EBRD will assist Moldova in overcoming drought consequences

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) expressed readiness to provide medium and long–term assistance to Moldova, including direct support to farmers in insuring the irrigation equipment and financial assistance in the form of grants. Members of an EBRD delegation told Minister of Agriculture and Food Industry Anatolie Gorodenco that the Republic of Moldova is entitled to seek help from international organisations given the important role it plays in the European Community. The EBRD representatives stressed the importance of insuring the crops and of making the farmers aware of the role of insurance. Anatolie Gorodenco said that the impact of the drought on Moldova is catastrophic as the largest part of this year’s crops has been seriously affected. He specified that agriculture is the key source of living for about 60% of the country’s rural population. The interlocutors discussed the possibility of cooperating in insuring risks in agriculture and the assistance experience of other states that can be used to work out an efficient and transparent scheme for distributing the aid.