Vasile Bumacov, Minister of Agriculture, discusses his ministry’s efforts to promote the agriculture sector as a key driver of Moldova’s economy. He notes the challenges Moldovan farmers face, particularly difficulties in obtaining financing, and points out that investors in the agriculture sector will find many opportunities in Moldova.
European Times: Why is agriculture important to Moldova?
Vasile Bumacov: Many people in Moldova believe that agriculture is not important, but this is a mistake. Agriculture is what we can do. The agriculture sector accounts for around 42% of Moldova’s exports and in 2013 the sector grew by 38% and played a leading contribution to Moldova’s 8.9% GDP growth. With reforms and with the right kinds of investments, including in food processing, agriculture can help Moldova meet the criteria for joining the EU.
European Times: What is your ministry doing to promote the agriculture sector?
Vasile Bumacov: I have a lot of international experience and I am trying to implement international standards in the agriculture sector. I have launched reforms in food safety to meet EU standards and our ministry is helping to educate farmers in ways to use better technologies and methods to increase their yields. I also want all agricultural subsidies to be completely transparent so that they truly benefit farmers. We have also begun a programme with the US Millennium Challenge Corporation to build rural roads and irrigation systems, and we have launched six programmes supported by investment from Japan along with two programmes with funding from the European Investment Bank. Moldova has two million hectares of very fertile soil and we need to make the most of it with the help of international partners and investors. I want to change Moldova’s 2020 strategy to include a focus on agriculture. While I am minister I also plan to begin the European Neighbourhood Programme on Agriculture and Rural Development through which we will support many of our farmers to modernize its production and make our products more competitive on the European market. I would like to see more education, land reform, and research and development in agriculture in Moldova.
European Times: What are your goals for the future of agriculture in Moldova?
Vasile Bumacov: We must learn to promote our products, and that means promoting our country. How can we promote Moldova’s excellent wine and fruit if half of the people in Europe do not even know where Moldova is? The future of Moldova’s agriculture sector is the EU. The EU can provide not only financing but also technological transfer, a market, and a partner in fighting corruption.
