Moldova to boost agri-food promotion, improve data collection

FAO to launch two new assistance projects in the country. In addition to workshops, study tours and the exchange of international expertise, the project will provide necessary informational infrastructure to develop the capacities of the National Bureau of Statistics, in particular, the agriculture statistics unit.

Stronger, more efficient promotion of agri-food products and new methodologies and indicators in agriculture and rural statistics are among the positive changes expected during the implementation of two new FAO projects in the Republic of Moldova.

The project agreements were signed in Chisinau today by Raimund Jehle, the FAO Representative in Republic of Moldova, and Georgeta Mincu, the country's Minister of Agriculture, Regional Development and Environment. The projects, which will be implemented during the next two years, are expected to contribute to increases in agrifood exports and access to reliable statistical data for policy formulation and implementation.

"The projects respond to two critical necessities identified during consultations with stakeholders: the need for quality statistical data in line with international standards, and a strategic and efficient approach to the promotion of agri-food products," Jehle said. "Planned activities are in line with FAO regional efforts for improved livelihoods and poverty reduction and for agrifood trade and market integration." Among the activities set to boost agri-food promotion are the development of a web portal, a study evaluating trade barriers for products with the biggest export potential, and a programme for identifying and promoting Moldovan traditional products and developing national promotional materials on rural tourism and food heritage.

Pilot promotional activities are planned in two villages, in order to encourage agricultural and rural tourism. "The final beneficiaries of the project are the Moldovan producers and consumers who will benefit from international expertise and advanced knowledge on export and marketing of agri-food products," Mincu said. "The Republic of Moldova needs a strong policy on agri-food export, and I'm happy that we have the opportunity to build it together with FAO, our strategic partner. We will benefit from reliable statistical information on agriculture, and this will allow us to push for coherent policies that will contribute to the well-being of our farmers." Through the second project, Moldovan agricultural and rural statistics will be substantially improved, bringing them in line with international standards. The country's National Bureau of Statistics will be enabled to collect data regarding important Sustainable Development Goal indicators on labour productivity and smallholder incomes.

In addition to workshops, study tours and the exchange of international expertise, the project will provide necessary informational infrastructure to develop the capacities of the National Bureau of Statistics, in particular, the agriculture statistics unit. The projects come as part of a four-year cooperation framework between FAO and Republic of Moldova, signed in late 2016, that aims to support the country in three priority areas: increasing the competitiveness of the agri-food sector, fostering sustainable agriculture and rural development, and improving capacity for sustainable management of natural resources and disaster risk management.