Workshop aims at strengthening agro-industrial systems in the face of conflict, climate change

The event is being attended by high-ranking officials, independent experts, members of academia and others from the public and private sectors in 12 countries in the Europe and Central Asia region in which FAO implements technical and financial assistance projects in support of the agriculture sector and associated industries.

Workshop objectives include establishing key aspects of FAO’s emergency support for countries affected by the crisis in Ukraine and drought, showcasing the latest studies and reports in the agrifood sector, and familiarizing participants with FAO’s monitoring and early warning systems for adverse climate events affecting agriculture.

“It is essential for countries in the region to make joint efforts to overcome threats in the agrifood sector,” said Tudor Robu, Assistant FAO Representative in the Republic of Moldova, “and this platform provides a great opportunity to strengthen existing and establish new partnerships in the field. FAO stands alongside the affected states, providing support and expertise to enhance food security and sustainable livelihoods.”

Workshop participants will discuss enhancing the outcomes of the value-added agricultural production process, developing processing facilities, and optimizing costs related to transportation and logistics through commercial relationships.

Vasile Șarban, State Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industry in the Republic of Moldova, said the country is honored to host the meeting, which was organized by FAO in partnership with food security and agricultural sector development institutions from 12 countries. 

“Our country has seen the consequences of the war affect its economic system, and farmers have suffered as a result of the current crises in the region,” Șarban said. “In this regard, we thank FAO for the emergency assistance provided to the Moldovan agricultural sector and for its significant contribution to combating the negative effects caused by drought and war in the region.”

During the event, case studies from FAO’s emergency support programme will be presented, with examples coming not only from the Republic of Moldova but also from Armenia, North Macedonia, Türkiye and Uzbekistan.

On the third day of the workshop, representatives from participating countries will visit the Maize Institute in the village of Porumbeni and an agricultural cooperative specializing in the export of table grapes.