On 14 November, in Chișinău, the first edition of the National Forum “AgroKnowledge – Farmers and Innovation in Partnership” took place. The event was organized by the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industry and the Agricultural and Rural Advisory Center (CCAR), in partnership with Helvetas Moldova. Around 300 farmers, researchers, advisors, and representatives of professional organizations participated in the forum. The event was designed to facilitate communication between farmers and research institutions and to translate scientific results into practical solutions applied on farms.

In the opening of the event, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Industry, Ludmila Catlabuga, stated: “The fact that farmers and researchers are sitting at the same table today shows that agriculture is entering a new stage of development. The signal of connection between the private sector, the research community, and our partners represents a solid starting point for our agriculture. In recent years, many discussions have focused on the reforms we initiated, and today we already see their impact. The reform of research institutions was not merely an administrative exercise. It marks a change in mindset across the sector — in approach, attitude, and in the application of new technologies in the field.”

The Ministry of Agriculture awarded certificates of merit to farmers for their innovative spirit and for their productive collaboration in implementing modern agricultural technologies, highlighting the essential role of partnership between farmers and researchers.

Carolina Chiper, Director of the Agricultural and Rural Advisory Center, emphasized the importance of applying knowledge in practice: “Innovation and research do not stop in laboratories. Their true value is found in the field, on farms, where results become applied solutions and contribute to increased productivity and sustainability. Such an event is vital, as it creates the space where science, experience, and vision come together to jointly build a more prosperous agricultural future.”

Also present at the event, the Director of the Swiss Cooperation Office in the Republic of Moldova, Guido Beltrani, stated: “Research and innovation have enormous potential to transform the agrifood sector, but their true value is realized only when scientific results reach the field and are turned into practical solutions that improve farmers’ lives. Switzerland has long been a trusted partner in this process, through various projects implemented by Helvetas, FAO, and UNDP.”

Oleg Cojușneanu, an agricultural producer from Anenii Noi, confirmed the importance of this bridge between research and practice, stating: “I am a producer and have been raising rabbits for ten years. I do not have formal education in agriculture, which is why collaboration with research is very important to me. I have been working with the National Institute for Applied Research in Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine since 2020, particularly on probiotics. It has been a successful experience that helped me improve farm results and apply recommendations that have been tested in practice.”

The event also included “Speed Innovation Talk” sessions, during which researchers and farmers presented case studies. These presentations generated discussions and provided participants with practical insights for optimizing their activities.