Eu to offer Moldova 53 million euros for agricultural development

Chisinau, 22 November /MOLDPRES/ - Moldova will receive 53 million euros for the development of agriculture from the European Union over the next three years. Agriculture Minister Vasile Bumacov made statements to this effect during festivities held in Chisinau today, on the occasion of the Day of the worker in agriculture and manufacturing.

Bumacov said that Moldova exported agricultural products to Ireland, Romania, and to more Balkan countries this year. "A harvest amounting to about 30 billion lei (1.5 billion euros) was obtained. Very good crops of sugar beet, wheat and sunflower were obtained. Despite pessimistic forecasts, this year the agri-food sector grew by 5 per cent. Throughout the year, 11 irrigation projects, which will contribute to enhancing the quality of food products, were put into commission", said the minister.

Attending the event, Prime Minister Iurie Leanca stressed that "every day we receive signals of the Moldovan products’ presence on European markets. We will do everything possible to keep the existing markets and conquer new ones. We will return to the Russian market as well, but with other, more competitive products", said Iurie Leanca.

Furthermore, Iurie Leanca noted that, agriculture was declared a priority area of the national economy. "The agro-food sector contributes to economic growth and increasing the value of the national currency. Agriculture is a substantial income for a large part of the population," said Prime Minister Iurie Leanca, interviewed by the MOLDPRES.