National Strategy on Agriculture and Rural Development for the period 2014-2020

                                                                                    Approved
                                                           by the Government Decision no. 409
                                                                           from June 4, 2014



                            NATIONAL STRATEGY
                  ON AGRICULTURE AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT
                          FOR THE PERIOD 2014-2020



                                      INTRODUCTION

In the 21st century agriculture has a broader dimension and impact than it was considered in
the past. Its multifunctional character proves that modern agriculture is not just about
producing food. It can be certainly stated that it is correlated to the environment, being into an
evident cohesion with the rural areas, which ascribes to it environmental and social roles
besides the important economic ones. Even its primary production function has changed and
focus is now given on safe and diversity of food products. Moreover, the 21st century has
brought various new challenges like price volatility, climate change or rural poverty that
agriculture should meet.

A strategy created for the agriculture sector should account for this changing role and nature
of the sector. A modern agriculture and rural development strategy should use a holistic
approach and provide a guideline for development in economic, environmental and rural
aspects. It should use the synergies between these three dimensions and contribute to a better
agri-food sector in the broadest sense.

Development of a National Agriculture and Rural Development Strategy for the period 2014-
2020 (hereinafter - the Strategy) confirms the recognition by the Government of the Republic
of Moldova of importance of the agri-food sector and rural development, and is a precondition
for their long-term development. It should also act as a framework for policy makers to
identify the major problems and to help in identifying optimal solutions. At the same time, the
Strategy will be used as a tool to plan and programme all necessary measures and to secure
financial support from Government of Moldova, international development partners,
international financial institutions and donors for the implementation of the proposed agenda.




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                                          Chapter I


                           CURRENT SITUATION
                 AND PROBLEMS IDENTIFIED IN AGRICULTURE