The vegetable producers and those who run floriculture and agritourism businesses could benefit from loans subsidized through the project “Moldova’s Orchard”. The announcement was made by Minister of Agriculture, Regional Development and Environment Nicolae Ciubuc, IPN reports.
Initially, the project envisioned technical and financial assistance for fruit producers and processors only.
“Vegetable growing is an important sector that hasn’t been yet fully developed. We aim to make this sector a priority one. We cannot now produce sufficient vegetables to supply the local market and to be competitive when exporting such products,” stated the minister, explaining why the areas eligible for financing within the project were extended.
Nicolae Ciubuc noted that those who want to develop businesses in winegrowing, winemaking, floriculture and agritourism could obtain financing in advantageous conditions and would benefit from exemption from VAT on the import of equipment.
Iurie Brumărel, director of the Public Institution “Consolidated Unit for Implementing and Monitoring the Wine Sector Restructuring Program”, said the extension of the list of beneficiaries will ensure broader access to loans for producers. Another objective is to increase the number of local banks that will provide financing within the project from four to seven by this yearend.
According to the functionary, those who will want to start such businesses as agricultural machinery production could also apply for loans to develop the projects.
The project “Moldova’s Orchard” was launched in 2016 and will continue until 2021. It is financially supported by the European Investment Bank and the Government of the Republic of Moldova. So far, over 45 agricultural produces benefitted from loans totaling about €30 million as part of this project.
