FAO celebrates decades of partnership and agricultural innovation in the Republic of Moldova

The event honored the dedication and innovation of Moldovan farmers and reaffirmed FAO’s commitment to fostering a resilient and sustainable agricultural sector amidst climate change and other challenges. Key officials in attendance included Mr. Vasile Șarban, State Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industry; H.E. Mr. Yamada Yoichiro, Ambassador of Japan to the Republic of Moldova; Ms. Yesim Oruc, UN Resident Coordinator in the Republic of Moldova; and Mr. Simone Di Stefano, Deputy Director of the Swiss Cooperation Office in Moldova. 

The Farmer Field Schools (FFS) highlighted at the recognition ceremony are primarily specialized in livestock and vegetable production, as most small and vulnerable farmers in rural areas rely on these sectors as their main sources of income. In 2022, FAO launched an emergency programme specifically focused on supporting these sectors to strengthen national food security and mitigate the impacts of climate change and the war in Ukraine on the agri-food system. This strategic focus directly translated into the establishment of 20 such FFS across 14 districts, engaging 330 smallholder farmers over the past three years. These schools served as dynamic platforms for knowledge exchange, demonstrating sustainable agricultural practices and strengthening the resilience of small-scale farmers. Trainings focused on livestock (including small ruminants), vegetables, and Climate-Smart Agriculture, covering topics from soil and water management to pest and disease control. Farmers actively experimented with drought-resistant seed varieties, innovative plant protection and irrigation technologies, animal disease prevention and treatment, improved milk production, and conservation agriculture methods like no-till and crop rotation.

“FAO is an active partner of the Republic of Moldova, involved in numerous strategically positioned projects and initiatives to support resilient agriculture and food security,” stated Raimund Jehle, FAO Representative in the Republic of Moldova. He emphasized FAO’s ongoing commitment to expanding the FFS network in the country, acknowledging their benefits for learning and promoting good agricultural practices. 

The critical role of international partners in these achievements was also acknowledged. Switzerland, for instance, financed the establishment of 7 of the 9 awarded FFS and continues to provide financial resources for 30 additional FFS in livestock, vegetable production, and cereals. Japan, another key partner, has supported over 3,600 vulnerable households with essential agricultural inputs and is currently backing a new USD 560,000 project to promote long-term adaptation and resilience for over 1,000 farmers in the livestock and, particularly through the establishment of 10 FFS in sorghum production, and offering inputs for drought-resistant sorghum cultivation.

The recognition ceremony celebrated outstanding Farmer Field Schools and facilitators across various categories, reflecting the core principles of the FFS approach where farmers learn by doing and share knowledge. Awards for Excellence highlighted those schools and individuals who demonstrated the successful adoption and implementation of best agricultural practices. Innovation Awards acknowledged Farmer Field Schools that actively experimented with new techniques and introduced novel solutions, a fundamental aspect of FFS where farmers compare conventional methods with "best practices" to find what works most effectively in their context. The categories for Youth and Women Engagement underscored the vital importance of involving these groups in agricultural development, ensuring a vibrant and equitable future for the sector. Finally, Knowledge Exchange Awards recognized schools that excelled in facilitating the sharing of information and experiences among farmers, multiplying the positive impact of learned practices across the wider farming community, which is a cornerstone of the FFS methodology.

The event also highlighted the valuable involvement of research and education institutions, bridging farmers with academia and facilitating the exchange of best practices. Notably, the seed research institute and three agricultural colleges participated in FFS trainings and trials of seed varieties provided within the projects. 

FAO reaffirmed its commitment to continuing these collaborative efforts, recognizing the Farmer Field Schools as a cornerstone for building a more resilient and food-secure future for Republic of Moldova.