More than 100 agricultural producers participated in the first edition of AgroFin Moldova 2025, held on May 15, 2025, in Bălți, organized by the Center for Agricultural and Rural Advisory Services in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industry.

Ten institutions — including state agencies, international development projects, and commercial banks — presented financing opportunities for agricultural businesses.

Attending the event, Ludmila Catlabuga, Minister of Agriculture and Food Industry, emphasized the importance of such platforms in supporting farmers through the financing and development process:
“I come from your ranks and know how difficult it is to manage an agricultural business and attract financing. I admire the courage and determination you show by investing in agriculture — because accessing finance involves commitments, sleepless nights, and ongoing concern for your business’s future,” said the minister.

Carolina Chiper, director of the Center for Agricultural and Rural Advisory Services, stated:
“With this event, we managed to establish a unique platform for agricultural financiers. Farmers were informed about both ongoing and upcoming funding programs — including the steps required to access EU pre-accession funds and grants from development partners. We hope this event becomes an annual tradition, held before each agricultural season, so Moldovan farmers are well-prepared both agronomically and financially.”

Producers highlighted the importance of access to financing in agriculture.
“Generally, we are familiar with the information presented, but we came to reinforce our knowledge. We also learned some updates about the subsidy program of the Agency for Intervention and Payments in Agriculture, which is set to be approved, and about financing opportunities from the Organization for Entrepreneurship Development — which we plan to explore,” said Valeria Caduc, an apple grower from Grimăncăuți, Briceni.

Igor Tcaci, a berry producer from Soroca district, launched a logistics center in late 2024 for pre-cooling, processing, freezing, and storing berries for export.
“We actively engage in all funding programs presented today. It is very difficult to grow without this kind of support, so we are constantly seeking new information and financing opportunities. I believe participation in such events is essential. Today, I was especially interested in the information on crop insurance and new support programs,” he noted.

AgroFin Moldova 2025 will continue in Chișinău and Cahul, on May 30 and June 6, with the same mission: bringing financing closer to farmers.