National Strategy on Agriculture and Rural Development for the Period 2014–2020
Strategy for the promotion of sustainability and competitiveness in the agricultural sector and rural development
Description
The National Strategy on Agriculture and Rural Development 2014–2020 is a programme aimed at increasing the competitiveness of Moldova’s agri-food sector through comprehensive restructuring and modernization. The aim is to improve the conditions of those living and working in rural areas, while creating synergies between agri-food activities and the natural environment. The programme interventions include digitalization aspects, including the establishment of electronic information systems, as well as the provision of financial support to farmers for investments, and supporting cooperation and networking in the field of digital agriculture. The programme aims to align the Republic of Moldova with the policies and instruments of the European Union and features six chapters that take into consideration economic resource management and the social challenges related to agriculture and rural development.
Technology
- Desktop/web-based application
- GPS
- Internet of things (IoT)
- Remote sensing
The National Strategy on Agriculture and Rural Development promotes the modernization of the agri-food chain through the adoption of modern technologies in farming and food processing activities, with a view to meeting EU food safety and quality standards. It leverages the use of advanced technologies related to irrigation, land management and environmental production in support of sustainable resource use. The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industry (MAFI) is the central government authority responsible for the development and promotion of the strategy, and, through the Agricultural Information Centre (AIC), is responsible for managing a complex of electronic information systems to integrate and strengthen agricultural information resources, such as Agricultural Producers Registry, Vineyard Registry, Agricultural Machinery Registry and others.
Target
- Agriculture cooperatives
- Smallholder farmers
- Academia and research institutions
- Rural communities
- Public sector
- Private sector
- Civil society organizations
The strategy acts as a framework for policy makers for the identification of major problems and their optimal solutions. It can aid smallholders farmers, agricultural cooperatives and rural communities by enhancing market integration, facilitating access to finance and modern risk-management tools, promoting capacity building and encouraging sustainable practices. At the same time, the strategy can serve as a tool for the planning and programming of measures necessary for the implementation of effective projects by all stakeholders, such as those run by civil society organizations, and to secure financial support from the Government of the Republic of Moldova, international development partners, international financial institutions and donors for the implementation of the proposed agenda. Finally, the strategy benefits the private sector by enhancing market opportunities, promoting innovation and the adoption of technologies and supporting business development. Academia and research institutions may benefit from the strategy as the main sources of agricultural education reforms and innovation.
Impact
The National Strategy on Agriculture and Rural Development in the Republic of Moldova aims to significantly improve the competitiveness and sustainability of the agricultural sector while addressing the issue of rural depopulation. The key goals include a 25 percent increase in the real value of Gross Agricultural Output, a 70 percent increase in the share of land under sustainable management practices, and a 50 percent decrease in the number of people migrating from rural areas.
