Moldovan speaker proposes measures to back farmers

Chisinau, 20 May /MOLDPRES/- Parliament Speaker Andrian Candu has proposed a string of legislative initiatives to settle the farmers' problems. The set of measures was tackled by the speaker at a meeting with representatives of the associations of farmers from Moldova, the parliament's communication and public relations department has reported.

The speaker proposes elaboration and approval of a string of legislative amendments to back the farmers till 1 July. Candu proposed cancellation of income tax and reinvestment of profit got in development of own business in agricultural sector, creation of a mechanism of profitable crediting for farmers, simplification and modification of subsidisation procedure - not on invested amount, but per hectare. Also, he proposed to modify the ways of calculating the prices for oil products and will suggest giving the farmers right to import these products directly from refinery. The speaker also proposed to change the legislation, so that more agricultural products should benefit from reduced VAT rate and will back the creation of a board of supervisors with the participation of farmers, who would monitor allocation of agricultural funds.

"Time is ripe for us to switch from statements saying that agriculture is the most important branch of the national economy to practical solutions. Unfortunately, our farmers are not spoiled either by the country, or politicians and  regional context. I am responsible for the presented "agricultural set" and tomorrow I will propose to the plenum a draft decision to enforce it", he said.

The proposals were welcomed by the farmers. The initiatives are to be considered within the consultations, due to be held to work out draft laws.

"This "agricultural set" is an important commitment. You are the first official coming up with concrete proposals that can be enforced within a short period and this is worth being appreciated. If this road-map is not carried out till 1 July, the situation in agriculture will worsen", the head of UniAgroProtect Republican Union of Farmers' Association, Alexandru Slusari, said.

The representatives of farmers insisted on increasing the subsidisation fund in agriculture and creating a guarantee fund of agricultural credits.

(Editor L. Alcaza)