Special parliamentary commission proposes more drafts to support Moldovan farmers

Chisinau, 24 June /MOLDPRES/ - The special parliamentary commission for working out and approving a set of amendments in order to support farmers, proposed for examination 6 draft laws meant to contribute to develop the agricultural sector as strategic branch of the national economy, the parliament’s communication and public relations department has reported.

Parliament Speaker Andrian Candu summoned the commission on 23 June. Attending the event were representatives of Finance, Economics and Transport and Road Infrastructure Ministries.

The MPs analysed the proposal to re-earmark financial sources planned by the Road Fund for the Agricultural Subsidy Fund. The Transport and Road Infrastructure Ministry’s representatives informed that clear provisions, as to amounts which are to be transferred to the Road Fund, were included in agreements on restoration and modernisation of roads infrastructure signed with foreign partners. Therefore, a reallocation of finances of the mentioned fund might mean the ceasing of disbursement of the next instalments necessary to rehabilitate roads. 

Candu requested representatives of the Finance Ministry to present a report on savings accumulated to the state budget in different areas in the first half of 2015, in order to re-allot these to the Agricultural Subsidy Fund. Candu also said that he would address an appeal to Interim Prime Minister Natalia Gherman in order to examine budgets and reserves of the state institutions, as to identify financial sources which might be transferred to the Agricultural Subsidy Fund.

The lawmakers examined with farmers all proposals included in those 6 bills. The MPs propose to be completed the Tax Code in order to implement a reduced VAT in amount of 8 per cent to all agricultural products. They also propose a zero-quota for 3 consecutive fiscal periods on payment of income tax, on condition to reinvest profit in agriculture, starting from 1 January 2015.

The lawmakers and agricultural producers also addressed the proposal to modify units of implementing credit mechanisms as to more transparency in earmarking of agricultural funds.

The participants also tackled the draft law on introduction of regulatory standards, which to fight against delay of payments in food products commercial transactions. The bill stipulates that the payment term is set by negotiating the agreement, except meat, milk, eggs, fruits, vegetables and fresh mushrooms for which the payment term cannot be bigger than 30 calendar days once these supplied. 

Another draft refers to methodology to set prices to petroleum products and establish the right to import diesel oil by farmers for their own consumption. 

Solutions in order to create a credit mechanism profitable for farmers and increase the Agricultural Subsidy Fund are to be identified at the next meeting. Presently, they work on working out the respective draft laws. All bills are to be given final touches by late next week signed by all commission’s MPs and introduced in legislative procedure. 

”The commission has visible results, so that to fulfil what we have promised to famers till 1 July,” Candu said. 

Farmers welcomed the openness of lawmakers to identify real solutions in order to solve problems they face.

(Editor M. Jantovan)