Deputy Prime Minister Vladimir Bolea announced several support measures for farmers affected by drought and other natural disasters in 2024.

As the Minister of Agriculture and Food Industry (MAIA), Vladimir Bolea unveiled the first package of financial measures aimed at helping farmers affected by drought and other natural disasters in 2024, with the goal of facilitating their access to necessary resources to continue agricultural activities and maintain economic stability in the sector.

Among the proposed measures is the reduction of penalties for late payment of installments in 2024 due to natural disasters. The Agency for Agricultural Development and Modernization (ADMA) will fully waive late payment penalties, provided that farmers present a Certificate of Impediment attesting to the justifiable reason for non-fulfillment of contractual obligations, a document issued by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Republic of Moldova.

Additionally, farmers will be granted a six-month payment holiday for intermediate installments due between September 2 and December 31, 2024, upon written request and based on the same Certificate of Impediment. Moreover, the payment of the final installment due in 2024 will be suspended for the same period, September 2 – December 31, 2024, under the same conditions, based on a written request and the Certificate issued by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Republic of Moldova.

In addition to these measures, the initial down payment required for the Small-Scale Irrigation System Development Program will be reduced from 40% to 20%, thereby facilitating farmers’ access to essential irrigation equipment for the sustainability of agriculture.

“Through these decisions, we are supporting farmers who are facing significant challenges due to unfavorable climatic conditions, ensuring they have the necessary assistance to continue their activities and maintain the stability of the agricultural sector,” stated Vladimir Bolea.

The measures were announced yesterday at the meeting of the Supervisory Committee of the Agency for Agricultural Development and Modernization, chaired by the head of MAIA.