Next steps towards Moldovan – Dutch collaboration in horticulture
The Republic of Moldova is eager to further develop and professionalize its horticulture sector. Next to support from other countries, Moldova in particular strives to learn from and strengthen ties with Dutch public and private actors. Supported by the Rural Competitiveness and Resilience Activity (RCRA), implemented by Chemonics International and funded by USAID, a few high-level delegations visited The Netherlands in 2023 and 2024 for learning and inspiration, especially in relation to the intended establishment of a so-called Horticulture Office.
Adoption of Horticulture Law
Late 2024, Moldova announced a groundbreaking policy and institutional reform, officially approved by the Moldovan Cabinet of Ministers. This reform marks the adoption of the Horticulture Law, the first comprehensive legal framework for the horticulture sector. A cornerstone of the law is the establishment of the Horticulture Office, designed to drive sustainable growth in the sector through public-private collaboration and the adoption of innovative production and post-harvest practices. The governance of the Horticulture Office builds on successful examples like Moldova’s National Office of Vine and Wine, but also on the former Horticulture Product Board of The Netherlands.
Upcoming study
Based on the eagerness of Moldova to deepen relationships with the Netherlands, an upcoming scoping study will identify the needs and opportunities in the Moldovan fruit and vegetables sector as well as relevant public and private collaboration partners in Moldova. The project aims to function as a baseline from which Dutch businesses, knowledge institutions and other can decide on their interest and strategy on the Moldovan horticulture sector (and possibly the broader region). In the long term perspective, the project aims to serve as stimulus for the fostering of B2B sector development in which both Moldovan and Dutch players shall benefit from collaboration by pooling knowledge, expertise and technology.
The scoping study is commissioned by the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) and will be conducted by a Dutch-Moldovan expert team, including HollandDoor (Jos Leeters) and DerAn Research (Coen Hubers). The project builds on previous Dutch initiatives in the Moldovan horticulture industry and closely follows the priorities of EKN Moldova and the ambitions of the Agricultural Counsellor in Bucharest. Not least, this project figured among the aid pledges of the Netherlands during the historical visit of the Moldovan President, Maia Sandu to the Netherlands in September 2023.
Future plans
After finishing this study, the expert team will share the findings and recommendations with the Dutch sector. This activity will not only increase Moldova’s visibility on the Dutch horticulture sector, but will also promote the use of modern, efficient, and climate-friendly Dutch technology and establish more direct contacts between Moldovan and Dutch stakeholders.
The long-term goal of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Nature is to contribute to more resilient and sustainable agricultural production and food chains in Moldova, together with NL agrifood complex partners. We focus on the fruits and vegetables and dairy chain in Moldova. Companies wishing to contribute to this goal: please let us know.
More information
If you have questions or would like to receive more information about this study and/or the Moldovan fruit and vegetable sector, you can reach out to the Netherlands Agricultural team in Romania via bkr-lvvn@minbuza.nl.