CCAR and the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industry held a working meeting with the Latvian Rural Advisory and Training Centre, focused on strengthening institutional cooperation and advancing the development of the Agricultural Knowledge and Innovation System (AKIS) in the Republic of Moldova.

During the meeting, participants discussed the expectations of the involved parties, the institutional roles of key stakeholders, priority areas for the upcoming period, as well as the revision of the activity plan and the necessary adjustments to ensure effective implementation. The participants also agreed on the next steps for the work of the working group.

A dedicated part of the discussions focused on the current role of agricultural advisors in the implementation of AKIS. CCAR presented the current state of agricultural advisory services in the Republic of Moldova, including how advisors currently support farmers, their cooperation with research and innovation actors, as well as the main challenges and needs that must be addressed in order for the AKIS system to become functional and effective.

In the upcoming period, cooperation will continue through the implementation of several activities, including technical support for the development of the AKIS system, a Training of Trainers (ToT) programme for the preparation of AKIS experts, as well as strengthening the institutional partnership between CCAR and the Latvian Rural Advisory and Training Centre through the exchange of experience and expertise.

Support for the development of the AKIS system in the Republic of Moldova is provided through the Team Europe Initiative “Sustainable Agri-Food Systems”, funded by the European Union and the Czech Republic, and implemented by CzechAid and Solidarity Fund PL in Moldova, in partnership with the Latvian Rural Advisory and Training Centre (LRATC).