Smallholder Inclusion in Agri-food Value Chains
The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industry of the Republic of Moldova (MAIA), in partnership with the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and the German-Moldovan Agricultural Policy Dialogue (www.apd-moldova.de) project, hosted a landmark conference on strengthening small farmers‘ inclusion in agri-food value chains on Thursday, September 12, 2024 at the Palace of the Republic in Chisinau.
In front of 300 farmers and agriculture stakeholders, the Moldovan and international senior officials highlighted the crucial role of smallholders in ensuring food security and rural livelihoods. The conference emphasized the need for policies and initiatives that support small family farmers, especially for female and young farmers, such as improved linkages to markets, knowledge transfer, and above all, access to finance.
The leading experts showcased successful models for Moldovan agriculture, such as the farmer-driven Chamber of Agriculture, which could also manage a mutual fund to better manage risks, access resources, and collectively participate in the market. The conference concluded with a declaration with a set of support options for small farms that build on the positive experience of the EU Common Agricultural Policy (CAP).