US government to support Moldovan farmers in purchasing photovoltaic panels

Chisinau, May 3. / MOLDPRES /- The Agency for Development and Modernization of Agriculture (ADMA) in partnership with the Future Technologies Project (FTA), funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and Sweden launched the financing program for agricultural producers in purchasing photovoltaic equipment.

The financing is intended exclusively for agricultural producers and is offered on favorable terms. Farmers will be able to benefit from support in the amount of 50% of the investment cost, but not more than 2.5 million lei per beneficiary. Additionally, through the Future Technologies Project, the beneficiaries will be able to access grants of up to two hundred thousand lei, maximum 20% of the project cost.

The photovoltaic equipment will be purchased with zero rate VAT, without collateral, the design costs being covered by ADMA. "The financial instrument created will facilitate the transition of our country to a sustainable agriculture and a green future. Our goal is to succeed in increasing the competitiveness of products by reducing production costs, to ensure the diversification of energy production sources and to reduce the dependence on traditional sources", Minister of Agriculture and Food Industry Viorel Gherciu said.

For her part, FTA head Doina Nistor said "the project, funded by USAID and Sweden, leading countries in innovation is happy to be a technological partner of this program."

"We are investing two million lei in this program to help agriculture become sustainable and circular. Switching to renewable energy sources is a first step towards making businesses in the agricultural sector greener, more sustainable. In the context of rising energy prices, this program is even more relevant for Moldovan agricultural entrepreneurs. By 2030, the overall installed capacity of photovoltaic panels will increase sixfold. For Moldova, this goal is even bigger because we have, for the time being, a low absorption of green technologies, especially among small and medium enterprises and in the agricultural sector ", Nistor said.

According to ADMA head Maxim Popov, photovoltaic equipment will be financed without VAT and interest, with preferential conditions applied, and the amount offered per beneficiary would allow farmers to cover their total investment to create a 200 kW photovoltaic park. Subsequently, beneficiaries could also apply for grant projects through the Agricultural Intervention and Payment Agency.

The project supports the development of the digital, creative and environmentally friendly economy in our country. The project, with a budget of $ 32.8 million and a 5-year implementation period (2021-2026) promotes innovation and new technologies in a team with key partners in the following strategic sectors for Moldova - information and communication technology, engineering, light industry, creative industries and digital media - to increase their competitiveness and integration into the global market.

Photo: USAID