospitality activities. 

"The wastewater issue is a national problem. Implementing the technology requires significant investment and proper execution. You need reliable companies to build and operate these systems long-term," Luchianov emphasized. 

Thanks to this initiative, "Et Cetera" now operates more safely and sustainably. "We feel at ease now. We're secure, free of headaches, and no longer harming the environment," the entrepreneur added. 

The €8 million ODA-EU SME grant program co-finances seven key initiatives to support entrepreneurship, including greening small and medium-sized enterprises. Since its launch in 2022, ODA has supported over 70 businesses in pollution prevention and water resource management, including "Et Cetera." 

The Greening Small and Medium Enterprises program encourages businesses to adopt sustainable practices to reduce environmental harm. 

"People want to build something here at home. There's a sense of moving forward, but many struggle. These projects help," concluded Luchianov, highlighting the importance of green investments for a sustainable future.

 

In May 2023, the European Union allocated €8 million in non-reimbursable funds to co-finance seven state programs supporting entrepreneurship. The EU signed a direct grant contract with ODA on May 24, 2023. 

The EU for SMEs project aims to support 300 businesses in creating, developing, expanding, or internationalizing their operations. Of these, at least 50% will capitalize on high-growth sectors, and 80% will operate in rural areas. The European assistance project runs from 2023 to 2026 under ODA's management. 

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