Farmer-to-Farmer in Moldova
Country Overview
The Republic of Moldova is a landlocked country in Eastern Europe, located between Romania and Ukraine. It is a beautiful country known for its hospitable people and good wine. Moldovan culture is an interesting mix of European and Slavic ancestry and the official language is Romanian. The economy is heavily dependent on agriculture given its favorable climate and good farmland. Agricultural products include primarily fruits, vegetables, Moldovan wine and tobacco.
CNFA in Moldova
Launched in 1996, the CNFA® Farmer-to-Farmer Program in Moldova is making a substantial contribution to helping smallholder farmers make the transition to the gradually emerging private market economy. Many agricultural cooperatives, agribusinesses, and farmer groups are struggling to compete in the market economy and FtF is working to strengthen Moldovan ability to perform in the marketplace.
Our Strategy
CNFA aims to empower the small-scale farmers who emerged after the collapse of the Soviet-style collective farms. Their limited experience with commercial agriculture restricts their ability to respond effectively to market demand and profit from farming activities. To address this situation, FtF Moldova seeks to increase the incomes of farmers, especially of small-scale and women farmers in northern and central Moldova, by improving their access to markets. Through technical expertise and training p rovided by US volunteers, CNFA is helping farmers to produce higher quality products and to market this output to increase profits. Successful CNFA programs in Moldova have focused on the dairy and horticulture sectors.
Higher Incomes for Dairy Farmers: CNFA volunteers and staff are working closely with newly formed dairy cooperatives to develop crucial business management skills of co-op staff, sound production practices for small-scale dairy farmers, and organizational capacity to expand member services. Efforts are under way to bridge the gap between producers and their market while seeking ways to expand market opportunities for dairy farmers.
Higher Incomes for Vegetable Producers: Vegetables are high-value commodities that can be grown by small plot owners with proper training and modest investment. Compared to other crops, vegetables yield higher margins and can become even more profitable when farmers use effective marketing techniques. CNFA Moldova is engaged with several vegetable producer groups to help them organize their farm businesses effectively, produce high-quality vegetable crops and increase their incomes from sales of vegetables.
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FtF Volunteer Tim Alzheimer with members of the Gura Bicului Vegetable Growers
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FtF Volunteer Bob Binversie gives advice to Voldeni Dairy Producers
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FtF Volunteer Jim Nelson with the Manager of Orhei Fruct Cooperative
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To see a list of current volunteer opportunities in Moldova, click here.
Please click here for volunteer resources on Moldova.
Please click here to read Success Stories from Moldova.
Please click here for information on Farmer-to-Farmer Program Impact in Moldova.
To read about other CNFA projects in Moldova, please see the Agribusiness Development Program website.
For FtF contact information please click here.
