Moldova expands World Bank-funded AGGRI project with $21M for agricultural resilience
The Agency for Intervention and Payments in Agriculture (AIPA) is set to launch the fifth call for grant applications this March. Supported by the World Bank’s AGGRI project, this initiative marks a strategic shift toward high-value sectors.
While previous rounds focused on the dairy sector, this new phase targets vegetable production, horticulture, and aromatic crops. Eligible beneficiaries can access grants covering up to 50% of their investment, with a maximum ceiling of $1M (approx. €945,000) per project.
Diversifying the agricultural value chain
The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industry aims to bridge the current gap in domestic processing. The program encourages small-scale farmers to transition from raw production to integrated storage and packaging.
According to AIPA Deputy Director Diana Coșalîc, the focus on vegetables and herbs is intentional. These sectors currently lack the infrastructure necessary for consistent exports, a hurdle this funding aims to eliminate.
Building modern agro-industrial hubs
Minister Ludmila Catlabuga confirmed that the project will pilot "agro-food hubs" inspired by Dutch logistics models. These centers will allow small and micro-farmers to access shared professional washing, packaging, and processing lines.
The application window is open from March 2 to May 29. Out of the total $21M AGGRI budget, $6.4M has already been utilized in previous dairy-focused rounds, leaving significant capital for this diversification phase.
By promoting producer organizations and cooperatives, the Ministry intends to stabilize supply volumes. This structural shift is designed to enhance the competitiveness of Moldovan products in international markets.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
