Consultations for the Chamber of Agriculture
APD Moldova is supporting the initiative of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industry (MAIA) to establish a Chamber of Agriculture in Moldova. Following the study tour for Moldovan agriculture representatives on June 2-7, which was organized by APD Moldova together with Chemonics (USAID) and showcased best practices of the Chambers of Agriculture in Germany and Austria, the consultations in 10 rural regions of Moldova take place from July 4-11, 2024.
The consultations were led by the Moldovan Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Agriculture and Food Industry, Mr. Vladimir Bolea and benefited from international experiences of Mr. Dacian Ciolos, former EU Commissioner of Agriculture and Rural Development and former Prime Minister of Romania, as well as Mr. Hermann Schultes, the former President of the Austrian Chamber of Agriculture. More than 300 farmers participated in each of the regional consultations and contributed to lively discussions.
The objective on establishing a Chamber of Agriculture in 10 regions of Moldova responds to the EU requirement to have a Farm Advisory Service up-and-running at the time of EU accession. The Chamber of Agriculture with its mandatory farmer membership has a long tradition in many EU Member States, such as in Germany and in Austria. The establishment of a Chamber of Agriculture has also a proven track-record for enhancing agricultural performance in many parts around the world that is, independent of EU Membership. This one-stop-shop enables farmers to receive advise on a wide range of topics, such as on market information, law, policy, and current scientific developments, and also ensures that the voice of farmers is heard in the government.
The Law on the Organisation and Functioning of the Chamber of Agriculture is close to approval in the Moldovan Parliament. APD Moldova organised the active participation of Mr. Hermann Schultes in the consultation process, who also contributed to improving the draft legislation. Hermann Schultes explained how various farm association and the Chamber of Agriculture co-exist for a more cost-effective farm representation. Membership must not be seen as compulsory, but more as a privilege for the farmers.
