Moldovan Farmer Survey Results
In the framework of the Conference on “Smallholder Inclusion in Agri-Food Value Chains” on September 12, 2024, an electronic survey (mentimeter) was conducted at several stages of the event. It enabled the 300+ (small) farmers to actively participate and react to the presentations made by the international and local senior officials.
Asked about the challenges of smallholders, the results showed that small farmers face a series of constraints that is, (i) high costs for inputs, such as for seeds, fertilizer, machinery, and fuel, (ii) resilience to climate change, including compensation for production losses, (iii) marketing options to improve their incomes, and (iv) access to finance. Nearly two thirds of the farmers see the high interest rates and short maturity of loans as the main reason that prevents them from accessing finance.
As an undisputable result, 84% of the farmers responded that the instruments of the EU Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) are suitable to strengthen competitiveness and support agricultural transformation in Moldova. Especially the instrument on promoting producer groups and producer organizations is seen as the primary support measure for Moldovan farmers.
Regarding access to information, the farmers responded that various associations or the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industry are their main source, while many farmers benefit from information within their community and neighbors. Asked on the options on who should decide on compensation following climatic production losses, the famers see the mutual fund, comprising of a committee of farmers, as their preference.