Representatives of the associations “UniAgroProtect”, “Agroinform” and “Moldova-Fruct” and of the National Farmers Federation of Moldova plan to resume the protests so as to draw the authorities’ attention to farmers’ problems. These told a news conference that the agricultural sector is in a precarious state, but the government, instead of helping the farmers, impoverishes them more by proposing increasing the land tax, IPN reports.

Valeriu Cosarciuc, who heads the National Farmers Federation of Moldova, said the government, in the budgetary-fiscal policy for this year, suggests raising the land tax and VAT on spare parts. “The farmers look for spare parts more and thus will incur larger costs. The subsidization is also unclear. In agriculture, the situation is precarious following the government’s actions. We, the members of farmers’ associations, are used to simulate a dialogue with civil society. We are summoned to all kinds of meetings and are asked our opinion, but our proposals are not taken into account,” he stated.

Valeriu Cosarciuc also said that the four organizations will call a common meeting to decide what to do next in relation to the government’s actions. The farmers will resort to pressure so as to obtain policies for their benefit.

“UniAgroProtect” chairman Alexandru Slusari said the farmers are dissatisfied because of the government’s attempt to increase the land tax by 15%. “The government says that this tax hasn’t been raised for a long period and it’s time to index it, but the moment is now inopportune. The four organizations will resort to common protests. We surely cannot tolerate such disrespect for farmers,” he said.

Slusari added that if last year hadn’t been so complicated for farmers, the rise in the land tax wouldn’t have been a problem, but now any additional fiscal pressure can be fatal.