Information presented by Alexandr Manciu, Deputy Director of the National Food Safety Agency (ANSA), during the seminar “Alignment of the Regulatory Framework of the Swine Sector of the Republic of Moldova with that of the European Union”, organized by the Agricultural and Rural Advisory Center (CCAR), Republic of Moldova.
Pig farming regulation in the Republic of Moldova
In the Republic of Moldova, pig farming is clearly regulated by national legislation. According to the legal framework, individuals who raise pigs for their own consumption may keep up to a maximum of five adult pigs, as well as their offspring up to the age of 60 days.
Those who wish to raise a larger number of animals are required to register and obtain authorization from the National Food Safety Agency (ANSA).
Authorization procedure
The authorization process is currently simplified and digitalized. Farmers can submit their application file:
- Online, through the e-Services platform (available also via the EVO application and the ANSA website); or
- Physically, at the offices of the territorial food safety subdivisions, if they lack the skills or resources to use the electronic platform.
Required documents
To obtain the sanitary-veterinary authorization, the applicant must submit a set of documents, including:
- Authorization request form;
- Proof of ownership or right to use the premises intended for pig farming;
- Proof of contracting the services of a veterinarian responsible for sanitary-veterinary supervision;
- Proof of payment of the authorization fee — 150 MDL.
Once the file is submitted, it is reviewed by the territorial subdivision. If additional documents are needed, the applicant will be notified. If the file is complete, inspectors conduct an on-site visit to verify compliance with the minimum authorization conditions.
The authorization is issued within a maximum of 20 working days.
Benefits of authorization
Obtaining a sanitary-veterinary authorization grants farmers the legal right to engage in pig farming and to sell animals to authorized slaughterhouses.
Authorized farmers also benefit from:
- Access to state subsidies and support programs;
- Legal market access and transparent business relations;
- Avoidance of administrative and fiscal penalties applicable to unauthorized activities.
Risks of operating without authorization
Farmers who raise pigs without authorization expose themselves to:
- Administrative sanctions imposed by ANSA and the Tax Service;
- Confiscation of animals or products obtained illegally;
- Increased risk of disease spread, due to the absence of biosecurity measures;
- Substantial fines, often exceeding the cost of authorization.
Unauthorized activity is also one of the main weak links in disease transmission and dissemination, which can lead to serious consequences and additional restrictive measures.