The EIB will provide a 150 million euros concessional loan for the implementation of the “Fruit Garden of Moldova II” (Livada Moldovei II) project to modernize and strengthen the agri-food sector
Specifically, this is provided for by a financing agreement between Moldova and the European Investment Bank (EIB), and the government has approved the start of negotiations on this agreement. It is planned that this EIB financing will be directed toward supporting investments in horticulture, viticulture, the grain sector, livestock farming, aquaculture, processing, post-harvest infrastructure, digitalization, and irrigation. About 90% of the loan funds—approximately 135 million euros—will be directed toward micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises. Up to 10% of the loan—about 15 million euros—will be invested in research and development infrastructure, education, food safety, and public services for the sector. The “Livada Moldovei II” project will help improve the competitiveness of agricultural producers, develop agri-food value chains, create and preserve jobs in rural areas, and align the sector with EU standards. The “Livada Moldovei II” project represents a continuation of efforts to modernize agriculture, enhance the competitiveness of the horticultural sector, and facilitate access to financing. The previous “Livada Moldovei” project supported the implementation of approximately 620 investment projects in Moldova’s agricultural sector. Funding was directed both toward supporting private investments—in post-harvest infrastructure, orchards, vineyards, nurseries, the wine sector, agricultural processing, and value chains—and toward modernizing educational and research institutions in the agricultural sector. “Thanks to these investments under the “Livada Moldovei” project, many producers have already been able to modernize their production and enter new export markets, strengthening the position of Moldovan products in foreign markets. This is confirmed by export statistics: our fruits and wines are well-received in foreign markets,” said Ludmila Catlabuga, Minister of Agriculture and Food Industry. According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industry, the new financing of 150 million euros, provided on preferential terms, will help attract a total of more than 300 million euros in investments, including contributions from the final beneficiaries. The main expected outcomes include the modernization of agri-food infrastructure, the creation of jobs in rural areas, an increase in exports of value-added products, and a reduction in dependence on food imports. // 24.06.2026 — InfoMarket.
