The strategy for devoting agriculture and the rural areas, approved by the Government, stipulates three development priorities until 2020. These are: to enhance agrifood sector’s competitiveness by modernizing and integrating the market; to ensure the sustainable management of natural resources, and to improve the living standards in rural areas, IPN reports.

“If the agribusiness sector is competitive, the rural areas of Moldova will become attractive for working and living there, with the necessary infrastructure. Agriculture and the rural areas will furnish goods and services, conserving biodiversity and the cultural and traditional values for the future generations,” said Minister of Agriculture and Food Industry Vasile Bumacov.

It is planned to intensify rural economic activity, to improve infrastructure and increase resistance to risks that affect the agrifood sector. The responsibility for developing the rural areas will be borne by the inhabitants of these areas, while the product of the education and research system will be related to the market needs. The strategy also envisions the harmonization of the national legislation with the EU one and the implementation of the European Commission’s recommendations on the creation of the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area between Moldova and the EU.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industry will make a number of organizational changes so as to adjust itself to the new policy framework. It will become the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and will include a division responsible for rural development.

The strategy will be implemented at a cost of 11.4 billion lei.