The table grape sector of the Republic of Moldova will receive support through the One Country One Priority Product (OCOP) initiative that is led globally by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). A technical assistance project, valued at US$350,000 for two years, was formalized today between Deputy Prime Minister Vladimir Bolea and FAO Representative in Moldova Raimund Jehle, IPN reports.

According to a press release of the Ministry of Agriculture, the OCOP initiative allows states to highlight and stimulate the development of value chains for special agricultural products that are distinguished by unique qualities, geographical denomination, agricultural practices that are part of the cultural heritage or have potential that is not fully realized.

Along with FAO’s expertise, the project will conduct a thorough Value Chain analysis to work out a strategic investment plan that will be integrated into the policy framework of the Ministry. The project will facilitate the creation of five Field Schools for Farmers across the country, where table grape producers will have the opportunity to learn and adopt sustainable production techniques and marketing innovations. Also, a Data Center will be set up to collect and gather relevant information for the table grape sector, which will be later to be managed by the National Office of Vine and Wine under the aegis of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industry.

The initiative is part of FAO’s Regional Programmatic Priorities framework and comes to develop small farmers, family farms and young farmers.

A national workshop to initiate project activities with the participation of table grape producers, support associations, government authorities and FAO experts is planned for April 2024.